The Fairfield Library, already a landmark in the hearts and minds of thousands of Buffalonians, is poised to become an officially designated city landmark. Unless, of course, a developer has his way. The building has been vacant since 2005, when Erie County closed the branch. The building stands prominently on a sweep of green lawn at Amherst and Fairfield streets in Parkside, a familiar landmark for over 100 years, even for those who never walked in its doors. The building opened as a Unitarian Church in 1897. Designed by eminent architect, Parkside resident, and Unitarian Willam Sydney Wicks, the structure is a unique Classical Revival building with cedar shingle siding. 

 

While the closing of the library still stings, the original agreement between the City and the County is what has been holding the building back from appropriate maintenance.  Once the county closed the library, its obligation to maintain it shifted to the city. The City, already the landlord of over 7,000  vacant properties, has been negligent in its upkeep. Neighbors have been mowing the lawn, picking up trash and keeping watch. It was only this summer the Department of Real Estate had the money to put up a simple For Sale sign.