Author Archives: Shannon Sutton

Dissolving Working For Downtown

Posted by on
 
Dear Members of Working For Downtown,

It is with a mix of emotions I announce that the board of Working For Downtown has come to the difficult decision to call for a vote to dissolve the organization. If you are a current member (we waived renewals for 2021) we need you to attend a special Webinar (virtual) meeting on December 2nd, 2021, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm to vote on a board resolution to dissolve Working For Downtown. It is VERY important that as many members as possible can attend to reach a quorum to hold a vote. Register for this meeting by clicking the register button below.

 
If you are not able to attend on this date or do not have the technical means to do so and still would like to participate in the vote, call our number at (716) 854-2314 and leave a message and we will send you a proxy vote form that will need to be mailed back to Working For Downtown, P.O. Box 173, Buffalo, NY 14205-0173. Forms must be received by December 2nd, 2021.

Since WFD was formed in 1980 (then known as Women for Downtown), WFD members have taken an active role in downtown issues and have created various programs and partnerships to foster an interest in civic and downtown development. Some signature programs include Buffalo Bricks, Main Street Farmer’s Market, Buffalo Walks, Thursday in the City, Buffalo Talks, Buffalo Meets, Queen City Pop-Up and many others. WFD has partnered with many public and private groups over the years to make these programs successful.

Today, there are many new organizations and outlets doing similar work that we were proud to pioneer. These (welcomed) competing organizations are providing additional options for those interested in downtown activities and revitalization efforts. This has caused falling membership and attendance over several years now with a precipitous decline in revenues and interest in WFD despite our best efforts. Therefore, the board has made the difficult decision to make 2021 the final year of a fantastic 40-year run.

First, for us to do this we needed to find a new home for Buffalo Bricks. Buffalo Place has graciously agreed to take over the stewardship of the Buffalo Bricks site. Once all the bricks are re-installed, this site will continue to be a wonderful dedication to so many people in addition to the original 100 women that had profound contributions to early Buffalo. It also will remain a physical tribute that represents all the years of hard work our past and current boards, members and volunteers have made to the betterment of downtown Buffalo.

Second, we will definitely be celebrating our success with a party when appropriate. We will also be asking our members to get involved with the organizing of this special final event. Stay tuned for those details in early 2022.

This is a bittersweet moment for the board but there is no other way to see this decision but in a light of celebration. It is a very rare thing for a non-profit organization to be able to see its goals realized so beautifully. One only need compare photos from 1980 to today’s reality of downtown Buffalo to see that success.

With Fondness,
Shannon Sutton, President of WFD

An Update due to Coronavirus Impact

Posted by on

Dear members and friends,

Based on the most recent extension of the “pause” of non-essential gatherings in the coming weeks we have decided to postpone the April 22th Buffalo Meets at Duende at Silo City, the April 27th Buffalo Walk at Road Less Traveled Theatre and the May 6th Buffalo Walk at The Cooperage. We have also cancelled all board and committee meetings for the month of April to maintain the practice of social distancing.

We can’t wait to reschedule these events and get back to seeing what is happening in downtown Buffalo. Stay tuned and stay healthy!

With warm regards,
Shannon Sutton, President
Working For Downtown

POSTPONED!! Buffalo Walks – Road Less Traveled Theatre – April 27, 2020

Posted by on

In 2018, Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP) built a brand-new, state-of-the-art theatre venue in the former Baker Shoes building in downtown Buffalo. On April 27th at 5:30pm, Buffalo Walk’s participants will experience a behind the scenes tour of this new theatre space and learn more about RLTP, including their collaborations with other theatre companies and participation in the dynamic Buffalo theatre scene.

RLTP is an award-winning, sixteen-year-old, non-profit, professional theatre company located at 456 Main Street in downtown Buffalo.  RLTP challenges audiences through provocative storytelling and passionate artistry. The RLTP Ensemble constructs bold and imaginative ways to explore, discuss, and understand timely and timeless issues that connect diverse communities, globally and locally, to the commonality of human experience. Our mission is to develop the canon of contemporary voices through production of new and notable works by regional and national playwrights, creating unforgettable live theatre experiences that bring value to our lives.

