BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo's Allentown neighborhood has lost yet another iconic bar. Flames ripped through Mulligan's Brick Bar on Allen Street early Sunday morning leaving only a shell of the building.
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon said the fire is "devastating" to the building and the community as the building is historically and culturally significant. You can watch our previous report below and read more here.
"Those are our neighbors," remarked Samuel Marabella, who co-owns Nietzsche's and owns House of Charm.
"Nobody wants to lose the Brick Bar," said Bernice Radle, executive director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara.
"It's a very scary feeling," Yamila Sanchez, owner of El Coquito said.
Officials said after a thorough investigation by the Buffalo Fire Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the cause of the fire has been officially ruled as undetermined. It is classified as accidental "most likely the result of electrical or mechanical malfunction."
There's a call to try and preserve the building which dates to the late 1800's.
"If we stabilize this building it has the potential for historic tax credits," Radle explained.
The executive director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara is urging the city to try and save at least the facade of the building.
"We had our engineer come, and he basically said, if you brace, if there's proper boarding and you know it can be done – it really can be done," described Radle.
The city said it has been in close contact with the owner exploring options to avoid total demolition.
Below you can find statements from Brick Bar owner Kim Rossi and Mayor Chris Scanlon:
“There are truly no words to express the heartbreak I feel for my bar—our bar—Mulligan’s Brick Bar. Following the devastating fire that occurred early Sunday morning, I am deeply saddened to share that the damage is beyond repair, and the bar is a total loss.
After many conversations with city officials and careful consideration we are in agreement to proceed with the demolition of Mulligan’s Brick Bar for the safety of the surrounding community and to prevent any further negative impact on neighboring businesses.
To honor the bar’s legacy, I will be donating items with historic significance that can be salvaged to the Buffalo History Museum so that its story can live on.
On behalf of myself and my employees, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Scanlon and his team, our Allentown neighbors, and everyone who has supported Mulligan’s Brick Bar throughout the years. This was never just my bar—it belonged to all of you. The memories we made together will always be cherished, and I cannot thank the community enough for your unwavering support.”
Scanlon also released an updated statement Monday night:
"After conversations with all interested parties, including the building owner, Preservation Buffalo Niagara, and community representatives, I have decided to place a temporary pause on the demolition of 229 Allen Street (Mulligan's Brick Bar). This pause will allow for further discussions to explore potential stabilization options for the building. Should a viable solution not be reached, demolition will proceed as planned on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM.”
"After conversations with all interested parties, including the building owner, Preservation Buffalo Niagara, and community representatives, I have decided to place a temporary pause on the demolition of 229 Allen Street (Mulligan's Brick Bar). This pause will allow for further discussions to explore potential stabilization options for the building. Should a viable solution not be reached, demolition will proceed as planned on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM."
Brick Bar is the second bar that has been destroyed by fire in the Allentown neighborhood in less than a year. Its next-door neighbor, The Old Pink was destroyed by a fire on June 17, 2024. The Buffalo man accused of setting fire to that building, John Burns of Buffalo, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on arson and attempted arson charges.
With two historic establishments destroyed in just around six months, nearby bar and restaurant owners are concerned.
"It's been like, if this can happen to them, it's like, whoa, this can happen to any of us, you know, so I’ve been pretty on edge looking into, you know, other insurances, just to cover my myself," Sanchez noted.
"It's a very difficult situation, and it's layered, and it's not easy for anyone to deal with,” Marabella said. “Just to lose two institutions like that is, of course, a loss. I don't even know that we can measure it yet."
Marabella co-owns Nietzsche's, another long-time Allentown staple, but says they follow fire prevention.
"We're a music venue, so of course, it's required of us to have a sprinkler system and boy, am I glad that we have one for sure. We keep up to date with, you know, with maintenance and fire alarm tests," Marabella commented.
Marabella told me they're planning to hold a fundraiser for employees of Brick Bar and have set a tentative date of January 17.
Allen Street remains closed between Elmwood and Wadsworth until further notice. The fire left behind more than $2 million in damage.
A GoFundMe has been created to help support employees at the Brick Bar. You can donate here.