Old First Ward Community Center 62 Republic Street Buffalo, NY 14204 (716) 856-8613 fax (716) 856-8273 Rob Daly New York State Power Authority 5777 Lewiston Rd LPGP Lewiston, NY 14092 January 22, 2013 Dear Mr. Daly: I am writing to ask the Erie, Buffalo and Olmsted Standing Committee to consider funding the Old 1 st Ward Community Association s application for Our Industrial Past Recorded, Engaged and Shared through Industrial Archeology and Oral History. I have attached a letter from the Niagara River Greenway Commission finding this project consistent with the Niagara River Greenway Plan. During the review, several questions were posed about access to the work product of this proposal and how this project relates to river access. We would like to add the following information to the proposal: 1. The work product of this proposal, in the form of oral history and photo documentation will be available in the form of historic markers at Silo City, the Industrial Heritage Trail and other Buffalo River sites. The project itself will document the stories and personal l history of a passing generation of people and industrial sites. Archives will be made available at the Waterfront Memories and More museum at the Mutuals Park. 2. This proposal will also provide access to stories, images and history not fully accessible to the public. Private property issues, accessibility issues on public sites and preservation of non-used buildings create barriers to the Buffalo River industrial history. Even at the Silo City site, not everyone can make the climb to the top of Marine A and see the worker s drawings, graffiti and other day to day history that exists in these structures. This project will open these stories and images to the public in new ways. 3. This project also ties into the proposed public access at Silo City, the first proposed portion of the planned Buffalo River Greenway to be achieved with a private landowner. Our Industrial Past Recorded will provide another layer of program and access at that Administered by the Old First Ward Community Association, Inc.
site, documenting and displaying the lives of the workers who made Buffalo the Queen City. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at 716-856-8613, or by email at lkelly@old1stward.org. Sincerely, Laura Kelly, Director Administered by the Old First Ward Community Association, Inc.
NIAGARA RIVER GREENWAY COMMISION PROJECT CONSUTATION & PROJECT REVIEW The Old First Ward and the American Grain Complex Historic District: Recorded, Engaged, and Shared through Industrial Archeology and Oral History November 20, 2012
Niagara River Greenway Commission Consultation and Review Form Project Registration Number Type of Review Required: Mandatory Consultation Voluntary Review and/or Endorsement PROJECT SPONSOR INFORMATION Name: Old 1 st Ward Community Association, Inc. Mailing Address: 62 Republic St, Buffalo State: New York Zip Code: 14204 Federal Id# 22-2264220 Charities Registration # 028665 PROJECT TYPE Check all that apply: Environmental _X Cultural/Heritage Land or Water Public Access _X Cultural Trail X Educational/Interpretive Waterfront or Land Based Development X Signage Recreational Other Project Name: Location: The Old First Ward and Silo City: Our Industrial Past Recorded, Engaged, and Shared through Industrial Archeology and Oral History National Register Listed American Grain Complex Historic District and the Old First Ward Neighborhood Site Address: 87 Childs Street and Old First Ward Neighborhood State: New York Zip Code: 14203 Minor Civil Division(s): County: City of Buffalo Erie Project Proponent Property Interest (own, lease, easement or other): Owner/other. See attached letter of support
AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL Name: Laura Kelly Title: Director Business Address: 62 Republic St, Buffalo State: New York Zip Code: 14204 Telephone Number: 716-856-8613 Cell Number: 716-597-4884 Fax Number: 716-856-8273 E-Mail Address: lkelly@old1stward.org PROJECT POINT OF CONTACT Name: Kerry L. Traynor Title: President/Historic Preservation Specialist Organization/Firm: kta preservation specialists Business Address: 422 Parker Avenue, Buffalo State: NY Zip Code: 14216 Telephone Number: _716.864.0628 Cell Number: 716.864.0628 Fax Number: E-Mail Address: ktapreservationspecialists@gmail.com
NIAGARA RIVER GREENWAY COMMISSION CONSULTATION AND REVIEW APPLICATION PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The National Register Listed American Grain Complex Historic District is a representative example of the collection of grain elevators and mill buildings that contributed to Buffalo s industrial heritage and are, according the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), the most outstanding collection of extant grain elevators in the United States. The elevators and silos represent the technological innovations that revolutionized the handling of grain in this country. The American Grain Complex is an intact collection of buildings and machinery that embody the tale of Buffalo s leading role in the transshipment of grain from the Midwest to the east. The machines and processes used at the American Grain Complex used innovations that, at the time, were cutting edge technologies that revolutionized how grain was moved and processed, and engineers and industrial leaders of that time, like Henry Baxter, still reside in Buffalo Many of the people who worked in Buffalo s grain elevators and in the transshipment of grain lived, and still live in Buffalo s Old First Ward. This neighborhood, adjacent to the elevators, experienced the changes in the grain industry both as witness to the building and demolition of these huge complexes, but also as the families and workers whose livelihood depended on the transshipment of grain. This story has NOT been documented or told! So much history is embodied in the industrial artifacts themselves stories of processes and patient improvements and innovations. Further, the stories of the people who worked at, and lived adjacent to the elevators and integral to our City s industrial heritage and history, have only begun to be told and understood. This history is also significant at a regional, national and international level but too often, the magnitude of importance of the history in our own backyard is understated because of familiarity. The story of the industrial artifacts and of the people who live in the Old First Ward, and who lived adjacent to, and worked in our grain elevators is too important to be left untold and undocumented. That is the purpose of this project to tell the story of people and place, and to do so in ways that make this story a living accessible resource for community, visitors, and researchers in the context of the most outstanding collection of extant grain elevators in the United States. The Industrial Archaeology Survey and Oral History Full Spectrum Hub will include the following components: Industrial Archaeology: Survey o The machinery and other artifacts associated with the movement and processing of grain will be documented using photographs, mapping and field notes by an Industrial Archaeologist. This documentation will include the building as machine and the industrial landscape. o The documentation will be catalogued using maps, noting inventor, date of invention, material construction, date of manufacturing, manufacturing company, function and location. o Interpretation o A historic context will be established to allow for the interpretation of industrial artifacts o A management plan will be produced to ensure that the artifacts are conserved and incorporated into future re-use plans, and that any future re-use does not negatively impact environmental??? o Interpretive signage will provide didactic information for visitors to the American Grain Complex site, the Old First Ward, and adjacent destinations including the Riverfest Park (aka Peg s Park); the Mutual Riverfront Park, and the Waterfront Memories and More Museum.
Education/Tourism o A Conservation plan for the industrial artifacts will be developed o A Re-use Strategy, as part of a cultural heritage tourism plan and educational program, including interpretation discussed above, will be prepared. Publication o A report that documents the findings of the oral history and industrial archaeology, situated within an international, national, regional and, most importantly, historic context of the City of Buffalo s Industrial Heritage. This document will be published for use by museums, libraries, academic institutions and researchers. Oral History Full Spectrum Hub Approach Our project will go beyond the conventional focus on archival collection, text transcription, and occasional web posting of whole interviews, by creating a model of 21 st century oral history for community purposes, along the full spectrum from collection to content management to interactive and interpretive access. We will gather oral histories; we will index them in a digital hub that will make it possible for stories, voices, and themes to be widely and easily explorable, and we will prototype interactive modes for open-ended community and research use. Interviewing o 15-25 hours of interviews and storytelling will be gathered from a wide range of industry participants, families, and neighborhood residents, and organized in a digital collection. Indexing/Content Management o Leveraging new technology and cutting-edge approaches developed by participating consultant experts in the UB Technology Incubator, interview recordings will be then richly indexed referenced at the specific media passage level by theme and specific reference, in an indexing framework developed by the project in collaboration with consultant. o The indexed collection of voices and stories will serve as an interactive digital hub, explorable within and across interviews. Interview media content and rich expression will be directly searchable and accessible, on demand, for an expansive range of research and community purposes. Interactive Access and Outputs o The project will model a range of prototype output modes for bringing this oral history content into research and community life as immediately sharable and usable resources. These will include web, mobile apps, and tablet formats. Interpretative Signage The results and information documented in the Industrial Archaeology and Oral History will be interpreted through signage located at locations at the American Grain Complex National Register Historic District and Old First Ward Neighborhood. Other potential locations include Riverfest Park on Ohio Street and the Mutual Riverfront Park and Waterfront Memories and More Museum on Hamburg Street. It is anticipated that 5 signs will be produced.
