Main Street.
Buffalo, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2024
Main Street is Buffalo, New York's historic thoroughfare, originally surveyed in the late 18th century from an ancient Native American trail. It has been central to the city's growth, serving as its primary hub for commerce, banking, and entertainment.
History and Evolution
Transportation Hub: Since the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, the street's southern end became a vital transportation center, connecting lake vessels with the canal system, and later with railroads and streetcars.
Commercial and Social Center: Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the street solidified its role as the city's premier retail destination, featuring grand department stores (like AM&As and Hengerer's), major banks, and the residences of the social elite.
Theatre District: The 600 and 700 blocks of Main Street flourished as Buffalo's Theatre District, featuring iconic venues like Shea's Buffalo Theatre, which continues to host Broadway shows today.
Current Status and Features
Infrastructure and Traffic: A downtown section of the street was closed to car traffic in 1985 to accommodate the above-ground portion of the Metro Rail (light rail). However, a project called "Cars Sharing Main Street" has been gradually restoring vehicular access to this central corridor.
Activity Centers: Main Street remains a crucial urban axis, particularly in the areas around:
Lafayette Square: A civic center.
Canalside: The revitalized waterfront area.
Theatre District: Featuring art galleries, restaurants, and performance venues.
Historical Divide: Historically, Main Street has often been viewed as a social and economic dividing line in Buffalo, with noticeable contrasts between neighborhoods located to the east and west of the street.
Main Street.
Buffalo, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2024
Main Street is Buffalo, New York's historic thoroughfare, originally surveyed in the late 18th century from an ancient Native American trail. It has been central to the city's growth, serving as its primary hub for commerce, banking, and entertainment.
History and Evolution
Transportation Hub: Since the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, the street's southern end became a vital transportation center, connecting lake vessels with the canal system, and later with railroads and streetcars.
Commercial and Social Center: Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the street solidified its role as the city's premier retail destination, featuring grand department stores (like AM&As and Hengerer's), major banks, and the residences of the social elite.
Theatre District: The 600 and 700 blocks of Main Street flourished as Buffalo's Theatre District, featuring iconic venues like Shea's Buffalo Theatre, which continues to host Broadway shows today.
Current Status and Features
Infrastructure and Traffic: A downtown section of the street was closed to car traffic in 1985 to accommodate the above-ground portion of the Metro Rail (light rail). However, a project called "Cars Sharing Main Street" has been gradually restoring vehicular access to this central corridor.
Activity Centers: Main Street remains a crucial urban axis, particularly in the areas around:
Lafayette Square: A civic center.
Canalside: The revitalized waterfront area.
Theatre District: Featuring art galleries, restaurants, and performance venues.
Historical Divide: Historically, Main Street has often been viewed as a social and economic dividing line in Buffalo, with noticeable contrasts between neighborhoods located to the east and west of the street.