Trusses turn to dust as Aud’s end nears
Spectators gather as another piece of arena disappears
Published: June 07, 2009, 8:34 am
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A huge plume of white dust filled the air Saturday as the last two trusses of Memorial Auditorium came tumbling down with a thundering crash at precisely 11 a.m.
The demolition set the stage for the big finale later this week, when the final piece of the old Aud — the south wall — will be torn down.
A crowd of about 50 watched the demolition Saturday.
Peter Giarraffa, for whom memories of wrestling, roller skating and roller derby at the Aud remain fresh, was among those witnessing the dismantling of the downtown landmark. He recalled when the Aud was built.
“I used to pass by every Saturday when the Aud was being built in the late ’30s,” he said.
Joyce Freeland recalled having to sleep in the Aud during the Blizzard of ’77. She sold souvenirs there during the ’70s.
“It’s a piece of Buffalo history,” said Freeland, who now holds on to memories of the Aud with pictures she has taken since the demolition began.
Others, like 12-year-old Kyle Carrow, are too young to remember the Aud. But she, too, has taken a great interest in the Aud’s history in recent months and wanted to witness the demolition.
Clearing the Aud site makes way for Buffalo’s waterfront development and Canal Side plans, including construction of the outdoor sporting goods store Bass Pro, set to open by May 2011, according to waterfront officials.
The schematics for Bass Pro’s new building are complete, the site pad design is under way, and development officials expect to complete the environmental review process by October.
Plans also call for reconstruction of four historic streets in the waterfront area: Lloyd, Perry, Hanover and Prime, using cobblestones under the existing pavement. That project is being funded with federal stimulus money, as well as additional money that was secured by Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo. The work will be overseen by the city.
While many watching Saturday’s demolition felt wistful about the disappearing Aud, most said they are eager to see what becomes of the location.
Bob Kothe remembered seeing Liza Minnelli, The Beach Boys and Bob Hope at what he calls Buffalo’s “Yankee Stadium.”
“It’s sad to see it go but good to see it go at the same time,” Kothe said. “It’s progress.”
Joe Lazaro is hoping that the plans for a Bass Pro store materialize in the future. “It’s a new beginning. Hopefully we’re not just being blown smoke with Bass Pro,” he said.
Aud Demolition Nears Completion
jcarswell@buffnews.com
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