2. CONSISTENCY WITH NIAGARA RIVER GREENWAY PLAN Niagara River Greenway Vision The Industrial Archaeology Survey and Oral History will advance the Niagara Greenway vision by documenting the industrial heritage of people and place; linking the past and present for interpretation today and in the future. It is the stories of people and place that make history present and sustain it for interpretation today and tomorrow. The material composition and cutting-edge technologies used at the grain elevators and the people who worked there and continue to live in the Old First Ward provide an important linking node, physically and historically, along the Buffalo River, Ohio Street, and the surrounding neighborhood to our industrial past. The time to record the industrial archaeology and the oral history is now. The people who remember, who lived our industrial heritage will not be available to tell their story and recall their memories indefinitely. Without a management and conservation plan the rich history of industry and cutting-edge technology will be lost for future generations to learn from and interpret. This is a project rich in sustainability. Niagara River Greenway Principles Excellence: Industrial heritage is a major component of Buffalo s and our nation s history. Documentation of the industrial archaeology at the American Grain Complex and oral histories from the Old First Ward will provide a unique opportunity to expand our understanding and interpretation of this unique industrial cultural resource that remain extant and provide opportunities to interpret the industrial legacy of the City s waterfront, its people and the resulting national and international impact. Sustainability: The intent of the Industrial Archaeology and Oral History is to ensure the sustainability and interpretation of the industrial resources of the American Grain Complex and Old First Ward for research, educational, and tourism activities. Accessibility: The machinery and processes at Buffalo s grain elevators, and the stories of the people who built them, worked in them and the economy that surrounded the grain industry remains untold. This is a chapter of Buffalo s industrial history and the resulting national and international influence is not accessible. Documenting the industrial archaeology and recording oral histories will make this part of our history physically, imaginally, and intellectually accessible to local, regional, national and international audiences. Interpretative signage will facilitate the interpretation of the industrial heritage and oral histories in-situ. Ecological Integrity: The site of the American Grain Complex is home to a number of deer and other wild life and fowl populations. Documentation of the industrial landscape and its surrounds to be included in the resulting management plan will provide the necessary information and tools to aid in the preservation of the site s ecological integrity during any future re-use activities. Public Well Being: The grain elevators are an icon in our City s Skyline, however people know very little about them and the surrounding neighborhood. Although the public has already shown an interest in visiting the site, there is little opportunity for education. Further some sites are not accessible at this time for reasons of safety and security. Providing an accessible experience through interpretation and signage will be an essential component of this project. Connectivity: The American Grain Complex and Old First Ward are important nodes between the Inner and Outer Harbor along Ohio Street. They are also important visual icons as part of Elevator Alley along the Buffalo River. The results of the industrial archaeology and oral histories will provide necessary components for a cohesive experience of the City s rich industrial and waterfront heritage. Development of the Inner and Outer Harbor make no sense without a real connection to, and interpretation of, our industrial heritage. The connectivity provided by this project is the documentation and interpretation of the industrial archaeology that remains extant at the National Register Listed American Grain Complex. This connectivity is made human and present by the stories of people who lived in the Old First Ward, and worked in the grain elevators.
