What is often referred to as the "Broadway Barn" is likely the oldest public building in Buffalo. Now, it may be facing a short future.
Now, the structure at 201 Broadway is the city's Public Works barn. In recent years it has been best known for the pictures of salt being loaded on plow trucks.
The structure has a long history. The building contains remnants of its days as an auditorium that hosted famed boxing matches and college basketball games. It served as an armory first built before the Civil War.
"It's time to move on from there. It's time to construct a new modern building, something that would be more efficient, energy efficient and to centralize forces so we can utilize our personnel to the best manner possible," said Public Works Commissioner Steven Stepniak.
A new study will determine what type of structure is needed to replace it.
"It saw some great days. There's been some very historical things that were done in that facility. It has had its usefulness, I guess is the way to say it," Stepniak said.
The final plan will likely include the Engineering Division currently on Seneca Street and the Impound on Dart Street.
Since construction of the new complex might run $25 million, Stepniak says the earliest start might be in the 2016-2017 fiscal year.
