Preservationists at a public meeting Thursday night argued the Trico plant on the edge of downtown Buffalo should be saved and could be a real asset to the adjacent Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
The complex isn't in great shape, but preservationists say it should be saved because it's a symbol of Buffalo's industrial past as a pioneering manufacturer of windshield wipers. It's also an architectural symbol of an industrial period.
Parts of its many interlinked buildings are now used for business incubators and a computer company.
An alliance of preservationists held a session called 'Cheers for Trico' at the Hotel @ Lafayette. Bernice Radle, with Buffalo's Young Preservationists said the building is an opportunity for the growing Medical Campus.
"BNMC needs over five million square feet within the next 20 years. The master plan outlines the need for five million square feet, including offices, residential, commercial space. So, two million of the five million that they need, Trico can be used for," said Radle.
Preservation Buffalo Niagara Executive Director Tom Yots said his group has offered to set up a non-profit group which could accept grants to stabilize and improve the Trico building.
"The vastness of this building is actually a plus for its rehab," said Yots.
Buffalo Developer Rocco Termini, who transformed the Lafayette Hotel into a grand mixed-use building, said the Trico complex can, and should, be saved.
"It's an iconic building. When you get off the expressway, what is the first building everybody sees?," said Termini. "I think the building is worth saving."
Citing several of his downtown projects, Termini said some buildings he has renovated were in worse shape.
"This building is in a lot better shape compared to the Webb," said Termini.
Termini says the State Office of Historic Preservation in Albany may block demolition based on its landmark status.
