Link to February 19 Buffalo News article.

Excerpt: Boarded-up buildings are common sights in many Buffalo neighborhoods.

But not on Niagara Square, across the street from City Hall.

The board-ups are usually burned out homes or decaying structures — not one of downtown's most recognizable icons.

Work crews began installing plywood sheets over windows on the first floor of the recently mothballed Statler Towers on Friday. Some pedestrians did double takes as crews hauled large panels of wood from a nearby truck and proceeded to board up the facade.

"It looks pretty tacky," said Sharon Hunter. "It's all very sad."