This map is from the Comprehensive Plan prepared by Victor Gruen Associates in 1961. The plan "represents the master guide for Lockport's growth in the coming two decades." This map shows existing land use in downtown Lockport and the Lowertown district located along the Erie Canal and Market St. The blue sections are industrial areas, the yellow are residential, the red are commercial, and the orange are mixed use. While many of the plans for development were never realized, some development did occur along Main St. and adjacent areas. Why were these areas targeted for urban renewal? Why did some businesses relocate, while others closed altogether? Click on the stars to see objects relating to the development of new businesses or loss of older establishments.

Williams Brothers was a department store located on 76-80 Main St. Founded in 1879 after splitting from Lerch & Williams, it was known for its quality merchandise, reliability, and excellent service. The store was demolished in the early 70s and never reopened. Pictured here are a blue felt hat with iridescent feathers and a cardboard hatbox with the Williams Brothers logo. 

Image of a blue felt woman's hat with iridescent feathers attached, above a yellow and gray hatbox with the Williams Brothers logo. ca. 1950s.

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Niagara History Center

Hat & Hatbox from Williams Brothers Department store, Lockport, NY

This drink token was issued by Stella's Grill located at 177 Walnut St. across the street from the Harrison Radiator Plant. The tavern was listed in the city directory beginning in 1938 until 1973. In 1974 the building was listed as vacant and disappeared after than, presumably demolished as part of urban renewal. A parking lot is located in its place. Tokens were issued by local businesses as a form of exchange, in this case for a discount on a drink. 

a metal store token; on one side it reads: Stella's Grill 177 Walnut St  Lockport N. Y.  on the reverse side it reads: Good for 10₵ in trade.

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Store token

This object is a glass tray distributed to commemorate the opening of the new Lockport Saving Bank building which opened in 1968. 

This two handled shovel is primarily a ceremonial object rather than a tool. Usually local politicians, developers and business owners were photographed by local news media holding it at groundbreaking events when new construction began. 

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Two handled shovel

Lerch & Daly was a men's clothing store that was founded in 1879 after splitting from Lerch & Williams.  After the building was demolished, they relocated. This garment bag was used to protect men's suits. 

Lerch and Daly was a men's clothing store located in downtown Lockport NY. Lerch had originally been teamed with the Williams Brothers when they split up in 1879 and created separate businesses. This garment bag was used to protect men's suits.

Standards for Urban Renewal: Demolition and Development

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework