About 30 people gathered Saturday morning on West Utica Street with hopes to save from the wrecking ball a vacant house they believe has historic value.
Those assembled oppose the proposed demolition of 184 West Utica, which developers want to knock down as part of a plan to build 20 townhomes.
They said they wanted to increase public awareness about the issue in advance of a public hearing Tuesday before the city's Preservation Board.
"There are very few houses like this in Buffalo," said Tim Tielman, executive director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture.
Sinatra & Co. Real Estate and Ellicott Development Co. want to tear down 180 and 184 West Utica as part of plans for Parkhurst Square, which is part of the larger redevelopment of the former Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo campus known as the Elmwood Crossing community.
Tielman's group has applied to have 184 West Utica designated as a local landmark by the Common Council. Such a designation, if granted, would prevent demolition or any other exterior changes without approval of the Preservation Board.
A representative of Ellicott Development told The Buffalo News earlier this month that if the city granted the designation, it would likely force developers to redesign the entire project.
The single-family home, known as the Ernest Franks House, was built in 1907 in the Flemish Revival architectural style, Tielman said. The architect and the mason who built it were both significant, he said.
Supporters of an effort to save the Ernest Franks House gathered Saturday on West Utica Street. (Aaron Besecker/Buffalo News)
Those who attended Saturday's rally were offered yellow lawn signs that read "Save the Franks House!" Others held signs with messages including "Buffalo's History Is Worth Saving" and "This House Matters."
Bob Pedersen, president of the Atlantic-West Utica Block Club, said he wants the townhome project to be built, but he doesn't want to see 184 West Utica demolished.
The house sits in the Elmwood Historic District (East), which is part of the National Register of Historic Places, though that designation does not protect against demolitions, Tielman said.
"There are ways that the developers can make what they have to make out of the project," he said. "If they’re unsympathetic, they don’t want to save the house, they should sell it to someone from the neighborhood who’s more than happy to restore it."
The city's Planning Board gave the green light to the townhome project — which is being built in conjunction with Essex Homes of Western New York — on Feb. 10. The Preservation Board voted last month to recommend against demolition, though that decision was merely advisory.
Supporters of the effort to stave off demolition urge the public to visit savefrankshouse.org. Tuesday's public hearing is set for 4 p.m. in Room 901 in City Hall.
Revised rendering of the townhomes project on West Utica Street. (Image courtesy of Ellicott Development Co.)
Planning Board OKs West Utica townhomes; neighbors fight to save historic home
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Neighbors fight to save historic W. Utica Street house from demolition - Buffalo News
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