View source for Buffalo Central Terminal

{{short description|Former railroad station in Buffalo, NY, USA}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2025}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox station
| coordinates  = {{coord|42|53|23|N|78|49|49|W|region:US-NY_type:railwaystation|display=inline}}
| address= 495 Paderewski Drive,<br />[[Buffalo, New York]]
| style=Amtrak |style2=Amtrak old
| image = Buffalo Central Terminal, Paderewski Drive, Broadway-Fillmore, Buffalo, NY - 52560385624.jpg
| image_caption=
| name=Buffalo Central Terminal
| line = [[Empire Corridor]] ([[Buffalo Terminal Subdivision]])
| platform = 14 [[island platforms]] 
| tracks = formerly 28
| code = BUF (former)
| opened = {{start date and age|1929|05|22}}
| closed = {{end date and age|1979|11|28}}
| other_services_header=Former services
| other_services= {{Adjacent stations|system1=Amtrak
|line1=Lake Shore Limited|left1=Erie|right1=Rochester|to-right1=New York (Grand Central) or Boston|note-mid1=1975–1979
|line2=Lake Shore|left2=Erie|right2=Rochester|note-mid2=1971–1972
|line3=Niagara Rainbow|left3=Buffalo–Exchange Street|right3=Rochester|note-left3=1978–1979
|line4=Niagara Rainbow|left4=Fort Erie|right4=Rochester|note-left4=Until 1978
|system5=New York Central Railroad
|line6=main|left6=Bay View|right6=Depew
|line7=Michigan Central|left7=Buffalo–Exchange Street
|line8=Fort Erie Branch|left8=Buffalo–Exchange Street
|system9=Pennsylvania Railroad
|line9=Buffalo-Oil City|right9=Blasdell
|line10=Buffalo-Emporium|right10=Ebenezer
}}
| nrhp = {{Infobox NRHP
| embed           = yes
| name            = Buffalo Central Terminal
| image_size      = 300
| location        = [[Buffalo, New York|Buffalo]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
| coordinates     = {{coord|42|53|23|N|78|49|49|W|region:US-NY_type:railwaystation|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin        = New York
| map_width       = 300
| area            = [[Broadway-Fillmore, Buffalo, New York|Buffalo Broadway/Fillmore district]]
| built           = 1929
| architect       = [[Fellheimer & Wagner]]<ref name=nrhp>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/NY/Erie/state.html|title=National Register of Historical Places – New York (NY), Erie County|date=February 22, 2007|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>
| architecture    = [[Art Deco]]<ref name=nrhp/>
| added           = September 7, 1984
| refnum          = 84002389<ref name=nrhp/>
| visitation_num  =
| visitation_year =
| website         = {{URL|https://buffalocentralterminal.org/}}
}}
}}

'''Buffalo Central Terminal''' is a historic former railroad station in [[Buffalo, New York]]. An active station from 1929 to 1979, the 17-story [[Art Deco]] style station was designed by architects [[Fellheimer & Wagner]] for the [[New York Central Railroad]]. The Central Terminal is located in the city of Buffalo's [[Broadway-Fillmore, Buffalo, New York|Broadway/Fillmore]] district. Closed since 1979, several attempts to redevelop the site were unsuccessful.  In February 2024 a new development team was formed to plan a reuse for the terminal.<ref name=WKBK>{{cite web |title='The best is yet to come': Developers named to revitalize Buffalo's Central Terminal |url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/buffalo/the-best-is-yet-to-come-developers-named-to-revitalize-buffalos-central-terminal |website=wkbw.com |publisher=7ABC WKBW Buffalo |date=8 February 2024|access-date=21 February 2024}}</ref>

==Layout==
The terminal is located about {{convert|2.5|mi|km}} east of downtown Buffalo, and consists of several structures, some of which are connected, while others were formerly interconnected.

===Buildings===
The Main Terminal Building is owned by the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation. The Main Terminal Building includes the Passenger Concourse, and the Office Tower. The Passenger Concourse is {{convert|225|ft|m}} long, {{convert|66|ft|m}} wide, and {{convert|58.5|ft|m}} tall ({{convert|63.5|ft|m|disp=sqbr}} at the domed ends). The Passenger Concourse included various rental spaces; a restaurant with a dining room, lunch room, and coffee shop; a [[Western Union]] [[telegraph]] office; and a soda fountain, along with standard station necessities. Off the Passenger Concourse there is a streetcar lobby and waiting room. Curtiss Street runs directly below the Passenger Concourse, but has been closed since the late 1980s for safety reasons. The Office Tower is 15 stories, excluding the main floor and mezzanine and is {{convert|271|ft|m|adj=on}}-high.

The Mail & Baggage Building on Curtiss Street is owned by the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation. It is a five-story building immediately adjacent to the Main Concourse. The mail building along Curtiss Street is owned by the City of Buffalo. It is a two-story building adjacent to the Baggage Building.

The [[Railway Express Agency]] was the early forerunner of today's [[Federal Express]] and [[United Parcel Service|UPS]]. The building is located behind the Mail Building of the complex and is by far the most decayed building. Trains would pull directly into the building to proceed with the load/unloading of goods. This building is currently owned by the City of Buffalo, which has confirmed plans to demolish it.

The Train Concourse is {{convert|450|ft|m}} long and includes 14 low-level platforms. Each platform is accessed by a staircase and a ramp. The train concourse is owned by [[Amtrak]], with the land being owned by [[CSX]]. In 1982, the bridge which connected the train concourse and passenger platforms from the terminal and main concourse was demolished to allow passage of high freight cars on the Belt Line. The rest of the concourse remains.

===Former buildings===

Other buildings included a [[Pullman Company]] service building, an [[ice house (building)|ice house]] and a [[coach (rail)|coach]] shop, all of which were torn down in 1966 to lower property taxes.

