Buffalo Central Terminal

Terminal fan Richard Gilbert contacted me a while ago about video footage he had of the building from the early 90s. Well he has started converting it to digital formats, and is sharing it with us and all of you through Vimeo. Check out the first installment below from September 1992. The concourse clock is already gone, but there is so much intact glass still, and notice how much ceiling is still left in the waiting room!!

Buffalo Central Terminal September 1992 pt 1 of 2 from Richard Gilbert on Vimeo.

Michael Miller, 51, of Wheatfield, NY, President of the Board of Directors for the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, died on August 27, 2009. As an active preservation leader for Western New York, Michael inspired many volunteers from the City and throughout the surrounding suburbs to become committed to the preservation efforts for the Central Terminal and the East Side of Buffalo. His passion for the area’s history was infectious. His demeanor and enthusiasm not only encouraged scores of people to become involved but to stay dedicated for the long term.

He was encouraged by the possibility that recent plans for High Speed Rail and associated development could be the catalyst to bring the Terminal Building back into reuse and be saved for other generations to enjoy.

Michael previously had served as the Board Treasurer and spearheaded the effort of creating a broad mix of events bringing the public back to enjoy the Terminal.

Michael, recently hired as the Executive Director for Preservation Buffalo Niagara, achieved this position of his dreams. He knew he had the opportunity to help make a significant contribution to bettering our area.

The loss of Michael has been deeply felt by all those associated with him.

They say no one is irreplaceable. Maybe no one will be exactly like Michael because he was a gentleman by every measure and worked tirelessly to make things better for those around him.

We wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, coworkers and many friends.

Respectfully,

Mark Lewandowski, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Volunteers of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation

Please join us in remembering Mike at the Terminal, Tuesday from 2pm-7pm. A memorial service will be held at 7:00pm.

As printed in the Buffalo News…

March 23, 1958—Aug. 27, 2009

WHEATFIELD —Michael J. Miller of Wheatfield, executive director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara and a longtime advocate of historic preservation, died Thursday in his home after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 51.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Miller was a 1976 graduate of Kenmore West High School and was employed by M&T Bank for more than 17 years.

Mr. Miller served as president and was co-founder of Broadway-Fillmore Alive.

“I owe Mike so much,” Christopher Byrd, another founder of Broadway-Fillmore Alive, wrote on the organization’s Web site. “He was a confidant and friend. He loved the neighborhood. He always pointed me in the right direction with his advice.”

Mr. Miller was an active volunteer and leader for the Central Terminal Restoration Corp. and was recently named its president.

He also recently joined Preservation Buffalo Niagara as its executive director, fulfilling a lifelong passion to work full-time in historic preservation.

“He brought significant professional skills, a wonderful spirit and enthusiasm to the organization as well as an extensive network of friends,” Catherine Schweitzer, chairwoman of the organization’s board, said in a statement. “Through his dedicated service to the Central Terminal and Broadway-Fillmore area, Michael earned the trust and respect of the preservation community.”

An avid car enthusiast, Mr. Miller also enjoyed studying architecture and photography.

Survivors include his mother, Rita, and two sisters, Karen Smith and Katie Travis.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p. m. Tuesday in the Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Drive.

It is with great sadness that the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation has learned that our President, and recently appointed Executive Director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara, passed away yesterday. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Miller family, our membership, and all who know Michael during this difficult time.