PRESERVATIONISTS SEEK TO BLOCK VOELKER’S DEMOLITION

Plans to demolish Voelker’s Bowling Center in Buffalo, N.Y., have been met with opposition by local preservationists.

The structure was built in 1892, and originally was a hotel and tavern. Bowling was introduced to the facility in 1941.

“We’ve heard from many of our members on how important the bowling alley was to their personal history and the Buffalo experience in general,” Christiana Limniatis, director of preservation services for Preservation Buffalo Niagara, told the Buffalo News. She labeled the proposed demolition “troubling.”

While the board can recommend denial of the demolition plans, the final decision still lies with the city’s Common Council.