The first building built as part of the project was a [[cogeneration]] [[power station]] that provided heat and electricity to the complex, even during construction. It contained three {{convert|28|ft|m|adj=on}} [[coal]] [[boiler]]s. The building's smokestack was dismantled in 1966 to save on taxes. The power plant itself lasted up until the mid-1980s, with its exact demise not known.

==History==
===Planning and construction (1925–1929)===
During the late 19th century, Buffalo had several railroad stations, and there were calls for a single [[union station]]. The first attempt to direct rail traffic out of downtown Buffalo came in 1874, when a Union Depot (East Buffalo) opened there. The new station proved unpopular, and thus Exchange Street station remained open.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cichon |first1=Steve |title=From 1880 to Today: The Union Depot on William Street |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/history/from-1880-to-today-the-union-depot-on-william-street/article_f6413277-46eb-5ede-8fb3-9a2278071a75.html |website=The Buffalo News |date=January 2, 2019 |access-date=30 November 2020}}</ref> In 1889, a new Union Station was proposed to be built on the site of the future Central Terminal, but it never happened. From about 1905, East Buffalo also served the [[West Shore Railroad]], its service was consolidated from a station on Wick Street. East Buffalo station closed between 1921 and 1923.

The [[New York Central Railroad]] (NYC) had two stations in Buffalo in the early 20th century: the Exchange Street Station and the Terrace Station. Both of these downtown stations were old—Exchange Street dated to before the [[American Civil War]]—and were plagued with downtown congestion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_NY/84002389.pdf#pdfjs.action=download|title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory—Nomination Form}}</ref>

NYC decided to build the new Buffalo Central Terminal {{convert|2.5|mi|km}} to the east, in order to relieve both rail and grade crossing congestion and to be more conveniently located for trains not terminating in Buffalo. A roomier area would also ease the transfer of sleeping cars between trains. Furthermore, Buffalo was a quickly-growing city at the time, and it was believed that before long Central Terminal's area would become closer to the center of a sprawling metropolis of 1.5 million people. The city was not so sure, but planning was well underway in 1924, despite the lack of an agreement at the time.

NYC finalized its decision to build the terminal in 1925, and site preparation began the following year. NYC President Patrick Crowley hired [[Alfred T. Fellheimer]] and Steward Wagner to build the actual station in 1927. The total cost of the project was $14 million. Prior to the building of the station, the site was bounded to the south by the New York Central main line, to the northwest by the NYC's [[West Shore Railroad]], and to the east by the NYC's Junction Railroad. When the station was built, the West Shore was abandoned between the NYC main line and the Junction Railroad, being rerouted via the other two lines and the new station. The former West Shore [[Right-of-way (railroad)|right-of-way]] is now Memorial Drive.

A grand celebration attended by 2,200 invited guests on June 22, 1929, opened the station. Speakers included [[Henry Thornton (railway manager)|Henry Thornton]] and [[Frank X. Schwab]]. Although an eastbound ''[[Empire State Express]]'' departed the station at 2:10 PM, the train was not a regular one, and was really just ceremonial. The station did not open until the celebration ended at 3:30, and scheduled service began on June 23.

===Opening===
In the early days, the station was served not only by the owner, but also by the [[Canadian National Railway]], [[Pennsylvania Railroad]], and the [[Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway|Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway]].

When the NYC operated the ''[[20th Century Limited]]'', Central Terminal was located approximately {{convert|44|mi|km}} east of the half-way point from New York City to Chicago, and the trains would pass each other near there. The NYC's 1930 calendar featured these trains meeting at the then-new Terminal with artist Walter L. Greene's ''Eastward, Westward'' night time scene.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eastward, Westward |url=https://www.albanyinstitute.org/collection/details/eastward-westward |website=www.albanyinstitute.org |publisher=Albany Institute of History and Art |access-date=3 August 2024}}</ref>

The station had 1,500 employees and was designed to handle 3,200 passengers per hour.<ref name=UNTAP>{{cite web |last1=Behrend |first1=Chris |title=How Buffalo's Central Terminal Train Station Was Almost Lost |url=https://untappedcities.com/2017/04/24/how-buffalos-central-terminal-train-station-was-almost-lost/ |website=UntappedCities.com |publisher=Untapped Cities LLC |access-date=21 February 2024 |date=24 April 2017}}</ref> For most of Central Terminal's history, far too few trains stopped there to justify the use of such a large facility. Although it started with 200 trains daily, the [[Great Depression]] began less than a year after its construction, and the rise in automobile use also hurt passenger levels.

===Wartime and decline (1941–1979)===
[[File:PC 4272 with the Buffalo Day Express at Buffalo Central Terminal, July 1969.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Penn Central]] locomotive at Buffalo Central Terminal on July 20, 1969]]
There was a burst of activity during [[World War II]] when the station had a reasonable amount of train traffic for its size. Notable trains making daily calls at the station include the ''[[Wolverine (NYC train)|Wolverine]]'', ''Interstate Express'', the ''[[Ohio State Limited]]'', the ''[[Lake Shore Limited (NYC train)|Lake Shore Limited]]'', the ''[[20th Century Limited]]'' (engine crew-change stop only), the ''[[New England States]]'', the ''Boston Express'', the ''[[Empire State Express]]'' and ''Southwestern Limited'', among many others.

After the war, the station entered into what would be a permanent decline, amid the larger decline in train travel across the country. As early as 1956, the New York Central offered the terminal for sale for one million dollars. A company called Buffprop Enterprises did negotiate a 25-year lease of the terminal in 1959, but that ended the following year. The service to [[Niagara Falls, New York]] ended by 1961.

