Electric Tower (Buffalo, New York)

 office building, historic landmark, historical building

Inspired by the iconic Electric Tower which served as the focal point of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, the Electric Tower was designed by architects Esenwein & Johnson as a Beaux-Arts Classical Revival skyscraper with 13 stories and standing over 293 feet tall. Clad in white terra-cotta around its eight sides and up all three stepped levels to its crowning lantern, the exterior features dozens of symbolic reliefs which showcase symbols of electricity production.

Formally completed in 1912, the tower served as the headquarters of the Buffalo General Electric Company and was augmented in 1923 and 1928 with additional buildings to accommodate more office space. Remaining in the same exterior state since 1928, the buildings interior was given a comprehensive redesign in an Art Deco style in the 1930's, which has been partially removed on some office floors as changing styles and tenants over the years have redesigned their office space.

Purchased by Iskalo Development Corp. in 2004, the Electric Tower was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008 which cleared the way for Iskalo to begin an extensive interior and exterior renovation with assistance from state and federal preservation programs. Aimed at restoring the buildings Art Deco style while upgrading internal systems and accommodations to Class A Office Space, the Electric Tower's internal renovations were completed in 15 months while external work completed in 2011.

www.electrictower.com/