Cyrus L. Gorton House / Hiram Day House
441 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York
Official Hiram Day House Web Page
Recipient of the "2012 Preservation Buffalo Niagara - Rehabilitation/Adaptive Reuse Award"
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Excerpts
Preservation Award Winner: Hiram Day Mansion By WCPerspective Posted on Buffalo Rising on Mar 24, 2012 Preservation Buffalo Niagara is again recognizing outstanding preservation projects and those contributing to preservation efforts. The Hiram Day Mansion is being recognized in the rehabilitation/adaptive reuse category. Hiram Day Mansion at 441 Franklin Street was built in 1870 by Cyrus L Gorton and is located in the Allentown Historic Preservation District. Hiram C. Day purchased the residence in 1873 and lived there until his death in 1908. Don Gilbert acquired the property in 2003 at a First Niagara mortgage foreclosure sale. Over the years, 441 Franklin fell into disrepair through a series of rooming house owners. When purchased, the 32-room boarding house required a total rehabilitation. 441 was filled with questionable characters including bats, mice and cockroaches. Architect Peter Nowak put together a plan that called for seven historic apartments. The challenge was to save what was of original value and demo everything else. A new roof, new plumbing and electrical, water lines, sprinkler system, framing, drywall, furnaces, air conditioning, kitchens, baths, appliances, and apartment washers and dryers were installed. Walnut and chestnut moldings were stripped and refinished. Ceiling moldings, hardwood floors and marble fireplaces were restored. Exposed brick and marble fireplaces were stripped and cleaned. Windows were reframed or replaced where necessary. Exterior brick was cleaned and repointed and the front porch was replaced. Work was completed in 2008. In 2010 Hiram Day was awarded a beautification award from the Allentown Association. |