In 1966, the continuing decrease in passenger revenues caused NYC to demolish parts of the Terminal complex, including the [[Pullman Company|Pullman]] service building, [[coach (rail)|coach]] shop and [[Ice house (building)|ice house]]. In 1968, the NYC merged with the PRR to form [[Penn Central Transportation]] (PC), which operated the terminal until the creation of [[Amtrak]] in 1971.

The bankrupt PC was absorbed by [[Conrail]] in April 1976. In 1978, Amtrak restored direct service to Niagara Falls. One train per day connected with [[Via Rail Canada]]/[[Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway]] service to Toronto–forerunner of today's ''[[Maple Leaf (train)|Maple Leaf]]''. The financially-strapped passenger carrier was in no position to rehabilitate Central Terminal, resulting in the reopening of [[Buffalo–Exchange Street station]] near downtown for the ''[[Empire Service (Amtrak)|Empire Service]]'' route, including the connecting service to Toronto, further marginalizing use of Central Terminal. That left Central Terminal with only two routes — the Chicago-bound ''[[Lake Shore Limited]]'' and the Detroit-bound ''[[Niagara Rainbow]].'' The four daily trains did not justify such a large station; Amtrak had to spend $150,000 per year on heating bills alone. Rather than spend the massive sums necessary to rehabilitate Central Terminal, Amtrak replaced it in 1979 with the much-smaller [[Buffalo–Depew station]], {{convert|10|mi}} east of downtown. The last train to call at Central Terminal was the westbound ''Lake Shore Limited'', which departed at 4:10 am on October 28, 1979.<ref name="amtrak_news">{{cite journal | title=New Buffalo Station | journal=Amtrak News | volume=6 | number=12 | date=November 1979 | url=http://history.amtrak.com/archives/amtrak-news-november-1979 | pages=6–7 | access-date=August 9, 2013 | archive-date=November 1, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101190715/http://history.amtrak.com/archives/amtrak-news-november-1979 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Ownership by Anthony Fedele (1979–1986)===
The building was sold to Anthony T. Fedele, a local builder, for $75,000 in 1979. Fedele planned a 150-room hotel, offices and restaurants for the terminal complex that would have been called ''Central Terminal Plaza'' but could not find investors for the project.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/14/nyregion/station-has-seen-last-train-but-not-last-chance.html| title=Station Has Seen Last Train but Not Last Chance| website=New York Times| date=October 14, 1992}}</ref> Fedele also lived in the building creating an apartment for himself in the tower on the second floor. While the building was under the control of Fedele it was reasonably taken care of.

It was during this time that the railroad tenant left. Conrail closed its Terminal general offices in 1980. The Conrail Dispatching Department was the last business to leave the Terminal in 1984. Two [[interlocking tower]]s, numbered 48 and 49, that serviced the tracks on the property were shut down in 1985.{{citation needed|date=August 2013}}

In November 1983, in a sign of things to come, the building was in danger of being sold out from under Anthony Fedele by the [[IRS]] for back taxes. Fedele made an attempt at settling the debt by paying $10,200 toward the $142,128 due, and agreed to pay $2000 a month until the debt was paid in full.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/terminal/death/death.html| title=decline and abandonement [sic]| website=The New York Central Terminal of Buffalo, New York| access-date=2016-11-24| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404175956/http://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/terminal/death/death.html| archive-date=2012-04-04| url-status=dead}}</ref>  While he owned the building it was placed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on August 3, 1984.

===Telesco and Tuchman ownerships (1986–1997)===
[[File:Buffalo Central Terminal (4844255509).jpg|thumb|Abandoned platforms in 1989]]
[[File:BufaloCentral2.jpg|right|thumb|Concourse and terminal building in 2004.]]
When the terminal was entered on the NHRP register it was a "...virually intact representative example of the Art Deco style in Buffalo..."<ref name=nrhp /> However, in 1986 Anthony Fedele defaulted on his taxes and U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge John W. Creahan ordered a foreclosure sale. The Buffalo Central Terminal was put up for auction and won by Thomas Telesco, the only bidder, for $100,000. Telesco talked about turning it into a banquet hall and using it as a station on a proposed high-speed rail line linking New York and Toronto. He later began the process of selling the architectural artifacts and other items of value from the building.
 
The building was then acquired by Bernie Tuchman and his uncle, Samuel Tuchman. This period was one of great decay for the Terminal caused by human vandals and the elements. The Terminal's main buildings were subject to extensive artifact removal. Once a truck was being used to remove ceiling lights when it backed into the famous plaster [[bison]] statue in the concourse, smashing it. Artifacts removed and sold included iron railings, signs, lights and mailboxes. Thieves pulled copper from the roofs which allowed water to penetrate the walls. A basement water main break was left unchecked and freeze/thaw cycles caused ice to pull at the foundation.<ref name=PERCY>{{cite web |last1=Percy |first1=John W. |title=The New York Central Terminal of Buffalo New York |url=https://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/terminal/death/death.html |website=buffalohistoryworks.com |access-date=17 March 2024}}</ref> Further, as the building was not secured, there were even some arson attempts. It is said that the only thing that saved the building was the fact that demolition would have been too expensive ($12 million).<ref name=UNTAP /> A 1990 proposal by Adrian Development Inc. to convert the complex to a shipping, warehouse, and light manufacturing hub never advanced beyond the drawing board stage.<ref>{{cite web |title=Urban Ruins: REA Building |url=https://www.buffalorising.com/2013/09/urban-ruins-rea-building/ |website=BuffaloRising.com |publisher=Local Matters Inc. |access-date=17 August 2024 |location=Buffalo, New York |date=16 September 2013}}</ref> In 1993 a construction company used the concourse for equipment storage and erected security fences but extensive damage had already been done.<ref name=PERCY />

