Douglas Development didn’t have approval for massive Josh Allen banner

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) – The massive Gatorade ad featuring Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen that can be seen on the Niagara Square side of Statler Tower may not have gotten the proper approval to be put up.

Douglas Development filed a permit application to put up the temporary banner in late August, but a city spokesperson tells WBEN the company erected the banner before receiving the permit.

The city issued Douglas Development an Order to Remedy on Monday, which requires them to obtain a permit, though the banner may remain up in the meantime.

The ad is a temporary mural covering most of the windows on the side of the building and is made of vinyl. It doesn’t require Preservation Board approval since it’s a temporary sign that does not affect the exterior of the property.

The city spokesperson told WBEN that the temporary banner is bolted into mortar joints, and any holes will be repointed as part of the ongoing restoration of the historic building. The owner discussed the installation with their preservation consultant and New York State Historic Preservation to confirm that bolting into the mortar joints wouldn’t impact the historical material.

Douglas Development will need a zoning variance for the temporary banner. The next city zoning board meeting isn’t until October.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story...