Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster had mixed emotions last week as he walked through the Wintergarden for the final time.
The nostalgic side of him mourned the death of another historic building in Niagara Falls, while the sensible side believes it’s a necessary casualty in order for the city to grow.
“The times have changed and the facility as it existed had become a liability,” the mayor said. “I have so many fond memories of the Wintergarden but there’s also some bad memories of what it was like more recently. The dominant emotion in me is more of a sense of hope for the future.”
Workers have started dismantling the building and if the job remains on schedule the Wintergarden will be gone by summer’s end, said Katie Krawczyk, upstate director of public affairs for Empire State Development. A construction fence has been put up around the building to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public.
Krawczyk said the structure’s steel will be salvaged and recycled but the glass will be landfilled at Modern Disposal due to the possibility of asbestos on the frames.
Standing 107-feet tall, the Wintergarden was designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli and built in 1977 as part of the Falls urban renewal project. During its years as an arboretum, it was a popular attraction for both residents and tourists and served as the site for parties and a backdrop for wedding ceremonies.
After acquiring it from the city, businessman Joseph Anderson turned the building into Smokin Joe’s Family Fun Center in 2005, which included games, food and other attractions. The venture turned out to be the last time the building would be open to the public. Anderson ceased operations and auctioned off the building’s contents in fall 2007.
USA Niagara Development Corp. finalized a deal with Anderson in April to purchase the building for $1.2 million and later approved a $2.2 million demolition contract with Mark Cerrone Co. The building is being demolished as part of the state’s $7.9 million redesign project for the west pedestrian mall area.
Though some have lobbied to save the building, a consultation with the state Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation concluded the “drastic renovations” made to the building to turn it into a fun center had significantly impaired its original integrity, rendering it not eligible for inclusion into the register of historic places.
The Wintergarden removal will allow for the reconnection of the Old Falls Street corridor from Third Street to the entrance of the Niagara Falls State Park. The walkway is currently split into east and west sections.
Dyster said he’s excited about the project’s potential, pointing out the city plans on hosting concerts, festivals and other events at the site to capitalize on the millions of tourists visiting the state park each year and entice them to spend more time in the city.
“Once this is done, I think people are going to realize why Falls Street developed to begin with,” he said. “The main regret is we couldn’t have the project done for this tourist season. We’d already be seeing the benefits.”
Contact reporter Rick Forgione
at 282-2311, ext. 2257.
Local News
Wintergarden: Demolition work begins
- Local News
-
-
BODY FOUND: Falls police ID missing woman
Falls Police say the body of a woman, found in dense brush in a field off of 102nd Street, is that of 67-year-old Judith Burr.
-
SLIDESHOW: Volunteers Search for Judith
Volunteers gathered on 102nd Street in Niagara Falls to search for the missing Judith Burr, 67. Shortly after the search began, the body of Judith was found in the dense brush just east of 102nd Street.
-
NCIDA declines One Niagara's request for tax help
It’s a no-go for a proposed tax break at One Niagara.
At least for now. -
Marijuana mystery on Michigan Avenue solved
The mystery surrounding a Michigan Avenue marijuana grow house has been solved.
And a Falls man has been charged with running the pot farm that was found there in July. -
Crack dealer taken down on Orleans Avenue
Falls Narcotics Division detectives took down an Orleans Avenue crack dealer, literally, on Tuesday.
-
Historic stone chimney move could be costly
City officials are dealing with some sticker shock after receiving an initial estimate for what it might cost to move an historic stone chimney to a new location.
-
One Niagara tax request up for vote
The owners of the One Niagara building may find out today if they qualify for a tax break through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.
NCIDA board Chairman Henry Sloma said One Niagara’s application for tax assistance will be discussed during today’s board meeting. -
Search planned for missing Falls woman
Loved ones are organizing a search party for 67-year-old Judith Burr who has been missing since Friday.
-
Bill would ban offenders on school buses
The New York State Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would ban certain criminal offenders from working on school buses.
-
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
It was one step forward and one step back for the SPCA of Niagara on Monday.
Just 72 hours after announcing the hiring of a new veterinarian for its troubled shelter, the SPCA board changed its mind and decided not to bring Lewiston vet Dr. Grant Hobika on board. - More Local News Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