===Central Terminal Restoration Corp. (1997–present)===
[[File:Buffalo Central Terminal (15929462499).jpg|left|thumb|The concourse in 2013]]Scott Field of the Preservation Coalition of Erie County<ref>{{cite web |title=Preservation Coalition Home Page |url=http://preserve.bfn.org/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205033310/http://preserve.bfn.org/ |archive-date=December 5, 2006 |access-date=November 19, 2006}}</ref> bought the building in August 1997 for the purchase price of $1 and assumption of approximately $70,000 in back taxes. Shortly afterward, the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC), a non-profit dedicated to restoring the Central Terminal, was formed. The CTRC currently owns the Main Terminal Building and the Mail & Baggage Building.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Central Terminal – About |url=https://buffalocentralterminal.org/about/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=Buffalo Central Terminal}}</ref> The CTRC received money to restore and relight the exterior tower clocks located on the tenth floor, relighting them on October 1, 1999. Also in 1999, a state grant for $1 million was obtained to begin the process of sealing and protecting the complex. The top of the building was re-lit starting on May 11, 2001.
In 2003, the building was re-opened for public tours. The [[clock]] in the center of the concourse, sold by earlier owners, was located in [[Chicago]] in 2003. In late 2004, the clock was purchased for $25,000 through fundraising organized by [[WBEN (AM)|WBEN]] and a donation from [[M&T Bank]]. The clock was on display in the Terminal during the 2005 event season. In the fall of 2005, it was relocated to the lobby of M&T Center in downtown Buffalo, where it remained until spring of 2009. The clock was then moved back to its original location in the Terminal concourse where it will sit permanently on public display.

In 2004 the Terminal hosted a temporary art installation by controversial artist [[Spencer Tunick]].

In 2016, [[Toronto]]-based developer [[Harry Stinson (real estate developer)|Harry Stinson]] was named by the CTRC as the designated developer for Buffalo's Central Terminal to re-develop the Terminal complex.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://us.geosnews.com/p/us/ny/erie-county/buffalo/south-buffalo/buffalo-s-central-terminal-restoration-corporation-names-stinson-developments-as-designated-developer_5240724/| title=Buffalo's Central Terminal Restoration Corporation names Stinson Developments as designated developer| website=us.geosnews.com|date=June 11, 2016}}</ref> Stinson's proposal included turning the Terminal into a mixed use facility and also included building townhouses in the surrounding neighborhood to create a village like atmosphere with proceeds being invested into terminal restoration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://buffalonews.com/2016/05/24/master-plan-for-buffalos-central-terminal-includes-townhouses/|title= Master plan for Buffalo's Central Terminal includes townhouses |publisher=The Buffalo News |date=May 24, 2016 |access-date=August 7, 2016}}</ref> The proposal also offered the possibility of restoring rail service to the terminal.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.buffalorising.com/2016/09/terminal-city/?hubRefSrc=email&reply_editor=true| title=Terminal City| website=Buffalo Rising| date=September 12, 2016}}</ref>

On May 5, 2017, after numerous delays, the CTRC cut ties with Stinson in favor of working with the Urban Land Institute on a new redevelopment plan. In October 2017 the [[World Monuments Fund]] selected Central Terminal as part of its 2018 World Monument Watch List: one of two selections from the United States and one of 25 selections total.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.buffalorising.com/2017/10/buffalos-central-terminal-selected-for-2018-world-monument-watch-list/|title=Buffalo's Central Terminal Selected for 2018 World Monument Watch List|date=2017-10-16|work=Buffalo Rising|access-date=2017-10-19|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2018, two hundred solar panels were installed at the terminal, restoring commercial-grade electricity to the facility.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-11-01 |title=Central Terminal progress, plans to be discussed at meeting |url=https://buffalonews.com/2018/11/01/meeting-to-review-progress-plans-at-central-terminal/ |access-date=2018-11-06 |work=The Buffalo News |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2019, the State of New York launched the East Side Avenues initiative to spur economic development on Buffalo's East Side to repair decades of urban renewal policies that led to poverty and decline. This influx of support enabled the organization to hire staff and develop the 2021 Master Plan, a vision for the future of the building.<ref name=":32" /> Meanwhile, the CTRC became part of the East Side Avenues, an initiative born out of the Buffalo Billion catalytic investment.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Central Terminal – History & Restoration |url=https://buffalocentralterminal.org/about/history-restoration/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=Buffalo Central Terminal}}</ref>

For many years the Buffalo Central Terminal hosted several major fundraising events each year to generate interest in reuse of the building, including tours, art shows, local political events, train shows, annual [[Dyngus Day]] and [[Oktoberfest celebrations|Oktoberfest]], and weddings. Since 2020 the Buffalo Central Terminal has shifted to host events outdoors on the Great Lawn, including a public art extravaganza entitled PLAY/ground, Eid al-Fitr—an outdoor prayer event celebrating the end of Ramadan, a filming by a local theater digital production, a pop up [[COVID-19]] [[vaccination]] clinic, the Beau Fleuve Music & Arts Celebration, and annual Trunk or Treat and Seat at the Table, among others.

In 2020 construction on the First Phase of the Passenger Concourse began, consisting of replacement of the former restaurant roof to make the space clean and dry; this was completed in 2021.<ref name=":0" /> In 2021, the Master Plan was completed after an extensive community engagement effort, and the Central Terminal, Broadway Market, and Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood were awarded a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant.<ref name=":0" />

In 2022, A Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) was released to solicit development partners for the reuse of the Buffalo Central Terminal. The CTRC was awarded $61 million through the Regional Revitalization Partnership to spur business in Buffalo's East Side, and $1.5 million through the Broadway-Fillmore Downtown Revitalization Initiative to support enhancements to the Great Lawn. The CTRC also received a Community Placemaking Grant from the Project for Public Spaces to transform the Terminal's Great Lawn into a public green space.<ref name=":32" /><ref name=":0" />

