BUFFALO, N.Y. — The demolition of Buffalo's historic Great Northern grain elevator will move forward.
A judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit to save the grain elevator and vacated a temporary restraining order against the demolition.
The building's owner, Archer Daniels Midland, says it will begin demolition without delay to address significant safety issues at the site.
But with the heavy snowfall, there’s no word exactly when the grain elevator will come down.
The company said, “In the meantime, we are identifying artifacts from the structure that can potentially be preserved safely. We are also reaching out to potential partners to discuss ways in which those items can be displayed and shared with the community to celebrate the legacy of the structure for years to come.”
ADM was initially approved by the City of Buffalo to perform an emergency demolition of the 124-year-old structure after the elevator partially collapsed during a wind storm on Dec. 11.
Shortly after, the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture took the City of Buffalo to court, arguing against the demolition.
Buffalo's commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services testified on the condition of the building, saying he didn't see any way the elevator could be patched up with public safety in mind, and cited a recommendation letter from Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo who said:
"The size and scope of the building present a multitude of life safety hazards to both workers at the site and civilians due to the building's close proximity to the waterfront and increased attractions to the area."
The judge called the decision regrettable, but necessary.