BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A year ago today, flames ripped through two of the oldest buildings in Buffalo’s Cobblestone District, and smoke from the fire could be seen across the city skyline.
WATCH video of Buffalo’s Cobblestone District fire and the aftermath
Today, the site remains closed, but the effort to preserve and redevelop the buildings is very much alive.
“Our whole team was out there until probably three, four in the morning, dealing with it,” said Cathy Amdur, Buffalo’s Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services. “Buffalo Fire did an extraordinary job.”
The buildings — 110 South Park Avenue, built in 1852, and 118 South Park Avenue, built in 1869 — are among the oldest still standing in Buffalo.
“We did not want to have to demolish something we were in eminent domain proceedings with,” Amdur said. “It’s an architectural treasure — something we really want to save for the community.”
The city has been locked in a legal dispute with property owner Darryl Carr for over a decade, citing buildings neglect. The conflict escalated in 2023 when Buffalo initiated eminent domain proceedings for the properties.
“We cannot allow another one of the city's architectural gems to be lost due to neglect,” said Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon earlier this year.
Carr, however, has vowed to continue the fight.
“This isn't the end, we're not even halfway through,” Carr said in February. “I have 25 years of my life into this — why would I give up now?”
The city is maintaining a 14-foot perimeter on South Park Avenue and Illinois Street.
Inspectors are visiting the site multiple times a week. Amdur said the structure is holding up well.
“It will be an open and fair bid process,” Amdur said. “We want a developer who can bring back the vibrancy of the area and honor the historic nature of the structure.”
In a statement to 7 News, Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said he is hopeful:
“I remain confident that 110–118 South Park will one day be adaptively reused and contribute to the vitality of the Cobblestone District and the City of Buffalo.”For now, the future of the buildings depends on the outcome of ongoing court proceedings. Until then, the city says it’s focused on preservation and safety — and ensuring the story of these historic structures doesn't end in rubble."
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