An extensive structural stabilization project remains underway and is anticipated to continue into 2027.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nussbaumer |first1=Newell |date=15 November 2024 |title=Buffalo Central Terminal launches $33 million Phase 2 Construction |url=https://www.buffalorising.com/2024/11/buffalo-central-terminal-launches-33-million-phase-2-construction/ |access-date=12 February 2025 |website=BuffaloRising.com |location=Buffalo, New York}}</ref> The interior spaces of the Terminal were closed to the public while critical structural repairs were underway and all events were held outdoors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Is the Terminal hosting events? |url=https://buffalocentralterminal.org/faq/ |website=buffalocentralterminal.org - FAQ |access-date=19 September 2024}}</ref> It is anticipated that the interior will be reopened to the public, at least on a limited basis, in 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sommer |first1=Mark |title=Buffalo Central Terminal making progress for the future |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/buffalo-central-terminal-making-progress-for-the-future/article_856bbdbe-a29b-11ee-851c-bbda191d43b6.html |access-date=19 March 2024 |url-access=subscription|work=buffalonews.com |publisher=The Buffalo News |date=30 December 2023 |location=Buffalo, New York}}</ref>

==Future==
=== Adaptive reuse plans ===
[[File:Buffalo Central Terminal from the back.jpg|left|thumb|The former headhouses of Buffalo Central Terminal in July&nbsp;2016]] In 2009 the CTRC developed a vision plan for the future of the Terminal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://buffalocentralterminal.org/about/master-plan-overview/ |title=Master Plan Overview |publisher=Buffalo Central Terminal |access-date=September 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901230800/http://buffalocentralterminal.org/about/master-plan-overview/ |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In May, 2017 the CTRC, City of Buffalo and New York State decided to have the Urban Land Institute study the terminal as this group had led the successful reuse of Buffalo's [[Richardson Olmsted Complex]]. The group's comprehensive study of the Terminal complex was fast-tracked, with a projected completion by June 30, 2017.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 May 2017 |title=Developer dropped from Central Terminal project says he was 'blindsided' |url=http://buffalonews.com/2017/05/05/developer-urban-land-institute-central-terminal/}}</ref> The panel concluded that a strategy had to include a development plan for the East Side and a master plan for the building.  Suggestions for use included having the concourse reopen to the public with a restored restaurant as a year-round venue, as well as beautifying the green space and creating a park.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ingersoll |first=Ali |date=30 June 2017 |title=ULI group releases report, strategy for Central Terminal |url=http://wivb.com/2017/06/30/uli-group-releases-report-strategy-for-central-terminal/}}</ref> No suggestions were made for the tower or baggage buildings.

Based on these recommendations, on April 13, 2018, Governor [[Andrew Cuomo]] announced $5 million in funding for a restoration of the concourse, along with the creation of a year-round event space in the concourse and waiting-room areas, and parking accessibility, along with full capacity for catering and entertainment.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-04-13 |title=Big Deal: State to Provide $5 Million Toward Central Terminal Work |language=en-US |work=Buffalo Rising |url=https://www.buffalorising.com/2018/04/big-deal-state-to-provide-5-million-toward-central-terminal-work |access-date=2018-04-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-04-13 |title=Central Terminal to receive $5 million state grant for concourse, staffing |language=en-US |work=The Buffalo News |url=http://buffalonews.com/2018/04/13/central-terminal-to-receive-5-million-state-grant-for-concourse-staffing/ |access-date=2018-04-13}}</ref>

===2021 Master Plan===
The CTRC completed a Buffalo Central Terminal Master Plan in the summer of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Central Terminal – Our Master Plan |url=https://buffalocentralterminal.org/our-master-plan/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=Buffalo Central Terminal}}</ref> The Master Plan was a year-long, collaborative planning process that included three public meetings with more than 325 participants, 200 online planning activities and 3,000 website visits, 60 focus group leaders in six sessions, and 25 Community Advisory Council members participating in six meetings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Central Terminal Community Engagement |url=https://buffalocentralterminal.org/our-master-plan/community-engagement/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=Buffalo Central Terminal}}</ref> The Master Plan prescribes a phased plan for redevelopment of the Terminal and identifies key activation opportunities to leverage unique spaces that support local and regional enterprises, tourism and cultural exchange.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Central Terminal – A Holistic Strategy for Reuse |url=https://buffalocentralterminal.org/our-master-plan/a-holistic-strategy-for-reuse/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=Buffalo Central Terminal}}</ref> Early phases focus on creating a year-round event venue that would bring  people back to the main concourse and the grounds. Later phases focus on the expansion of programs and activation of other parts of the building.<ref name=":1" /> The Master Plan does not completely rely on the return of rail service to the historic station, however it does accommodate future rail service should it be returned.<ref name="Buffalo Central Terminal">{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Central Terminal |url=https://buffalocentralterminal.org/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=Buffalo Central Terminal}}</ref>

On June 1, 2022, Governor [[Kathy Hochul]] announced that the Buffalo Central Terminal would receive $60 million to kick-start the reuse and implement the 2021 Master Plan.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Governor Hochul Announces Regional Revitalization Partnership for Cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester {{!}} Governor Kathy Hochul |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-regional-revitalization-partnership-cities-buffalo-niagara-falls-and |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=www.governor.ny.gov |language=en}}</ref> This amount was part of $300 million in funding provided through the Regional Revitalization Partnership, a collaboration among the [[Empire State Development Corporation|Empire State Development (ESD)]], the philanthropic sector, and local government with the goal of building community wealth and economic development in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Rochester.<ref name=":2" />

In February 2024 a new development team, composed of two real estate brokerage companies and an investment firm, was formed to plan a reuse for the terminal.<ref name=WKBK />

