Forgotten Buffalo: Historic & Hip...An Urban Explorer's Guide to the Buffalo-Niagara Region: Unique Landmarks, Historic Gin Mills, Old World Neighborhoods, History, Nickel City Oddities, Tours and More!
During the summer of 2007, Blue Cross and Blue Shield moved into new corporate headquarters on the site of the former Buffalo Gas Works. The modern office building incorporates the canal era façade of the Works as part of its modern design.
The Buffalo Gas Light Company, also know as the Illuminating Gas Company, was built in 1848 a few yards from Lake Erie and the Erie Canal. Within the walls of the complex, coal was burned to create illuminating natural gas. The gas was used primarily for the lighting of streets, homes and surrounding industrial businesses. The building was referred to the “Jackson Street Shops” while used by the Iroquois Gas Company later named National Fuel Gas. The Gas Works complex was used for storage and employee parking until the mid 1990s.
Buffalo's first architect, John H Selkirk, is credited for designed the Romanesque facade in 1859. The outstanding feature of the building, the 250-foot façade, was constructed of ashlar stone. Only in Buffalo: Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Place, the entire complex was demolished in 2000. The only remaining portion saved was the ornate stone front.
During the late 90s, the site was considered for a youth hockey complex funded in part by Sabers goalie Dominic Hasek. In January 2004 it was announced that the site would become the new home to BlueCross Blue Shield of Western New York and its 1,200 employees. The façade of the Gas Works was saved while BC&BS inherited one of downtown Buffalo’s largest “brown fields.” The ground was found to be heavily contaminated with residue from the 19th century coal to gas process.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield will soon move into its new corporate headquarters on the site of the former Buffalo Gas Works. The modern office building incorporates the canal era façade of the Works as part of its design.
The Buffalo Gas Light Company, also know as the Illuminating Gas Company, was built in 1848 a few yards from Lake Erie and the Erie Canal. Within the walls of the complex, coal was burned to create illuminating natural gas. The gas was used primarily for the lighting of streets, homes and surrounding industrial businesses. The building was referred to the “Jackson Street Shops” while used by the Iroquois Gas Company later named National Fuel Gas. The Gas Works complex was used for storage and employee parking until the mid 1990s.
Buffalo's first architect, John H Selkirk, is credited for designed the Romanesque facade in 1859. The outstanding feature of the building, the 250-foot façade, was constructed of ashlar stone. Only in Buffalo: Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Place, the entire complex was demolished in 2000. The only remaining portion saved was the ornate stone front.
During the late 90s, the site was considered for a youth hockey complex funded in part by Sabers goalie Dominic Hasek. In January 2004 it was announced that the site would become the new home to BlueCross Blue Shield of Western New York and its 1,200 employees. The façade of the Gas Works was saved while BC&BS inherited one of downtown Buffalo’s largest “brown fields.” The ground was found to be heavily contaminated with residue from the 19th century coal to gas process.
Circa 1860: Earliest known picture of the Buffalo Gas Light Works
