When location scouts came to Buffalo to find places to film the 1940s courtroom drama "Marshall," they had a lot of early 20th century buildings to choose from.
But there would be no better space than 230 North Street to recreate Thurgood Marshall's bedroom. Funnily enough, representatives of the film accidentally stumbled upon it, according to the building's owner Myron Robbins.
In a behind-the-scenes tour of the set and the building, Robbins told 7 Eyewitness News the building was where the late great Buffalo architect EB Green once lived. It was built between 1914-1917.
"This particular commission he did for himself. This was to be his home," Robbins said.
Robbins purchased the building in the 1980s, and has spent the past 30 years restoring the building.
Large stone gargoyles sit watch at the grand archway entrance. Inside, the apartment unit being used for the film is fit with original walnut and oak doors, ornate brass fixtures and original chandeliers from the 1920s.
"Green was a very innovative person for his time. A real genius. He put central vacuum cleaner in. On the lower level, he had a drying room where the day maids could do the laundry," Robbins said.
Another scene of the movie is set in the building's courtyard; a stunning communal green space that is enjoyed by the real-life tenants of this building.
The "Marshall" crew need only fill the space with furniture of that era to make it a very believable time warp.
A city masterpiece, fit for the silver screen.
