Higgins encourages ADM to repair & preserve Great Northern grain elevator

Historic structure along Buffalo River was damaged during windstorm

Congressman Brian Higgins is encouraging swift action to repair one of Buffalo’s iconic grain elevators. The Great Northern grain elevator, owned by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), was damaged during the weekend windstorm.

In a letter to ADM, Higgins wrote, “I write today to strongly encourage ADM to rehabilitate this structure, for its own benefit and the benefit of the community I represent in Buffalo and Western New York. I further urge you to consider the long overdue designation of this structure on the National Register of Historic Places in order to avail the federal Historic Tax Credit program, the New York State Historic Tax Credit program, and potentially other incentive programs to restore this historic structure.”

Built in 1897, the Great Northern grain elevator is located along Ganson Street adjacent to the Buffalo River. The structure, built to be positioned between the water to accommodate freighters and the adjacent rail line, is unique among grain elevators for both its grand size, brick walls and steel bins.

Buildings on the National and State Registers of Historic Places are eligible for federal and state historic tax credits. The Historic Tax Credit program incentivizes private sector investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings.