SoSS Update: A Local Historic District!
PBN has submitted the Brewers Hill Historic District for local historic designation as part of the Save Our Sacred Sites initiative! This nomination was inspired by the closing of the St. Jude Center, now listed for sale by the Catholic Diocese. You can find the application data here.
Advocacy need: We will alert you when the public hearing is scheduled. If you’d like to submit a letter of support, email it to info@pbnsaves.org and we will print it and provide it to the City of Buffalo.
Located just north of downtown Buffalo near the medical campus, the Brewers Hill district features eight historic buildings on Washington and Ellicott Streets. These structures, dating back to the mid-19th century, are the last remnants of a once-thriving residential neighborhood. The proposed district showcases a variety of architectural styles, including Italianate, Second Empire, and Queen Anne.
Key Highlights:
- Historic Significance: The district’s development began in the 1830s, driven by German immigrants and other settlers.
- Architectural Gems: The eight contributing buildings, including the St. Jude Center, are rare examples of late 19th-century residential architecture.
- Preservation Efforts: Early preservationist Austin Fox played a crucial role in saving these buildings in the 1980s.
- National Recognition: In 2016, these buildings were deemed eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. This is a huge lift and one that does not come lightly. This helps strengthen our application.
The adaptive reuse of these buildings to serve the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus underscores their continued relevance and utility. Designating Brewers Hill as a historic district will ensure these significant structures are preserved while honoring the legacy of the community that once thrived here.
