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A rare glimpse inside grain elevators
Visitors take a tour of some of Buffalo’s historic grain elevators. Photo: DOUGLAS LEVERE
Hundreds of lucky visitors recently got a rare glimpse inside four of Buffalo’s monumental grain elevators during “Inside Concrete Atlantis,” an event organized by the School of Architecture and Planning.
It was held in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference held in Western New York.
For most Buffalonians, grain elevators remain a mystery. Invented by Joseph Dart in 1843, these massive structures led to Buffalo becoming the country’s largest grain storage site during the early 20th century. These colossal buildings, most built along the shore of the Buffalo River, were in use until the 1970s, when they were closed and faced an uncertain future.
During their prime, the grain elevators were one of the focal points of Buffalo industry. They served as a reloading site for ships transporting grain throughout the country. They also were crucial for supplying grain to local breweries, which at one time numbered 17. Buffalo once was one of the top three beer-producing areas in the country, according to Ethan Cox, a brewer and one of tour guides. This would not have been possible, Cox said, if not for the grain elevators.
These buildings also were known for their architectural significance. Their designs were very advanced for their times, according to Chris Romano, clinical associate professor in the Department of Architecture. They could withstand fire, protect grain from spoiling and survive round-the-clock traffic, Romano said.
Tours of the grain elevators were only part of the experience. Music filled Marine “A” elevator, with Cube Music, UB’s contemporary music ensemble, and Babel, an experimental vocal ensemble, performing John Cage’s “Four6.” Many visitors called it a breathtaking experience due to the acoustics of the building, with some suggesting the grain elevators would make a fine concert hall.
In addition, an exhibition of photographs by Bruce Jackson, SUNY Distinguished Professor in the Department of English, was on display in the elevator. Jackson photographed many of the grain elevators from unusual perspectives.
“I live on the other side of the Buffalo River, so I could see the grain elevators every day,” said Mary Grace Power, noting that this was the first time she has been inside one of the elevators. “I was always impressed by the majesty of these buildings. However, it was not till I stepped inside of them, when I realized their enormity.”
Power’s impression of the grain elevators seemed to be shared by most of those attending the tour. Except for the UB faculty members, few participants—many of whom had lived in Buffalo their entire lives—had ever been inside one of the grain elevators.
Robert Shibley, dean of the School of Architecture and Planning, also used the event as an opportunity to announce that the architecture school will offer a continuing education program in sustainability and preservation. These courses, he said, will educate young people to help preserve historical buildings such as the grain elevators.
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