Terminal Restoration Corp. formed
By Scott Field
Erie County Preservation Coalition, Winter 1997
A non-profit organization, The Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, has been formed to take over one of the city’s most notable landmarks. Sam Tuchman, the man behind the current ownership of the Terminal (although legally disputing his ownership) has promised to cooperate with the new group.
Housing Court charges of building code violations against Sam Tuchman have been adjourned while Tuchman works out arrangements with the new group.
The architectural firm of Hamilton Houston Lownie (HHL), under contract to the Polish Community Center of Buffalo, has completed an existing conditions study of the Terminal. It states that “Central Terminal is still in remarkably good condition, considering what it has been subject to in recent years.” The report projects a cost of $55 million dollars to restore the complex for light industrial use. $4.5 million will be required to secure the building and provide temporary roofing and flashing ($3 million of which would be for asbestos abatement). It would cost $16 million to tear down the “irreplaceable civic monument ”
Funds for the study were provided by Fillmore District Council Member David Franczyk and the Masiello administration.
HHL is currently overseeing the restoration of the Martin House, and they have recently completed the restoration of the Roycroft and the Market Arcade. HHL is preparing the plans to utilize the money set aside by U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to begin mothballing the building.
Several familiar faces are associated with the new corporation. Preservation Coalition trustee Scott Field is President. Tim Tielman, the editor of this newsletter, is a trustee, as is neighborhood resident and Common Council staffer Tom Hyrvniak. Franczyk, County Legislator Greg Olma, and Preservation Coalition President Susan McCartney are the nucleus of the advisory committee that is being formed.