The Fairfield Library

I almost hesitate to call this gem the Fairfield Library, because it isn't a library anymore...

...even though there are still books on the shelves...

As a matter of fact, it's for sale by the City of Buffalo, if you know anyone that wants it and can work their way through the hurdles set up to prevent poor ownership.  Problem is, the City isn't the best owner either. Apparently the neighbors have taken it upon themselves to cut the grass, tend the gardens, and pick up.  Read more on Painting for Preservation.

Originally it was a Unitarian Church, intended as an easier place to attend, back in the day when transportation was always an issue. Eventually they merged back with the main church on Elmwood.  Then the Lutherans  moved in, but they were busy building a bigger church, so they moved on also. Sort of a starter church I guess, of which there are a few that I know of, but the rest weren't designed by prominent architect William Sydney Wicks. It still has the bones of a church, from the front view, the side entrance, the windows, the stained glass (see books picture above), and so on.

 ...the roots of that black walnut tree may take over, left unattended...

Anyway, then the City took the church over, made it a library, and the rest is history, so to speak.

There are a few ideas floating around out there for potential reuse: a community lending area, or an art school, or a combination of the two. My own thought revolved around making it trendy residential with an open floor plan, perhaps with a home office in the basement area, which is probably already finished, judging from the staircase going downwards.  The choir loft would make a nice sleeping area too...wouldn't even have to add a spiral staircase! Alas, I think a large obstacle is the heating bill.  Probably not very energy efficient, although if someone were to go green, the angles for solar panels might be ideal.

On a fine summer morning, however, the library preened for the artists gathered around...

Still beautiful, still dignified, after all these years...

Shutterbug Tour of The Central Terminal

A month ago I was fortunate enough to tag along on a shutterbug tour of the Central Terminal.  I think most of us had high hopes of being allowed into hidden spaces, as was somewhat promoted on the overall story, but the specifications for the Terminal actually said "Mezzanine" (a shot from)...

...and "Trolley Lobby"...

...and that's what we got.  Not meaning to complain really, since I had never been inside before anyway.  It's just that a few of us had visions of being waaay up in the tower. However, it was not on the schedule; but an excellent and informative tour was!

Beautiful building, with history being preserved and enjoyed...

Outside too...

The Van Dyke Cab sign is a salute to an earlier time. For some reason the thought of having some type of treasure hunt there took hold...Maybe they had one once and it lodged in a brain cell somewhere.  There are still remnants of the days when it was a functioning train terminal everywhere.

Every way you looked there were church steeples in the distance, nestled among nearby homes...

An Art-In was held at the same time, so artists were scattered around too.

I took over 100 pictures but am trying to show some discretion here by only posting a few :) There are some great shots on the Painting for Preservation blog, and some beautiful artwork too.  I'm totally in awe of the artists that can put something together in a few hours and it looks like it took much longer.  Someday maybe I'll give it a try, but for now I can remain delusional as to what the results would look like :)

The Central Terminal is beautiful, and definitely an ongoing project of love by the restoration group.  They give tours, and not just at ghost-hunters time - go there and see for yourself!

Lyth Cottage

The Lyth Cottage has been fairly accurately described as the Little House on the (Urban) Prairie. John Lyth started the first construction tile company and settled in the area of Jefferson/Northland because at the time it was considered country. To look at it now, it seems as though it's almost becoming one with nature once again.

It's located on Harwood Place in the Hamlin Park neighborhood. The street itself was once the driveway for the main house at 183 Northland. Luke Easter, of baseball fame, lived in this house also at one time.

Stables were located in the middle area. The street itself was deeded to the City of Buffalo in 1866. 16 Harwood was most likely the maid's cottage, and another cottage nearby (now demolished) was probably also for the help. It's being refurbished with love now, and lots of work!

A former owner drove up to see what was going on, and a nice gentleman, who enjoys walking the neighborhood (and also checked out a previous event at an old hardware store), stopped by to chat.

It seems he and his family once lived on the street right next to the remaining cottage. He is in total agreement that houses were built much better back then, and it's too bad they've been left to deteriorate. Being vacant, especially in winter, is hard on the housing stock.  The group has noticed that many times people will stop by and tell stories of back in the day, or else to find out about the building that they've walked by hundreds of times but never thought much about until now. Now they see it with new eyes.

FixBuffaloToday has done extensive research on the buildings, so I won't repeat it here. While you're at it, check out the update on Buffalo Rising regarding the new owner via the Homestead Program.

The Painting for Preservation Group organized the Art-In last Saturday, and I tagged along. A morning well spent! Check out the sidebar for the Painting for Preservation blog to get info on the next happening!

Art-In at St.Vincent's Orphanage

This was going to be some nice wordy post to explain the pictures, but I've been procrastinating a bit...what else is new...Instead, a brief explanation:

St. Vincent's Female Orphanage (I didn't realize it had been gender specific; read history if you're interested) is being renovated, and by this August it will be reborn as the Health Sciences Charter School!

Meanwhile, an Art-In was held there last Saturday, organized to bring attention to a site worth preserving, and in part to celebrate that it is becoming a reality!