Preservationists work to draw attention to threatened Falls buildings

All buildings matter

Preservation Buffalo Niagara was busy Saturday decorating Valentine’s in an effort to draw attention to endangered Niagara Falls Buildings.

While they worked on their efforts, I pedaled around Main Street and noticed something shocking.

The doors at the Rapids Theatre are plastered with “Cease and Desist” notices from the Niagara Falls Code Enforcement office. There is no answer at the number listed for the theater. There are two shows listed online in April but other than that, the schedule is empty.

The last mainstream promoter to host semi-regular shows at the Theater, Anita West, has taken her shows to Samuel’s Grande Manor in Clarence, a more upscale, safer venue and neighborhood.

Theater Manager Anthony Marsacci and his wife Stephanie, who ran the bar, are no longer affiliated with the theater.

The Rapids remains listed for sale. Criminal charges against Owner John Hutchins and his bookkeeper over allegations of payroll protection plan loan fraud remain unresolved. https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1711-Main-St-Niagara-Falls-NY/29714252/