A reader asks, "There's work underway on an old building on the Psychiatric Center grounds near Elmwood Avenue, has the restoration started?" Yes and no. Stabilization work at the historic Richardson complex is underway, but the construction at the corner of Elmwood and Forest is not part of that effort.
Crews are replacing the porch on the former Director's Residence that was in danger of collapse. It is a non-Richardson building that dates from 1904-05. The Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers currently operates an outreach center in the building. The porch work was approved by the New York State Historic Preservation Office according to a spokesperson for the Psychiatric Center.
Meanwhile, a master plan for reuse of the Richardson complex is being finalized. A public forum will be held January 27 to provide an update on the study. Details coming soon.
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So many historic and notable Kirkbrides around the country have been demolished and redeveloped (for condos and golf courses: R.I.P. Danvers State Hospital, Worcester State Hospital, Metropolitan State Hospital, etc.) And yet here comes Buffalo, not only preserving and protecting the original H.H.Richardson Kirkbride but the other historic ancillary structures on the property. What a proud moment when all of it is finally done and Buffalo can boast the most comprehensively renovated historic asylum in the U.S.!