One of the city’s oldest homes was destroyed by fire Monday evening.  The five-bay center entrance home at 574-8 Michigan Avenue dates to the early-1800s.  It had been listed for sale with two of its neighbors with a $69,000 asking price earlier this year. 

Scott Glasgow is familiar with the property.  He says the house is a twin to his Black Rock home that he restored.  Both were built in the Federal Style but with a Greek Revival styled entrance. 

The fire was noted in The Buffalo News on Tuesday:

Fire investigators were still searching late Monday for the cause of a raging fire on Michigan Avenue that caused $100,000 damage, fire officials reported.

The blaze in the 2 1/2-story building at 578 Michigan Ave. was reported at about 6:15 p. m. Fire officials said the fire started on the front porch and extended into the building.

About 30 minutes into battling the blaze, firefighters were forced outside to perform an exterior attack. There were no reports of injuries.

“I stopped by today, the house is a total loss,” says Glasgow.  “This was one of only four center entrance Federal Style houses left in the city.  A shame to see this in ruin, I think it had real potential.”

“Looking at the construction exposed by the fire showed signs of early construction,” says Glasgow.  “The hand hewn timber frame and split lath, as opposed to sawn, indicate the house was constructed prior to 1840, earlier than my previous estimate.”

“The house is so similar to my own (circa 1830-35) in construction, proportion, and detail,” add Glasgow.  “The center stair, layout, and front door surround are also almost identical.”

Photos by Scott Glasgow

Glasgow’s Black Rock residence: