At first glance, the concrete structure at 1432 Niagara Street appeared to be just another utilitarian warehouse from the 1920s—simple, solid, and seemingly unremarkable. But when kta Preservation Specialists began researching the site, they uncovered a dramatic and little-known history: during Prohibition, this very building served as the headquarters for the Illinois Alcohol Company’s $3 million bootlegging operation, one of the most sophisticated illegal liquor enterprises in Buffalo. Strategically located with access to rail and road transportation and built with early use of glass block windows and reinforced concrete, the building served both legal and illicit purposes. This hidden story was the key to achieving National Register listing, which opened the door to essential rehabilitation funding.

Today, the once-overlooked industrial shell is home to the West Side Bazaar, an award-winning business incubator for immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs operated by WEDI (Westminster Economic Development Initiative). With design by CJS Architects and National Register listing and historic tax credit documentation led by kta Preservation Specialists, the building has been transformed into a bright, modern, community-oriented space with a global food court, retail stalls, shared kitchens, and training areas—all while preserving its industrial bones.

What began as a forgotten Prohibition-era warehouse is now a vibrant, inclusive destination, celebrated across New York State for both its cultural impact and architectural integrity. Interior photos showcase the open concrete structure filled with life, flavor, and opportunity—proving that great design, storytelling, and community can turn any building into a landmark.