Cracked windows and trash paving the sidewalk: that's what's become of Buffalo's Shoreline Apartments on Niagara Street.

"It's just been a ghost town over here, it's been quiet, it's been gloomy," said Buffalo business owner Darryl Toliver.

The Permits & Inspection Services commissioner says the original demolition application for Shoreline Apartments was made back in 2015. Some local preservationists thought the structures were a prime example of brutalist architecture and shouldn't be demolished. This led to a court case, which halted demolition for years — though it didn't happen before residents were asked to leave.

"To think that they really kicked people out of their homes to let this sit here for so long. It's really sad to see the business picking up around here and then for it to just sit here. It's terrible," said Trina Fleming, a former Buffalo resident.

The court felt there was compelling interest to allow the demolition to move forward. A $26,000 demolition permit was secured last month and Apollo Construction is set to begin that work within a few weeks.

The goal is to build new apartments that will be ready in about 18 months.

"I believe it will be a positive step. Whenever we have redevelopment, particularly in the core of the city, it's always a positive step," said Lou Petrucci, Permit & Inspection Services deputy Commissioner.

Tenants had to leave Shoreline Apartments, but are they really vacant? That is a question several people have asked, and Tuesday, Spectrum News has proof of the answer.

"I use this abandoned Shoreline. I got a bed. I got a blanket. Like me, I'm an addict. I use that to go inside and be safe doing my drugs. Besides doing drugs, we use it for sleep too,” said a man who did not wish to be identified.

In just one hour, Spectrum News saw three people sneak onto the property.

While some are looking forward to the pending demolition and rebuild, others say they'll believe the work will happen when they see it.