The time has finally come, to put one of Elmwood Avenue’s most significant properties on the market. For years, 220 North Street served as home to the Karpeles Manuscript Library. Buffalo was once home to two of these libraries, which housed a portion of the world’s largest private collection of original, historically significant manuscripts and documents, established in 1983 by David and Marsha Karpeles to promote education.
David Karpeles passed away in 2022, which signaled the end for these significant cultural libraries in Buffalo. The second location was located at 453 Porter Avenue. That structure was sold to D’Youville University the same year of Karpeles’ passing, to be transitioned into a lecture hall, with classroom space for the University. We should consider that sale ($449K) a real blessing for this city’s architectural assets. D’Youville is the perfect steward for that structure, which originally served as home to Plymouth Methodist Church.
Now 220 North Street is up for grabs, for $350,000. Not only did this building serve its purpose as home to many significant manuscripts, it was also used as a significant event venue for the community, as was the Porter Hall location. Hopefully, whoever purchases 220 North Street (at Elmwood) will continue to allow it to be leased for events, such as weddings, graduations, and other celebratory occasions. It’s too bad that it’s not located in close proximity to one of this city’s numerous universities. That said, it’s time to get creative.
Thankfully, this significant structure is located along a prime commercial street, and in close proximity to the Medical Campus, as well as Symphony Circle.
If there are any out of town investors looking for a prime event venue, this could be a real dream location, with limitless potential for growth. A proper caretaker is needed to continue the legacy of this stunning building.
Executive Summary
Originally built in 1911 and designed by architect Solon Spencer Beman, this notable structure, the Karpeles Manuscript Library, was the former First Church of Christ, Scientist. The architecture is a striking example of Neo-Classical and Greek Revival design, featuring a six-columned portico, fluted Ionic columns, a classic porch, and a pediment. Its unique asymmetric design perfectly complements the corner lot, and the building was recently featured in the film Nightmare Alley. The interior offers a cavernous foyer leading into a large, pillared hall with terrazzo flooring and a coffered ceiling. A lit canopy arches across the former sanctuary, highlighting the building’s distinctive classical elements. The exterior is defined by rough-textured masonry contrasted with vibrant red roof tiles and 25-foot picture windows…