Downtown could lose two more small buildings under plans by Iskalo Development. The firm is seeking Preservation Board approval to demolish 254 and 256 Oak Street north of E. Huron Street. The buildings targeted are a one-story garage at 254 Oak Street and a two-story former manufacturing facility at 256 Oak. They contain a total of 5,249 sq.ft. of space and are located directly behind the Iskalo-owned former Old Editions Bookstore located at Oak and E. Huron streets. The most recent occupant at 256 Oak was Winters Sign Co. which moved to Williamsville.
Iskalo purchased the properties in 2018 for $250,000. In 2012, previous owner Devin O’Brien received approvals to convert 256 Oak Street into a one-family dwelling.
From the project application:
Iskalo acquired the 254 Oak property (inclusive of 256 Oak) in April of 2018. This acquisition added to Iskalo’s existing holdings in this area of downtown that includes the Electric Tower, 5 East Huron, 337 Ellicott (home of Big Ditch Brewing), 68-72 E Huron (former Old Editions) and 260-262 Oak Street (former Farthing Press). Upon routine inspection of the 254 and 256 Oak Street structures by Iskalo staff late last year, we became concerned regarding the building rapidly deteriorating condition. Siracuse Engineers was subsequently retained to undertake a thorough evaluation of both structures.
The Structural Assessment Report prepared by Siracuse Engineers submitted together with, and in support of our application, makes reference to both 254 and 256 Oak Street. Reference to 254 Oak Street in the Report pertains to the southern “half’ of the parcel upon which remnants of a former building remain. These remnants consist of a partial facade and structural steel. There is no roof, walls or other improvements. The reference to 256 Oak Street in the Report pertains to the northern “half’ of the parcel upon which there is a somewhat intact (but deteriorating) building structure. The recommendation offered by Siracuse Engineer’s in their Report is that these structures “be demolished as soon as the necessary permits and approvals can be obtained. “
Siracuse Engineers concluded that the 256 Oak Street building and the remnants of the former 254 Oak Street building are “not safe for occupancy and are not stable enough to support any appreciable snow or wind loading without serious risk of collapse.” And continued, “We therefore recommend that they be demolished immediately in order to prevent exposure of the public to any danger resulting from their possible collapse.”
In 2017, Iskalo purchased neighboring 258 and 262 Oak Street for $315,000. The properties are east of Douglas Development’s Simon Electric properties along Ellicott Street. Douglas’ concept plan showed a potential new building on Iskalo’s holdings behind the Old Editions property (bottom right, below).
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