City demolishes building from 1850s

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Demolition crews have begun knocking down a piece of history in downtown Buffalo.

You've passed it if you've ever taken the train to a Bisons or Sabres game. Only about half of the former Bernstone's Cigar Store at Main and Swan is left standing.

Preservationist Tim Tielman says the city ordered emergency demolition Friday because the building was falling apart on the inside. But Tielman says he only found out about all of this on Tuesday.

"The Preservation Board is the representative of the people. This is how the public finds out about these things and how public process is followed. We were not notified. In fact, 90 minutes after I left City Hall, the demolition of this structure began," Tielman said.

MORE | The city disputes Tielman's claims, saying the building has only stood since 1947

Tielman states the building dates back to the 1850s and once stood five stories tall. We called city inspections commissioner Jim Commerford Tuesday night and emailed Mayor Byron Brown's spokesman for comment, but have not heard anything back.