The Master Plan: Buffalo Central Terminal’s New Life
Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 2:45AM 
By Sarah Kuziomko
Sometimes moving forward begins with preserving the past. That’s the delicate balance the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC) is trying to strike as it races to preserve the old Buffalo landmark, while creating a space for generations to come.
This spring the CTRC unveiled its master plan for the “preservation, restoration and rehabilitation” of the terminal. It includes keeping the main concourse open for public space, while bringing businesses and entertainment into the remainder of the area. In turn that will allow the complex to retain its history while giving the community a place to come together.
But before the CTRC can start updating, it has to stabilize the structure and maintain its historical features. Years of harsh Buffalo weather and neglect have taken a toll on both the interior and exterior. While the structure is rebuilt it will continually be checked for stability and any future threats to its condition. For the CTRC this is equivalent to laying down tracks before driving the train down them.
Once the structure is stabilized the real fun can begin. One of the major components of this plan is to divide the complex’s 50,000 sq. ft. into distinct sections. The object is to reintegrate the terminal back into the city.
During its heyday the Buffalo City terminal was the lifeline of the region. In 1925 a plot of land was bought 2.5 miles downtown with the intention of building a railroad station. Construction on the terminal began on March 29th, 1926. Two years later it opened its doors to the public.
Despite soon running into the Great Depression, the terminal boasted the ability to transport 3200 passengers and 200 trains each day. Buffalo quickly became a link between the Northeast and the Midwest, helping it grow into the 2nd largest railroad center in the country. It also spurred Buffalo’s economic growth.
However, several lines placed around the city soon began to
cause congestion and delay traffic. The solution was to create a “union station that would connect all the different rails, and later become the Buffalo Central Terminal.
The terminal was built at the intersection of Lindbergh (Memorial Drive) and Lovejoy (Paderewski Drive) and designed by New York City architectural firm Fellheimer and Wagner. The firm also designed Union Station in Washington, D.C.
The terminal not only survived the Great Depression but lasted through 10 presidents and helped propel Buffalo to become the 8th largest city in the United States. However, in 1979 it was bought by a private owner. That year its trains took their last ride, the doors closed, and the people who worked and used the station were sent home. In 1986 it was foreclosed.
That’s until 11 years later when local preservationist Scott Field bought the 18-acre site, including the concourse, tower, and four story baggage building for $1 dollar plus the assumption of back taxes owed to the city of Buffalo. The Central Terminal Restoration Corporate was then founded in 1997. Since then the restoration progress has had its ups and downs ranging from receiving large sums of money from the government, to dealing with tons of debris and asbestos.
But fortunately the community has rallied around the project, excited to watch the terminal brought back to life. What sets this project apart from the others is its impact on the community.
As Marty Biniasz, the Media Relations Coordinator for the CTRC points out, “There’s an emotional connection to the building that a lot of other structures don’t have.”
In other words, it’s about the people. This was a place friends and family waved goodbye, or were reunited with loved ones. In many ways the terminal is a part of their family history.
And now the CTRC wants to make it apart of their future.
After the concourse is stabilized the next step will be to make it a functioning transportation center again. The garage will be renovated to accommodate tenants and guests, rails will be added to connect the city with the suburbs, and lastly, the CTRC has goals to bring in a high speed rail.
Supporters of this plan say Buffalo makes the ideal location for a high speed because it is the only place near downtown that can connect Chicago with New York City. Locally it will transport people to and from the airport and from the city to its surrounding suburbs. In addition to trains, the CTRC hopes to bring it buses and taxi services as well.
A second section will be dedicated to office and retail space, with the intent of attracting green industries. In an era of re-us, it just makes sense to recycle old buildings instead of building new ones.
Another area will allow entertainment companies to host events and lastly, the CTRC will bring culture into the area through museums and traveling exhibits.
Outside the complex visitors will be able to enjoy what has been named the Urban Habitat Classroom. This city landscape will be sustainable and used as a “living” classroom for schools, community centers, churches and residents. When completed it will be unlike anything Buffalo has offered before.
The CTRC is a non-profit organization, 100% grassroots run, and often depends on the donations of generous individuals.
If you want to get involved with the CTRC’s mission there are plenty of ways to do it. For skilled labor the organization offers several “roll-up-your-sleeves” events throughout the year as well as several volunteer opportunities.
Additionally, the CTRC holds a number of fundraisers. Coming upon June 24th, the organization will host “Deco Fest” to celebrate the “Swing and Style” of the Central Terminal. There will be live music, swing dancing, food and drinks. Tickets cost $15 or $20 at the door.
For more information about these events or to help visit Buffalocentralterminal.org!
