Demolition began Monday on the former Deaconess Center on Humboldt Parkway in Buffalo. The long-time structure housed a hospital until it closed in 1986.
In recent years, the center served as a nursing home for Kaleida Health. But Kaleida closed it earlier this year as it works to consolidate with the HighPoint long term facility on Michigan Avenue.
Over the last six weeks, abatement of hazardous materials has been conducted at Deaconess. Ontario Specialty Company began demolition work Monday morning. http://youtu.be/1uG_m3vUq3s
Joe Kessler, chief financial officer with Kaleida Health, says the Community Action Organization of Erie County has signed a development agreement with Kaleida to build a new headquarters, low-income housing, and a community center.
"The great thing is, this is going to be returned to the community. The CAO is going to take over this space and turn it into something very beneficial to the neighborhood," Kessler said.
Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of February.
The original Deaconess Home and Hospital dates back to 1895. It was a well-known and visible fixture from the Kensington Expressway.