The original Erie Canal passed over the Genesee River on this stone aqueduct built from 1836-42. Large archways and stonework right above them are original. When the canal was enlarged and relocated away from downtown around World War I, water was drained and the smaller arches were built to enclose a subway system with a street on top.

All this retrofitting has turned a functional-yet-elegant structure into a hack job. The top section is Interstate-type reinforced concrete, jutting out awkwardly to support a sidewalk. Graffiti and utility lighting add to the utilitarian mess.

At extreme right is a library, built over a modified canal spillway that still functions. The added artistic effect recalls linen postcards...and a prettier era, now vanished.