Concrete-Central Elevator

The Concrete-Central Elevator extends for a quarter mile along the Buffalo River, featuring five sections with 268 storage bins for grain transfer operations.

Built between 1915 and 1917, this grain elevator held the title of largest transfer facility in the world, with construction methods kept secret during World War I.

The structure represents the technological evolution of grain storage systems in the United States, marking a transition from wooden to concrete industrial architecture.

The facility maintained capabilities to unload three lake freighters while simultaneously loading four canal boats and 85 rail cars for efficient grain distribution.

The elevator contained specialized machinery that could process 4.5 million bushels of grain and handle 20 railroad cars per hour through its advanced loading system.

Location: Buffalo

Inception: 1915

Made from material: concrete

Address: 175 Buffalo River

GPS coordinates: 42.86028,-78.85556

Latest update: September 23, 2025 14:24