Canawlers and Brawlers with Chris Hawley

Long before it became the trendy Larkinville, this neighborhood was known as the Hydraulics—a bustling industrial hub powered by water and vision. This tour traces the transformation of this area from its origins as Haudenosaunee land to a center of manufacturing and innovation.

Led by urban planner and historian Chris Hawley of Eugene V. Debs Hall, we'll explore the pivotal role of Reuben B. Heacock, who in 1827 founded the Hydraulics Business Association and spearheaded the construction of the Hydraulic Canal. This canal harnessed water power to fuel mills and factories, laying the groundwork for Buffalo's industrial ascent.

As we ride through the neighborhood, we'll delve into the rise and fall of the Larkin Company, once a mail-order giant that revolutionized commerce and workplace design. We'll also discuss the area's decline and recent revitalization, reflecting on how history, industry, and community continue to shape Larkinville today.

About the Guide

Chris Hawley has served as a Senior Planner with the City of Buffalo’s Office of Strategic Planning since 2010, bringing a passion for urbanism and historic preservation to every project. He played a pivotal role in authoring the landmark Buffalo Green Code—a form-based zoning ordinance adopted in early 2017 that reshaped development, enhanced walkability, bikability, and spurred the revitalization of historic neighborhoods. In 2020, Chris took a bold step to breathe life into Buffalo’s East Side when he purchased and reopened Eugene V. Debs Hall—a restored 1914-era tavern turned community social club and event space that now hosts meetings, music, and dialogue around neighborhood preservation and development. A dedicated advocate for multimodal transportation, Chris is a friend of Buffalo Bike Tours and an active voice in promoting cycling as a key to urban renewal.