===Future of Amtrak in Buffalo===
In September 2016 the roof of the downtown Exchange Street Amtrak station collapsed. This led to calls for a new train station in Buffalo and a discussion of moving the stop back to Central Terminal. Congressman [[Brian Higgins]] called for a study for a new train station to be done at both Central Terminal and a site at [[Canalside District, Buffalo|Canalside]] saying about the terminal "It may not have been possible 15 years ago, but restoration of Central Terminal is possible in the new Buffalo. ... In the enormous scale of that redevelopment project, it may be possible to carve out a small 'station-within-a-station' that would squarely and singularly focus on providing a highly-functional train station to meet current and projected needs. This (the Central Terminal) location would allow the restoration of service to Chicago within the city limits, and it certainly merits a meaningful engineering review."<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/downtown-waterfront/higgins-wants-study-of-canalside-central-terminal-for-new-train-station-20160926| title=Higgins wants study of Canalside, Central Terminal for new train station| first=Mark| last=Sommer| website=The Buffalo News| date=September 26, 2010}}</ref> Higgins' call was later reinforced by Senator [[Charles Schumer]].

On October 5, 2016, Congressman Higgins along with Buffalo Common Council Member [[David Franczyk]] toured the terminal with Mark A. Lewandowski, president of the CTRC. Higgins came out in support of the station at the terminal as part of a larger redevelopment plan.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/passenger-trains-at-buffalo-central-terminal/71-329359911| title=Passenger Trains at Buffalo Central Terminal?| website=WGRZ| first=Dave| last=McKinley| date=October 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250404171428/https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/passenger-trains-at-buffalo-central-terminal/71-329359911 |archive-date=April 4, 2025 }}</ref> A public campaign to bring Amtrak back to the Central Terminal was launched, complete with a website and social media.

A plan to return Amtrak to Central Terminal could possibly later add a [[Citizens Regional Transit Corporation#Airport Corridor|long discussed]] [[NFTA Metro Rail]] extension from Downtown to the [[Buffalo Niagara International Airport]] which would include stops at Central Terminal as well as the [[Walden Galleria]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.wkbw.com/news/metro-rail-to-the-airport| title=Will Metro Rail extend to airport in Cheektowaga?| website=WKBW| first=Ed| last=Reilly| date=September 30, 2015}}</ref> This would connect Central Terminal to the airport as well as to the heart of downtown. On April 17, 2017 a 17-member panel including Buffalo mayor [[Byron Brown]] approved, by a margin of 10–4, a downtown replacement close to the existing Exchange Street station over the Terminal, in a decision seen as controversial.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/downtown-buffalo-recommended-for-train-station/71-432654958 |title=Downtown Buffalo recommended for train station |date=April 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250404172834/https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/downtown-buffalo-recommended-for-train-station/71-432654958 |archive-date=April 4, 2025 }}</ref> The station site and Central Terminal became part of a political debate, with candidates running in the [[2017 Buffalo mayoral election]] against Brown promising a reversal of this decision if elected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2017/04/buffalo-train-station-still-dividing-wny-leaders/|title=Buffalo Train Station Still Dividing WNY Leaders|website=www.nystateofpolitics.com|access-date=April 26, 2017|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426153116/http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2017/04/buffalo-train-station-still-dividing-wny-leaders/|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Eventually, Amtrak built a temporary structure at Exchange Street until a new building on the same site opened in November 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vultaggio |first1=Gabrielle |title=Buffalo-Exchange Street Station Now Open |url=https://www.newyorkbyrail.com/buffalo-exchange-street-station-now-open/ |website=newyorkbyrail.com |access-date=22 February 2024 |date=23 November 2020}}</ref>

