Today, July 12th, marked a significant milestone in the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood as Community Services for Every1 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Apartments at the Lyceum. This event, attended by Mayor Byron Brown, Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski, and State Senator Sean Ryan, celebrated the successful adaptive reuse of a historic building into 42 affordable workforce apartments. Among these, 12 units are specifically designated for survivors of domestic violence, 5 are fully ADA accessible, and 2 are for those with audio/visual impairments.
In 2023, a substantial investment of $18 million by Edgemere Development and Community Services for Every1 transformed the Lyceum into a pillar of hope and support for our community. This project not only preserves the architectural heritage of the historic 1930 building but also addresses critical housing needs.
However, the future of the St. John Kanty R.C. Church complex remains uncertain. The Buffalo Catholic Diocese has announced plans to close the church and merge its congregation with St. Stanislaus Church. The convent, a part of this historic complex, was listed for sale in May at $295,000.
Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining. Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) is actively working to secure local landmark status for St. John Kanty and numerous other churches throughout the city. The Preservation Board will hold a public hearing on the landmark application on September 5th. Following this, they will send a recommendation for landmark status to the Common Council.
This effort underscores the importance of preserving our historic treasures and ensuring they continue to serve as vital parts of our community. By supporting these initiatives, we can honor our past while building a better Buffalo.
