By Steve Cichon
steve@buffalostories.com
@stevebuffalo
When the new Lehigh Valley passenger terminal opened in 1916, it was “a cause for civic celebration,” and “the dreams of years fulfilled.” Its erection gave Buffalo the passenger terminal that for a generation people had been wishing and hoping to see built.
Postcard image, Buffalo Stories archives
Called “the most portentous” passenger terminal in “this section of the country,” the four-story structure was built of gray Indiana limestone.
Buffalo News archives
By 1959, rail passenger service was becoming a thing of the past in Buffalo. In fact, many of the Lehigh Valley right-of-ways were sold to New York State to build the I-190. The mammoth structure had become unnecessary, and had been allowed to fall into disrepair.
Buffalo News archives
The station was demolished in 1960 to make way for the Donovan State Office Building, which was refurbished and is now the home of Phillips Lytle, Courtyard by Marriott and Pizza Plant.
