Restoration Experts Revive Buffalo's Iconic 800 West Ferry Building

JA Gulick Window Co. leads meticulous efforts to restore historic windows, doors, and architectural details at the Gothic Revival condominium

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The 800 West Ferry building, a beloved Gothic Revival landmark in Buffalo, New York, is undergoing a comprehensive restoration project led by the skilled team at JA Gulick Window Co. The 1929-built condominium, designed by architect Duane Lyman, features 58 unique units, a 24-hour concierge, and secured garage parking. JA Gulick, a family-owned restoration company, is meticulously refurbishing deteriorated windows, doors, and other decorative elements to bring the building back to its original grandeur.

Why it matters

As one of Buffalo's most iconic architectural gems, the preservation of 800 West Ferry is crucial for maintaining the city's historic character and showcasing its commitment to honoring its past. The restoration work by JA Gulick not only ensures the building's structural integrity but also preserves its unique aesthetic, which has captivated residents and visitors for nearly a century.

The details

JA Gulick, led by owner and master craftsman John Gulick and his daughter Chesley Devlin, has been entrusted with the delicate task of restoring the building's windows, doors, and other decorative elements. The team has carefully stripped, repaired, and refinished the wood doors, reconstructed the steel window frames, and fabricated new leaded glass panels to match the original design. The attention to detail and use of traditional techniques combined with modern materials has allowed JA Gulick to breathe new life into the building's historic features.

  • The 800 West Ferry building was designed by architect Duane Lyman and completed in 1929-1930.
  • JA Gulick Window Co. has been working on restoration projects at the building for the past 20 years.

The players

800 West Ferry

A Gothic Revival condominium building in Buffalo, New York, designed by architect Duane Lyman and completed in 1929-1930. The building features 58 unique units, a 24-hour concierge, and secured garage parking.

JA Gulick Window Co.

A family-owned restoration company in Buffalo, New York, that has been entrusted with the meticulous task of restoring the historic windows, doors, and architectural details of the 800 West Ferry building.

John Gulick

The owner and master craftsman of JA Gulick Window Co., who has been involved in the art of restoration since the 1970s.

Chesley Devlin

The daughter of John Gulick and a key member of the JA Gulick Window Co. team working on the 800 West Ferry restoration project.

Lynn Baggott

The building manager of 800 West Ferry, who has been instrumental in overseeing the restoration efforts and ensuring the preservation of this iconic Buffalo landmark.

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What they’re saying

“One of the most beautiful parts of all of this, for me, was to experience how gorgeous the units are. Many of the steel windows were caked, and leaking water and snow. Now that they have been addressed, to witness the finished product, with all the beauty and the functionality... it's like it once looked 100 years ago when the windows were first installed. That's why we love working on these types of projects.”

— Chesley Devlin, JA Gulick Window Co. team member (buffalorising.com)

“The ownership is the steward of the building. They wanted to maintain its glory, starting with taking down and replacing one of the giant gargoyles – a process that was conducted by R.E. Kelley. It turns out that that single gargoyle weighed upwards of one ton, so the decision was made to use a lighter material – Buffalo Architectural Casting used Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) instead of the original limestone.”

— Lynn Baggott, Building Manager, 800 West Ferry (buffalorising.com)

What’s next

The building management team plans to work with Aerial Access, a company that specializes in rappelling down building facades to document issues that need to be addressed. This will provide a comprehensive preservation roadmap for the next phases of the 800 West Ferry restoration project, including work on the exterior and the underground parking lot.

The takeaway

The meticulous restoration work being undertaken at the 800 West Ferry building by the skilled team at JA Gulick Window Co. exemplifies Buffalo's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage and showcasing the city's unique historic character. This project serves as a model for how dedicated stewardship and expert craftsmanship can breathe new life into an iconic landmark, ensuring it remains a source of pride for the community for generations to come.