==Timeline==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2019}}
*'''1925:''' An increasing need for a new train terminal is being seen in Buffalo. The current terminals were very hard to navigate through and were becoming too old to use. Buffalo was also becoming known as a train city, with hundreds of trains going in and out each day.
*'''1925:''' The documents of the Buffalo Central Terminal are signed, allowing the Terminal to be located where it is today.
*'''1926:''' Construction begins, track is laid and Lindbergh (now Memorial) Drive was created.
*'''1927:''' Construction begins on the 17-story office tower.
*'''1928:''' Steel work is done the entire year; the last rivet was laid in December.
*'''June 22, 1929:''' Grand opening of Terminal, which brought out 2,200 people for the gala. The first train departed at 2:00&nbsp;p.m. that day.
*'''1940s:''' After a decline in use of trains, the number of people traveling on trains increases due to [[World War II]].
*'''1956:''' Owing to a decrease in train usage, the BCT is put up for sale for $1 million, which is about 1/14 of its original cost, and does not sell.
*'''1961:''' The ICC allows the [[New York Central Railroad]] to discontinue service between Buffalo and [[Niagara Falls]].
*'''1966:''' The Pullman Service Building, Coach Shop, Ice House and Power House are demolished to reduce costs.
*'''1968:''' The New York Central Railroad and the Pennsylvania Railroad merge to form Penn Central: the new owners of the Terminal.
*'''1970:''' [[Penn Central]] goes bankrupt.
*'''1971:''' Amtrak created, and uses the Terminal as its central Buffalo station.
*'''1976:''' Penn Central RR, Lehigh Valley RR, Erie Lackawanna RR, Central Railroad of New Jersey and Lehigh & Hudson River RR merge into [[Conrail]], the new owner of the Terminal.
*'''October 28, 1979:''' [[Amtrak]] abandons the Terminal on October 28, for the newer [[Buffalo–Depew station|Dick Road station in Depew]].<ref name="amtrak_news" />
*'''1982:''' Train concourse bridge is demolished so taller freight cars can pass through the station on the "Belt Line".
*'''1984:''' The Terminal is placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places; therefore, it is now unable to be easily torn-down.
*'''1985:''' Tony Fedele requests energy surveys from the NY State Energy Office for the remaining five buildings that were part of the Terminal.
*'''1986:''' Fedele goes bankrupt and the Bankruptcy Court awards it to Thomas Telesco for $100,000, being the only bidder.
*'''1986–1997:''' The Terminal faces a period of mostly-neglect. The two owners during the period, Telesco and Tuchman, sell-off most of the valuable items, and vandals who can easily access the building destroy it. Weather also damages it, causing severe water damage to much of the concourse. A few arsons also occur.
*'''1990:''' Complex sold to Bernie Tuchman.
*'''1993:''' The concourse, owned by Amtrak, is leased for heavy equipment storage.
*'''1997:''' The Buffalo Central Terminal Restoration Corporation buys the Terminal for $1, and about $70,000 in back taxes.
*'''1999:''' $1 million of [[Erie County, New York|Erie County]] money is set aside to fix the tower. The clock was re-lit again on October 1 of that year.
*'''2000:''' A large snowstorm causes the city to dump loads of snow on the unstable property, and the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC) sues the city for $1 million. The city decides to cancel the $70,000 the CTRC owes it for back taxes.
*'''2003:''' The removal of 350 tons of debris, repairs, asbestos removal, roof work and the repair of 4000 windows. The Terminal is able to be opened for tours.
*'''November 2003:''' The BCT is put on the Preservation League of New York State's "Seven to Save" list.
*'''2004:''' BCT turns 75 and has a big celebration. The city gives it $75,000 for rehabilitation of the building.
*'''May 2005:''' The original concourse clock, found for sale on eBay out of Chicago, was (with the help of [[M&T Bank]], [[WBEN (AM)|WBEN]] and many Buffalonians) saved, and the CTRC was able to purchase it.
*'''2006:''' The Buffalo Central Terminal has 20,000 visitors, breaking a record, due to Oktoberfest, the Buffalo Brewfest and the Train Show.
*'''2007:''' CTRC celebrates tenth anniversary as the [[Dyngus Day]] celebration comes back to the Terminal.
*'''2008:''' Two large projects are completed: abatement in the restaurant area and concrete work by the entrance.
*'''2009:''' Buffalo Central Terminal celebrates its 80th anniversary in June, and the Main Concourse Clock returns to the Terminal.
*'''2011:''' Master plan outlining reuse of the complex released to the public. CTRC awarded a $306,000 grant from [[New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation|New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation]] to repair and restore two of the original entryway canopies. A replica Buffalo statue is placed in the Main Concourse. Urban Habitat Project launched to transform a portion of the grounds. First public tours up to the third floor of the tower are held.
*'''2012:''' With help from public donations, the CTRC acquires one of the Terminal's original light fixtures for $3,000 from a Toronto antique dealer. After raising the $3,000, the dealer agrees to donate the fixture to the CTRC.
*'''2013:''' CTRC begins phase 1 of the replacement of the roof over the passenger waiting room. Replacement concourse light fixtures are made from the donated original light fixture by Sheet Metal Workers Union 71.
*'''2016:''' Parts of the main concourse, including the ticket areas, two union news stands and the main entrance, are cosmetically restored, by and as part of filming for the movie [[Marshall (film)|Marshall]].
*'''2017:''' $250,000 in electrical upgrades are secured.
*'''2018:''' $5 million from the State of New York Empire State Development (ESD) is secured for restoration of the concourse, full capacity for catering and entertainment and professional CTRC staff.
*'''2018:''' 200 solar panels restore commercial-grade electricity.
*'''2019:''' The CTRC becomes a part of the East Side Avenues, an initiative born out of the Buffalo Billion catalytic investment.<ref name=":0" />
*'''2020:''' Construction on the First Phase of the Passenger Concourse starts, replacement of the former restaurant roof to make the space clean and dry.<ref name=":0" />
*'''2021:''' the Master Plan is completed after an extensive community engagement effort. Replacement of the former restaurant roof is completed and the Central Terminal, Broadway Market, and Broadway- Fillmore neighborhood are awarded a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant.<ref name=":0" />
*'''2022:''' A Request for Expression of Interest (RFEI) is released to solicit Development Partner(s) for the reuse of the Buffalo Central Terminal. The CTRC is awarded $61 million through the Regional Revitalization Partnership, a major public and philanthropic initiative to spur economic growth on Buffalo's East Side and across Western New York. The Central Terminal is awarded $1.5 million through the Broadway-Fillmore Downtown Revitalization Initiative to support enhancements to the Great Lawn. The Central Terminal receives a Community Placemaking Grant from the Project for Public Spaces to transform the Terminal's Great Lawn from an under-designed, grassy lawn into a highly activated green space for the sharing of civic experiences.<ref name=":0" />

==Statuary==
[[File:Buffalo II.jpg|thumb|180px|The replacement Buffalo statue]]
Several notable statues have graced the station's space over the years. The station once had a stuffed [[American bison]] in the concourse, belonging to the Buffalo Museum of Science and used to advertise the museum. Passengers (including soldiers bound for [[World War II]]) rubbing their hands on the bison caused it to become worn, so it was removed to the [[Buffalo Museum of Science]] and replaced with a plaster cast, bronze painted statue. This statue was accidentally destroyed by an owner during abandonment. A bronze recasting from the original molds can be found outside Alumni Arena at the University at Buffalo North Campus. On October 17, 2011 the buffalo in the terminal was replaced by the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation with one made out of fiberglass donated by Mollenberg-Betz, Inc., a Western New York-based mechanical contractor and Niagara Coatings Services, which specializes in various industrial coatings.

After the station was closed, the statue called "Progress" was placed on the terminal plaza by Anthony Fedele, who was the owner of the building after it closed. The statue was intended to signify the rebirth of the Central Terminal. Some people within the CTRC had thought to move the statue to the [[Griffis Sculpture Park]] in [[East Otto, New York]] but that was an impossibility due to its horrible condition. Since it was in incredible disrepair—tilting, falling apart, of no historical significance and an eyesore—Bob Rushok, a leader of the building's restoration, had a City of Buffalo payloader demolish it during a community cleanup event in the early 2000s and haul it away.

