A demolition order was reversed for 110-118 South Park Ave. in downtown Buffalo’s Cobblestone District just hours before a massive fire broke out at the location. Erie County Judge Sheila DiTullio reversed the demolition order issued by Judge Patrick Carney in Housing Court, according to court documents.

Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is now assisting with the investigation into the cause of the blaze. Buffalo Fire Department officials reached out to the ATF for assistance, but remain lead in the investigation. 

"We do have some concerns that the fire was suspicious in nature," Mayor Byron Brown said. "And that's what the investigation is all about. We will see where the investigation leads, but I'm not drawing any conclusions to the judge's decision and the judge's order and the start of the fire."

The City of Buffalo has been using eminent domain procedures in an attempt to acquire the two properties. 

Darryl Carr, who has owned the pair of Cobblestone Buildings for more than 16 years, welcomes the federal agency.

“You know, ATF wants to talk to me, they can call the National Guard if they want. I mean, really I'll talk to whoever they want me to talk to,” he said.

After the court ruling, the city is doubling down on trying to stabilize and salvage but the potential cost continues to be a looming factor.

“Yesterday, the city did have a meeting with members of the preservation community, members of the architectural community, companies that do demolition on this scale and with historians,” said Brown. “So the city is doing its due diligence. We want to be prepared.”

Carr will continue to appeal decisions in pursuit of completely reworking the property.

“All in all, I hope this happens quickly and we can get this down and we can talk about building a beautiful project for Buffalo,” he said.

Buffalo Common Council Member Mitch Nowakowski issued a statement lauding the judge's decision:

"I would like to first express my gratitude to the Honorable Sheila A. DiTullio for her judicious application of common sense and adherence to the law in this ruling. It is imperative that this matter be thoroughly investigated. The fire posed a significant threat to pedestrians, firefighters, and emergency personnel. The Housing Court’s authority was overruled, which prolonged the case and led to further deterioration of the structures in the Cobblestone historic district.

It is also troubling that Judge DiTullio's ruling was issued on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the same day as the devastating fires at 110-118 South Park. The coincidence of these events is gravely concerning and necessitates a comprehensive investigation to ensure the safety and preservation of our historic buildings. 

I would like to express my appreciation to the ATF for their collaboration in this matter. It has been brought to my attention that the ATF will be working with the Buffalo Fire Department in this investigation, leveraging their resources as an additional asset to conduct a comprehensive and detailed examination of the incidents at 110-118 South Park.

I would like to once again thank Mayor Brown, the Buffalo Fire Department, and the Department of Permits & Inspections for their teamwork, leadership, and diligent efforts in stabilizing the area affected by the fire."

Fire officials say damage is estimated at $1.1 million

Brian Campbell - Digital Producer

After many years in the newspaper industry, Brian Campbell joined Spectrum News as a digital producer. He graduated from Buffalo State with degrees in journalism and creative writing.​