Stop the Demolition! Save the Great Northern Elevator!

Despite several challenges in court, ADM Milling Co. (Archer Daniels Midlands Company) is slated to begin demolition of the Great Northern Grain Elevator any moment. Locally landmarked since 1990, the Great Northern Grain Elevator is the only known surviving example of a "brick box" elevator in North America, if not the world. This "one-of-a-kind colossus," built in 1897, holds not only local significance by telling the story of over 120 years of Buffalo's progress and development, but also speaks to Buffalo's role in the building forms and technology that revolutionized the handling of grain in the United States. The Great Northern Grain Elevator revolutionized the grain industry and played a direct role in the evolution of Modernist architecture around the world.

While the building did suffer damage as a result of a December 2021 storm, the damaged caused did not jeopardize the structural integrity of the building. Something that is further confirmed by the fact that ten months later the building is still standing without further significant collapses. But despite this fact, the City of Buffalo has allowed their emergency demolition permit to stand.

To avoid the unnecessary and deliberate destruction of Buffalo's historic fabric, Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) has offered ADM a proposal to take on a long term lease of the Great Northern Grain Elevator. In this plan, PBN would take responsibility for annual inspections and maintenance, removing that responsibility and cost from ADM. This proposal represents a win-win scenario for everyone involved: it saves ADM Milling Co. the estimated $3.6 million dollars it will cost to demolish the property and preserves this incredibly unique architectural and cultural landmark of Buffalo's industrial history.

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

You can help advocate for this landmarked building by contacting Mayor Byron Brown NOW asking him to immediately rescind the emergency demolition permit and to work with PBN and AMD to avoid the demolition of the Great Northern Grain Elevator.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Step #1: Use our advocacy form below to send a message to Mayor Brown now. OR you can reach out directly to Mayor Brown by calling 716-851-4841 or messaging mayor@city-buffalo.com.

Step #2: Join us and State Senator Sean Ryan TOMORROW, Friday September 15, 2022, at 10:00AM on Fuhrmann Boulevard across the Buffalo River from the Great Northern Grain Elevator for a rally and press event. Bring your friends, family, and signs expressing your support of saving this important site!

 

 

 

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Contact Information
Stop the Demolition! Save the Great Northern Elevator!

Dear Mayor Brown,

I'm writing today to ask you to rescind the emergency demolition permit issued for the Great Northern Grain Elevator and to support Preservation Buffalo Niagara's (PBN) efforts to secure a long-term lease of the site. In this plan presented to ADM Milling Co., PBN would take responsibility for annual inspections and maintenance, removing that responsibility and cost from ADM. This proposal represents a win-win scenario for everyone involved: it saves ADM Milling Co. the estimated $3.6 million dollars it will cost to demolish the property and preserves this incredibly unique architectural and cultural landmark of Buffalo's industrial history. The importance of the Great Northern Grain Elevator cannot be stressed enough. It is the only known surviving example of a "brick box" elevator in North America, if not the world. This "one-of-a-kind colossus," built in 1897, holds not only local significance by telling the story of over 120 years of Buffalo's progress and development, but also speaks to Buffalo's role in the building forms and technology that revolutionized the handling of grain in the United States. The Great Northern Grain Elevator revolutionized the grain industry and played a direct role in the evolution of Modernist architecture around the world. Mayor Brown, I call on you to immediately rescind the emergency demolition and to work with PBN and ADM Milling Co. to avoid the demolition of the Great Northern Grain Elevator.

Sincerely, [Your information here]