26-51 : 1287 Niagara Street - Expand the Upper Black Rock Historic District to include 1287 Niagara Street.
26-51This agenda item proposes expanding the Upper Black Rock Historic District to include the property at 1287 Niagara Street, Buffalo. The building, originally a four-story brick residential apartment complex constructed around 1895, later received a two-story Italianate commercial addition in 1929.
Historical Significance: The property's transformation from working-class residences to commercial use, including a poultry processing facility and restaurant, reflects the significant industrial and commercial growth of the Upper Black Rock area. This development was intrinsically linked to its strategic location near the Erie Canal, various railroads (such as the Belt Line established in 1889), and Niagara Street's evolution as a key transportation and commercial corridor. The building is deemed to retain sufficient architectural integrity to convey this historical transition.
Procedural Status: The Preservation Board completed its review and recommended approval on January 8, 2026, citing the property's contribution to the late 19th and early 20th-century industrial history and its role in the area's development shaped by transportation networks. The Common Council referred the item to its Legislative Committee on January 20, 2026, and it is currently tabled for further consideration at a meeting scheduled for February 10, 2026.