The Church restored the landmark’s prominent Beaux Arts façade of buff brick, glazed white terra cotta and limestone trim, which frame the arched windows overlooking Virginia Street.
The grandeur of the building’s historic features has been fully preserved, including leaded art glass windows; fluted columns flanking the Main Street entrance; and the fireplace that once warmed one of the original reading rooms—now standing as it did in 1898, beneath an elaborate sculpted cornice.
The grandeur of the building’s historic features has been fully preserved, including leaded art glass windows; fluted columns flanking the Main Street entrance; and the fireplace that once warmed one of the original reading rooms—now standing as it did in 1898, beneath an elaborate sculpted cornice.
The Beaux Arts landmark that stands at the crossing of Main and Virginia Streets in the Allentown Historic District was originally constructed in 1898 as the Buffalo Catholic Institute Library.
The library was open to all, regardless of religious affiliation, and rapidly became a fixture in downtown Buffalo. Its main hall was used by a host of Buffalo’s cultural and social organizations for lectures, recitals, theatrical performances, banquets and receptions.
As the landmark’s 21st century custodians, the Church of Scientology conducted meticulous renovation to restore and preserve the building’s heritage.
Elements of the structure returned to their late 19th century
condition extend from the oak plank flooring to the elevated
ceilings with their elaborate crown molding. Careful attention
was devoted to the preservation of ornamental Beaux Arts
features that integrate sculptural details into the architecture
throughout the building.
Fully restored to its original splendor and dedicated as the
home of the Church of Scientology, the landmark once again
stands as a center of learning and enlightenment to serve
Buffalo long into the future.