Restoration: The American Grain Complex and the Old First Ward celebrate the link between the City s industrial heritage that was dependent upon our waterfront and waterways, and our dynamic presence as a heritage tourism destination. Documenting the industrial archaeology at the American Grain Complex provides the tools necessary for conservation, re-use and interpretation. Combining the documentation of the industrial material fabric with the stories of the people who worked at the elevators and lived in the neighborhood will allow for a richer interpretation of our industrial heritage in a contemporary context of education, tourism and research. The documentation and interpretive signage will be an asset locally, regionally, nationally and internationally for generations to come as a complimentary component to other assets on our waterfront. Authenticity: The American Grain Complex is a National Register Listed Historic District. The Old First Ward is an important post-industrial historic neighborhood in our City whose residents retain a strong link to their industrial heritage. The story of people and place linking the industrial heritage of the American Complex to the stories of people who worked there and lived there enriches the significance of Buffalo s industrial heritage in a local, regional, national and international context. Celebration: The Industrial Archaeology Survey and Oral History will take our industrial past into the 21 st Century. The celebration has already started as evidenced by visitors to the site at the National Trust Conference, and the huge success of various events that draw people to the American Grain Complex site. The Industrial Archaeology Survey and Oral History provide interpretation opportunities that celebrate arts, education, and cultural heritage along the Buffalo River, Ohio Street and in the Old First Ward neighborhood. Partnership/Community Based: The American Grain Complex is physically and historically inextricably linked to the Old First Ward Community. It is the story of people, place and their interwoven history. This project is supported by the Old First Ward Neighborhood. The American Grain Complex is located between the Inner and Outer Harbor. The Mutual Riverfront Park and Waterfront Memories and More Museum are located just across the Buffalo River. The School of Architecture and Planning has already used the American Grain Complex as a resource to study history, materials, structure and design. Niagara River Greenway Goals Improve Access: Access can be both physical and social. At this time, the elevators on Childs Street have neither kind of accessibility, and the Old First Ward, although physically accessible, remains relatively unknown to many people of the region. The unique qualities of the American Grain Complex and the Old First Ward will draw visitors to the waterfront from Ohio Street and potentially from the water itself. The industrial heritage and oral history embodied in the American Grain Complex and Old First Ward have not been previously documented and therefore remain inaccessible, despite their recognition as nationally and internationally significant resources. Interpretation of this heritage and history will make allow this significant part of Buffalo s industrial past to be made accessible for education, tourism and research to a local, regional, national and international audience. Make Connections: Connections occur physically by linking places as the reconstruction of Ohio Street will do between the downtown and the Outer Harbor. But connections also occur by linking the past with the present through the telling and interpretation of the stories of people and place. Documenting and interpreting the industrial archaeology at the American Grain Complex, and recording the oral history of the people who lived and continue to live in the neighborhood will connect two of the City s and nation s most important historic resources in time and place. Protect and Restore Environmental Systems: Documenting the American Grain Complex s industrial archaeology and providing a management plan will facilitate the protection of the environmental systems with which it co-exists both cultural landscape systems and natural ecological systems. Spark Revitalization and Renewal: Development is already occurring along Ohio Street and in the Old First Ward Neighborhood. Telling the stories of the American Grain Complex and the Old First Ward Neighborhood through Industrial Archaeology and Oral Histories will add complexity and depth to the interpretation of the places and people