==In popular culture==
The train platforms appear in the 1982 film [[Best Friends (1982 film)|''Best Friends'']].  The train arrival scene was shot in 1981, two years after Amtrak service ended, but before the connection to the terminal building was severed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lippa |first1=Nick |title=Burt Reynolds brought Buffalo to the big screen in 1982's 'Best Friends' |url=https://www.wbfo.org/arts-culture/2018-09-07/burt-reynolds-brought-buffalo-to-the-big-screen-in-1982s-best-friends |website=wbfo.org |publisher=Western New York Public Broadcasting |access-date=21 February 2024 |date=7 September 2018}}</ref>

A photo of the abandoned train platforms was used for the cover art of Canadian artist ''[[Robbie Robertson]]''{{'s}} 1987 debut solo album.

Central Terminal stood in for Chicago Union Station in [[The Natural (film)|''The Natural'']].  Filming took place in 1983 while Conrail still occupied part of the building.<ref>{{cite web |title=TOUR OF "THE NATURAL" SITES |url=http://www.forgottenbuffalo.com/thenaturaltour.html |website=ForgottenBuffalo.com |access-date=4 March 2024}}</ref>

In November, 2005, a local film company shot its first feature film, ''Prison of the Psychotic Damned'', in the Terminal. The low-budget film details what happens when a group of dysfunctional ghost-hunters decide to spend a night in the long rumored to be haunted structure. A benefit screening of the film was held at the Terminal on June 23, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=Coming Soon: Prison of the Psychotic Damned |url=https://www.buffalorising.com/2006/05/coming-soon-prison-of-the-psychotic-damned/ |website=BuffaloRising.com |date=May 26, 2006 |access-date=21 February 2024}}</ref>

The paranormal investigators, [[The Atlantic Paranormal Society]] (TAPS), visited the terminal for about a week in June, 2008 and aired their findings on ''[[Ghost Hunters (TV series)|Ghost Hunters]]'' (Episode 417 – "Speaking With the Dead"), September 24, 2008. Footage taken during this investigation shows that, aside from the main concourse, the entire complex is still currently in a state of heavy disrepair. The spin-off show ''[[Ghost Hunters Academy]]'' visited the terminal for the episode broadcast December 2, 2009. On October 31, 2010 ([[Halloween]]), ''Ghost Hunters'' aired a live 6-hour broadcast from the station.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

The Central Concourse and other Buffalo landmarks appear in [[Marshall (film)|''Marshall,'']] the 2017 biographical film of US Supreme Court Justice [[Thurgood Marshall]].<ref name=MALKOWSKI>{{cite web |last1=Malkowski |first1=Emily |title=9 Movies & TV Shows That Have (Not So Hidden) Buffalo References |url=https://stepoutbuffalo.com/movies-tv-shows-that-have-not-so-hidden-buffalo-references/ |website=StepOutBuffalo.com |access-date=21 February 2024 |date=7 April 2020}}</ref>

In 2018, the Terminal was used as the filming location for the music video promoting [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] [[Hip hop production|producer]] [[DJ Premier]]'s track "Headlines", which features Buffalo-based rap group [[Griselda Records]], consisting of rappers [[Westside Gunn]], [[Conway the Machine]], and [[Benny the Butcher]]. The video included shots of the musicians in various locations within the Terminal grounds, as well as other shots of areas within Buffalo's [[East Side, Buffalo|East Side]] neighborhood.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

Scenes for the 2020 film [[Clover (2020 film)|''Clover'']] were shot around the Terminal and the grain elevators.<ref name=MALKOWSKI />

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
Image:Buffalo Central Terminal concourse 1.jpg|The main concourse
Image:Buffalo Central Terminal 2.jpg|Buffalo Central Terminal
Image:Central_terminal_clock_buffalo_ny.jpg|One of four corner clocks on the office tower
Image:BCT-Passenger-Concourse.jpg|Seven platform train concourse accessed by stairs or a ramp. It is now detached from the main building.
Image:Central_terminal_concourse_buffalo_ny.jpg|Interior of the Mail Building on the Central Terminal grounds.
Image:Hallwallsimage.jpg|Artists and Models fundraiser event in the main concourse, 2007
Image:NYC Central Terminal, Buffalo, NY, October 1987.jpg|NYC Central Terminal, Buffalo, NY, October 1987
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[List of tallest buildings in Buffalo, New York]]
*[[Tower City Center]] – Formerly the Cleveland Union Terminal, a similar train station-turned-entertainment center
*[[Buffalo–Exchange Street station]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website|http://buffalocentralterminal.org/}}
*[http://www.opacity.us/site1_buffalo_central_terminal.htm Buffalo Central Terminal] on Opacity.com
*[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75317666 National Register of Historic Places official record]
*[https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015082487748?urlappend=%3Bseq=607%3Bownerid=13510798900928875-673 Magazine article from ''American Architect'' (1927) with original floor plans]

{{Amtrak New York stations}}
{{National Register of Historic Places}}
{{Buffalo(NY)}}
{{Culture of Buffalo, New York}}
{{NYC Main Line stations}}

[[Category:Art Deco architecture in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Art Deco railway stations]]
[[Category:Clock towers in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Former Amtrak stations in New York (state)]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Railway stations on the National Register of Historic Places in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Railway stations in the United States opened in 1929]]
[[Category:Skyscraper office buildings in Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Former New York Central Railroad stations]]
[[Category:Former Pennsylvania Railroad stations]]
[[Category:Union stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Unused buildings in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Railway stations in Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:1929 establishments in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Former railway stations in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Railway stations in the United States closed in 1979]]