The Richardson Center Community Advisory Group is holding a public meeting next Tuesday, January 27 in Rockwell Hall at Buffalo State College. The Richardson Center Corporation and its consultant team will be providing an overview of work completed to date and seeking public input.
Planning
Chan Krieger Sieniewicz, with input from the Community Advisory Group, is half way through the master planning process for the site. More specific reuse plans have emerged and will be presented at the public meeting, including market findings, circulation, parking, landscape, and a mix of viable uses.
Conceptual work on the Architecture and Visitor Center is also advancing and preliminary designs for the exhibits and storyline have been prepared by Ralph Appelbaum Associates.
The final Cultural Landscape Report is complete and, along with an updated Executive Summary, is posted on line here.
Stabilization
The first phase of stabilization work is near completion. Building 43 (the former kitchen north of the towers building) and connector 39-40, both greatly deteriorated, have been stabilized and are no longer in danger of collapse. Designs are complete for work on two additional connectors, 38-39 and 40/41-42 and the project will be out to bid soon. The electric designs are complete but have been delayed in construction due to negotiations with the Office of Mental Health regarding the utility payments. It is anticipated that the electric work will take place in the spring to light the perimeter and install a heat detection system.
The next phase of stabilization work was prepared by Bero Architecture, subcontractors on the Chan Krieger Sieniewicz master planning team. This work primarily focuses on essential repairs to prevent further deterioration by collapse or moisture and elimination of water infiltration to prevent further deterioration. A request was recently approved by Empire State Development Corporation to draw down $8 million of the $76.5 million allocation to fund the next stage of stabilization work.
Laser Survey
A laser survey of the complex is also underway. Optira, Inc. surveyed the interior and exterior of the towers building, Building 45, and will return to complete the exterior of the complex. This process prepares exact measurements and details of the buildings and also computer modeling that allows the building to be viewed in 3D.
Visit the project website for materials related to the public meetings and an opportunity to comment.
The meeting starts at 6 pm. Parking will be available any place on the Buffalo State campus and also at the Albright Knox Art Gallery.
Photos: Richardson Center Corporation
"Chan Krieger Sieniewicz, with input from the Community Advisory Group, is half way through the master planning process for the site"
HALFWAY THRU COMPLETION....IM SHOCKED! WHATS TAKING SO LONG?
I maintain that the best near term use is for the Buffalo State School of Hotel and Restaurant Management to manage a conference center which can support D'Youville, Canisius, Medaille, Buffalo State, A-K, B-P and the surrounding community.
I maintain that the wings are perfect for Presidential Libraries for Fillmore and Cleveland.
I personally dont think that the Richardson will be truly restored until the 1960s Mental Health Building is demolished and the missing wing is rebuilt.
We have a masterpiece of Sullivan, a Masterpiece of Richardson (which must be completely reconstructed), numerous masterpieces of Wright (which the larkin admin must be rebuilt) and of EB Green. Buffalo must continue to take steps to rebuild its historic fabric.