BUFFALO, N.Y. — After Mulligan’s Brick Bar in Buffalo caught fire early Sunday morning, community members want to make sure its history is preserved.

“I think we’ve all been to the Brick Bar,” said Bernice Radle, executive director for Preservation Buffalo Niagara. “It [smelled] the same every time I walk in.”

In the aftermath of Sunday's fire, Mulligan's Brick Bar is set to be the second historic bar in Buffalo to be demolished in the last year after The Old Pink was set on fire last July.

“When we have these buildings that are both historical and cultural assets in the city, and we end up with very unfortunate circumstances like we have here, what can we do to mitigate the loss?” said Cathy Amdur, commissioner for the Department of Permit and Inspection Services. 

What You Need To Know

  • Mulligan's Brick Bar will be demolished after the bar caught on fire Sunday morning
  • The bar's owner will donate items to the Buffalo History Museum
  • The ATF officially ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) on Monday officially ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined, and is being classified as accidental, most likely being the result of an electrical or mechanical malfunction.

While community members urged the City of Buffalo to save the site, the owner of Mulligan's Brick Bar, Kim Rossi, said in a statement Monday evening that demolition of the site will proceed. She adds she will be donating items to the Buffalo History Museum:

"There are truly no words to express the heartbreak I feel for my bar—our bar—Mulligan’s Brick Bar. Following the devastating fire that occurred early Sunday morning, I am deeply saddened to share that the damage is beyond repair, and the bar is a total loss.

After many conversations with city officials and careful consideration we are in agreement to proceed with the demolition of Mulligan’s Brick Bar for the safety of the surrounding community and to prevent any further negative impact on neighboring businesses.

To honor the bar’s legacy, I will be donating items with historic significance that can be salvaged to the Buffalo History Museum so that its story can live on.

On behalf of myself and my employees, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Scanlon and his team, our Allentown neighbors, and everyone who has supported Mulligan’s Brick Bar throughout the years. This was never just my bar—it belonged to all of you. The memories we made together will always be cherished, and I cannot thank the community enough for your unwavering support."

However, Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon said Monday night he has placed a temporary pause on the demolition after discussions with Rossi, Preservation Buffalo Niagara and community representatives. He says the pause will allow for talks to explore potential stabilization options for the building. If a solution is not reached, demolition will begin on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Community members are hoping for the best, while mourning part of history.

“Allentown is a historic district,” Radle said. “It’s really important. It is our character.”