SALAMANCA — The demolition of the former Odd Fellow building at 64 Main St. began Thursday, April 2, part of the City of Salamanca’s continued efforts to improve public safety.

In early March, vehicular traffic on a portion of Main Street and the sidewalk along the east side of the block were closed after loose pieces from the building fell onto the sidewalk and struck a vehicle driving by, city officials said.

Due to the ongoing demolition process, the affected portion of Main Street between its intersection with Wildwood Avenue and River Street to the north and Sycamore Avenue to the south will remain closed for approximately 30 days.

Motorists are advised to use the Clinton Street Bridge or the Center Street Bridge to access downtown, city officials said. River Street and Wildwood Avenue will remain open to traffic. The closure area will include the bridge and will apply to vehicular traffic, pedestrians and bicycles.

City officials say they understand the inconvenience this may cause to residents, businesses and visitors and appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation during this time.

Public safety remains the top priority throughout the demolition process. Additional updates will be shared as work progresses and timelines become more defined.

Soon after the falling debris was reported, Magiera said she met with city fire and codes employees to discuss the situation, including the likelihood of closing that portion of Main Street while the property’s owner worked on making the structure safe.

“It looks like it’s going to be a major project,” the mayor said at the time. “They’re meeting with the maintenance guy to see what their options are and what they have to do next.”

The building was damaged in a fire in September 2024. At the time, Fire Chief Tom Sturdevant said heavy smoke was seen coming out of the back of the fourth floor. Firefighters confronted the blaze in the stairway and on the second floor, primarily containing it in that area, he said.

The building is owned by Merle Watt Jr., of Salamanca, and assessed at $29,500, according to Cattaraugus County property records. Sturdevant said there was about $50,000 in damage from the fire.

According to the Salamanca Area Historical Society and Museum, the building at 64 Main St. was formally known as the Odd Fellow Building.

Built in 1904, the building is architecturally significant as an example of the Renaissance Revival style and was constructed as the headquarters for the local chapter of the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF).

Located immediately adjacent to the Masonic Temple, City Historian Jim Griffith said the building has significant architectural features, including the letters “IOOF” spelled out below the windows and the joined rings at the center of the top cornice.

Because the building is privately owned and not on the city tax roll, the City of Salamanca is not in a position to try to save the structure.