The Superior Elevator of Buffalo, perhaps better known locally as Cargill 'S', is one of the largest grain elevators in Buffalo (second only to Concrete Central). Like many other elevators in the First Ward, the Superior was plagued with troubles throughout most of its existence. Built in 1915, it was put up for auction by 1929 and was then bought by the original owners for less than it was worth. The Superior company changed names several times and resold the elevator several times in attempts to eliminate debt. Eventually a much larger company, Cargill, bought the elevator in 1939, leading to 30 years of smooth operation for the massive complex. Large government grants and subsidies made the Superior very profitable during the 1950's and 1960's, but union troubles in the 70's ended the elevator's run.     Cargill abandoned the property to the city in 1972, refusing to pay taxes or maintain the property any longer. Superior was the first elevator I fully explored and remains my favorite. The complex is divided into 3 sections to accommodate a bend in the Buffalo river. The site itself is rather remote (for the city) so it's rare to see anyone else, aside from occasional photographers and urbex'ers. The scale of the place is staggering, a concrete cathedral of sorts. close window