BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown announced Friday afternoon that the city will issue an emergency demolition permit for the Great Northern Grain Elevator.
The grain elevator was damaged last week during a high wind storm.
"When that storm hit last Saturday and opened it up to the elements, and what we saw with the drone inspection was key, there were other things besides that wall that we are concerned with, and we did a thorough investigation," said James Comerford, Commissioner of Inspection Services.
The mayor asked ADM, the company that own the grain elevator, to consider preserving portions of the historic structure.
An ADM spokesperson on Wednesday evening told 2 On Your Side that they had submitted an emergency demolition application to the city.
They said, in a statement, "In it, we share our commitment to dismantle the structure in a prompt, responsible, and safe manner and look for ways to preserve the legacy of the structure, such as donating artifacts to a local museum."
Following that announcement Friday, the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History and Architecture announced they are working to get a temporary restraining order from a judge to block the emergency demolition permit.
"This is a very important landmark for the Old First Ward, the entire City of Buffalo and it's a vital part of our history and our culture. It's a calling card for our tourists and kayakers from around the country and we can't let this landmark be demolished," said Tim Tielman, the director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History and Architecture told 2 On Your Side.
The grain elevator was built more than 120 years ago and has not been operational for decades, ADM says.
But ADM says engineers have looked at the grain elevator, and they say the area is now a danger and that it is not safe nor feasible to repair the damage. ADM has filed an application with the city's Department of Permit and Inspection for an emergency demolition.
U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins wants repairs to be made, too, and says he can help in the form of tax credits.