* Please wear comfortable shoes. *

Registration will begin at 5:15 with the tour starting promptly at 5:30.   

REGISTER HERE

POSTPONED!! Buffalo Meets – April 22, 2020 – Duende at Silo City

Posted by on

Join us on April 22 at Duende at Silo City!

Join us Wednesday, April 22 at Duende at Silo City for Working For Downtown’s premier social event, Buffalo Meets. We’re putting together some of Buffalo’s most interesting venues with Buffalo’s most interesting people and companies.

Drop in any time between 5 – 8PM and enjoy light appetizers
and mingle with professionals who share a passion
for the Queen City!

Thank you to our sponsor, Pursuit!

Duende at Silo City
85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY 14203

Can’t wait to see you there!

POSTPONED!! Buffalo Meets – March 25, 2020 – Thin Man Brewery

Posted by on

We have postponed this event due to the isolation requirements for the coronavirus. Stay tuned for the rescheduling announcement. Thank you!

Join us on March 25 to kick off

Buffalo Meets 2020!

Join us Wednesday, March 25 at Thin Man Brewery at Chandler Street for Working For Downtown’s premier social event, Buffalo Meets. We’re putting together some of Buffalo’s most interesting venues with Buffalo’s most interesting people and companies.

Drop in any time between 5 – 8PM and enjoy light appetizers and mingle with professionals who share a passion
for the Queen City!

Thank you to our sponsor, EnergyMark!

Thin Man Brewery at Chandler Street
166 Chandler Street, Buffalo, NY 14207

Can’t wait to see you there!

2020 Midwinter Celebration at Angelica Tea Room

Posted by on

Join us on February 25th, 2020 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at Angelica Tea Room, 517 Washington Street, 14203 for our party to celebrate the passing of the mid-point of winter! With a bright, classy interior and interesting new takes on vintage drinks, Angelica Tea Room is a craft cocktail bar determined to bring a sense of the prohibition era to downtown Buffalo.

Tickets are now on sale. Click here to purchase.

  • Members: $15
  • Non-members: $20
  • At the Door: $25

What is included in your ticket price:

  • Fun tidbits – bite size sandwiches, modern take on antipasto delectables and fun crunchies
  • One free drink – use your drink ticket to try the WFD signature drink of the evening or anything from the happy hour menu on us
  • Mixologist Demonstration – Angelica’s bartender will give a brief presentation on crafting a vintage cocktail and show you how it is done
  • Calendar of events – Hear about WFD’s upcoming calendar of events
  • Socialize – Hang out with other WFD members and guests

Buffalo Walks – The Cooperage – May 6, 2020

Posted by on

In February 2018, Ellicott Development Company purchased the historic E. & B. Holmes Machinery Company Building Complex at 55 Chicago Street. Portions of the remaining multi-structure complex were constructed as far back as 1870 and were historically used by the E. & B. Holmes Machinery Company for the manufacturing of wooden barrels and specialty woodworking machinery. Now, join Tom Fox, Director of Development with Ellicott Development, on May 6th at 5:30pm as he leads us on a tour of the re-imagined location now called The Cooperage. The tour will include Jennifer Julia Salon, Hartman’s Distillery, Central Rock Gym and Resurgence Brewing Company along with other common areas which may include an apartment if available.

Registration at 5:15 PM and the tour will begin at 5:30, rain or shine.

REGISTER HERE

Buffalo Walk – One Seneca Tower – March 10, 2020

Posted by on

Join us Tues March 10th for a tour of the Seneca One Tower.  Come and see the many changes that have taken place to the property over the past two years since Douglas Jemal has owned the building.  Learn about the grand vision he has for the building and what is next on the to-do list.  Tour the new apartments, office space, available retail and restaurant areas, and common area space. 

Registration at 5:15 PM and the tour will begin promptly at 5:30 PM, rain or shine.

REGISTER HERE