who make up the City s historic industrial past. The Industrial Archeology and Oral Histories, and resulting documents and signage, will further revitalization and renewal that has recently begun. Promote Long Term Sustainability: Heritage tourism is a major industry worldwide and the Niagara Region has a significant depth to attract visitors if properly presented through a sufficient level of documentation and interpretation. The goal and purpose of the Industrial Archaeology and Oral Histories is to contribute to, and promote the long term sustainability of the American Grain Complex and Old First Ward, and their historic relationship to each other as important industrial heritage sites along the Buffalo River and Niagara Region in general. The sustainability of these sites is vital to promoting the City s Industrial Heritage to a local, regional, national and international audience. Extend the Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted: The City of Buffalo s history as a major port for the transshipment of goods began with the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825. Buffalo s grain elevators, mill buildings and freight houses that lined and, to a certain extent still line the edges of our waters, resulted in a vast accumulation of wealth in the city. Buffalo was and is the Queen City of the Great Lakes that seduced the interest and talents of Richardson, Olmsted, and Wright. Olmsted s plan for Buffalo was an attempt to counter the ill-effects of an industrial city, while at the same time could only be implemented because of the wealth industry generated. The grain elevators and Old First Ward Neighborhood are an embodiment of that dichotomy and, as a result an important component in the didactic tale of Olmsted s legacy and Industrial Heritage in Buffalo. Celebrate History and Heritage: The American Grain Complex is a National Register Listed Historic District. Together the American Grain Complex and the Old First Neighborhood are significant Industrial Heritage sites in the City of Buffalo, telling the story of people and place. Documenting the industrial archaeology of the American Grain Complex allows it to become accessible through interpretation and conservation. Telling the story of an industrial neighborhood, where people lived and worked, in the first person offers unique opportunities for interpretation, education, tourism and research. The resulting interpretation documents and signage - celebrate the City s rich history and heritage in a way that is unique and interactive. The history of our industrial past will continue to live into the 21 st Century through the voices and stories of people and place. Niagara River Greenway Criteria Consistency with Niagara River Greenway Principles: The Industrial Archaeology and Oral History for the American Grain Complex and the Old First Ward is consistent with all of the Greenway principles. The project provides a significant contribution to the principles of Accessibility, Connectivity and Restoration. Priority Status: The Industrial Archaeology and Oral History for the American Grain Complex and the Old First Ward meets the Greenway Plan priority criteria with its emphasis upon industrial heritage, education, and research. The project includes a wide range of elements: Gateway/Node to the Outer Harbor Parkway and Inner Harbor enhancements, and connectivity between the Historic Old First Ward Neighborhood and the American Grain Complex; Restoration/conservation of a rich industrial heritage site, and interpretation of industrial heritage through the stories of people and place. Focus Area: The Industrial Archaeology and Oral History for the American Grain Complex and the Old First Ward is within the Niagara River Greenway Focus Area and immediately adjacent to the waterfront. Environmental Soundness: Efforts have been undertaken to avoid and minimize environmental impacts while still achieving the project goals and objectives. Documenting the industrial archaeology provides the necessary information and management plan to minimize impacts to the adjacent environment. Implementable: The scope of work for the Industrial Archaeology and Oral History for the American Grain Complex and the Old First Ward can begin immediately by professionals trained in the field of industrial archaeology, oral history and historic preservation.
Economic Viability: The American Grain Complex is privately owned and is maintained by funds generated through operations including tours, fees generated from space usage and grants for education and heritage programs. Availability of Local Sponsor or Partner: The Old First Ward Neighborhood is an active partner in the project. Ability to match or leverage Funds: School of Architecture and Planning, SUNY at Buffalo, faculty in-kind time match. Estimated number of hour spent in the last year is over 120; commitment to continue River Sullivan: the property owner has invested significant funds at the site to maintain safety and security. The owner will continue to maintain the site. kta preservation specialists: Preparation of the National Register Application for the American Grain Complex Historic District (matching funds of approximately $15,000 as in-kind services) ArtPlace Grant (pending). Grant sponsor is the Research Foundation of the State University of New York on behalf of the University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning (and UB Galleries). Funds are sought to assist in developing a Cultural District Master Plan that establishes it as an arts, education, technology, and cultural center - a cultural arts park. Submitted: 2012 NEA Our Town Grant - Silo City site as a center for arts and cultural heritage. An unrelated project proposal was submitted by the City of Buffalo. Only one submission was allowed from each municipality, and the larger of the entities (ours from Erie County) was disqualified. Have been encouraged to, and will apply in the spring, 2013. Consideration of Other Planning Efforts The Buffalo River corridor is the focus of significant investment through the work of the ECHDC at CanalSide and the foot of Main Street. The proposal for renovation of Ohio Street is designed to connect the downtown and Canal Side, Peg s Park, and Silo City with the Outer Harbor s center at Dug s Dive. The current Buffalo Brownfield Opportunity work includes these sites (both north of the River and Outer Harbor) and all of these are subject to ongoing work on the Green Code and the Local Waterfront Revitalization. Clear Benefits: The Industrial Archaeology and Oral History for the American Grain Complex and the Old First Ward will be a major step in promoting the City of Buffalo s Industrial Heritage at a local, regional, national and international level. In addition to narrative documentation, interpretive signage and opening the site to the public (local, regional, national and international) as an intact industrial artifact to be used for education, heritage tourism and research will be a prototype for continued use of similar sites. The benefit is clearly the documentation and interpretation of a significant industrial archaeological resource and associated neighborhood that celebrates and promotes our City s industrial heritage. 3. THE INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND ORAL HISTORY FOR THE AMERICAN GRAIN COMPLEX AND THE OLD FIRST WARD BUDGET SUMMARY Industrial Archaeologist $ 60,000 Oral History $ 20,000 Preservation Consultant/Project manager $ 20,000 Signage/Publication $ 15,000 Administration $ 17,250 TOTAL PROJECT COST $132,250 4. THE INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY AND ORAL HISTORY FOR THE AMERICAN GRAIN COMPLEX AND THE OLD FIRST WARD SCHEDULE Project Start Date: Spring 2013 Industrial Archaeology Start Date: Fall 2013 12 month to completion of consultant work and final document production
Oral History: Spring 2013 12 month to completion of consultant work and final document production Permits: There are no permits required for the Industrial Archaeology and Oral History for the American Grain Complex and The Old First Ward.
The American Complex Legend Streets and Highways Interstate Primary State Road Fixed Marine Tower Secondary State Road Moveable Marine Tower County Road Local Road Parcels Streams 1ft Color Orthos Mainhouse Red: Band_1 Green: Band_2 Blue: Band_3 Flour Warehouse 2ft Color Orthos Red: Workhouse Band_1 Green: Band_2 Blue: Band_3 Annex Flour mill Office Building 1: 2,881 Notes The American Complex - Site 0.1 0 0.05 0.1 Miles Erie County and its officials and employees assume no responsibility or legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, reliability, timeliness, or usefulness of any information provided. Tax parcel data was prepared for tax purposes only and is not to be reproduced or used for surveying or conveyancing. ERIE COUNTY, NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & PLANNING OFFICE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SERVICES
January 16, 2013 Laura Kelly, Director Old 1 st Ward Community Association, Inc. 62 Republic Street Buffalo, New York 14204 Dear Ms. Kelly: The Niagara River Greenway Commission is pleased to support the Old 1 st Ward Community Association s Project Consultation and Review package for the following project: Our Industrial Past Recorded, Engaged and Shared through Industrial Archeology and Oral History This project was deemed consistent to the Niagara River Greenway Plan as determined by the Niagara River Greenway Commission. The subjective evaluations were been based on the principals, goals and criteria that define the Niagara River Greenway Plan. I have attached the Commission s comments and questions as well as public comments received on the projects submitted during the deliberation timeframe for your use. The Commission is pleased to support the Old 1 st Ward Community Association s project proposal and wish you great success. Respectfully, Rob Belue R.A. Belue Executive Director Cc: Erie, Buffalo and Olmsted Standing Committee Kerry L. Traynor, President/Historical Preservation Specialist Niagara River Greenway 2136 West Oakfield Grand Island, New York 14072 (716) 733-5361 Fax (716) 773-5392 www.niagaragreenway.org