Buffalo ReUse: on the Move
Constant movement is the most apparent character trait of Buffalo ReUse Executive Director, Michael Gainer. Even with a broken pinky, having a conversation with him is a bit like trailing a two year old. The continuous evolution that comes with this energy is probably what has made him capable of accomplishing as much as he has since he established Buffalo ReUse only one year ago.
In that year Buffalo ReUse has successfully gotten their message out to the Western New York community – that the deconstruction of structures that must be taken down, and reuse of the salvaged building materials, is much more environmentally friendly than wasteful demolition.
Beyond that, it is Gainer’s hope that as Buffalo ReUse grows, the act of taking down a house or a building expands to engagement with a neighborhood, and the empowerment of those neighbors. He wants the people living around a home he takes down because it has been neglected or forgotten to say about the that property, “This is our space and we’re going to make it better.”
His vision integrates the beautification of any lot in the City of Buffalo where he takes down a home, so that each block he works on may, “feel like a more livable community.” When a building comes down under the guidance of Buffalo ReUse, it is done with people, and the human spirit can add a lot more to a community than a bulldozer. The event cosponsored two weeks ago with 50 Women with a Vision is an example of this kind of energy coming together to build an Art Park at the corner of Woodlawn and Jefferson Avenues.
When I spoke with Michael Gainer last week, we met at the warehouse they are moving into on Northampton Street, three blocks from Artspace. Turning off Main Street, you can’t help but feel the synergy of the beautiful new-build components of Artspace, and the stately Victorian homes in the first block of Northampton, down to a spacious building for ReUse. The weekend before had been spent cleaning the yard and transporting materials over from their current building on Ellicott Street. The new space will allow for the collection of useful materials for resale, and a community space and art gallery upstairs. They will be opening the building on Northampton to the public in the spring of 2008.
Last Wednesday ReUse was preparing for a busy few weeks, they were opening their first art exhibit (see post by Newell here), and they were deconstructing homes in Hamburg and South Buffalo, and were on their way to a 3 day training in Rochester, as well as expecting a visit from the Sundance Channel to document their work.
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halljd39
When I am in a position to buy a home, in the City of course, I would be interested in looking at Buffalo ReUSE for parts or other types of hardware. I think I saw some flooring on their website, among other things.
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fredrico
I keep reading on BRO, the Buffalo News, Artvoice, etc. that they need volunteers - but- I have emailed them on at least 4 different occasions and have never heard anything back.
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fredrico
P.S. One of the times I tried to volunteer was through their own site - they have an icon you can press if you wish to volunteer. I clicked on it and left my information but never received a response.
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MRodgers
fINALLY, SOMEONE THAT REALIZES THE DEFINITION OF DECONSTRUCTION IS NOT JUST DEMOLITION AS A SLOW PROCESS! Sorry about the caps lock, but we have had many who have attemptd to define deconstruction within their own image and likeness and even a few who have attempted to get a store going. I'm not criticizing Habitat here - they do a good job - BUT - this is TRUE recycling via deconstruction. Michael - I'll see you soon, can't wait to puruse your wares.
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halljd39
fredrico - are you interested in volunteering for something? Let me know. The Buffalo Central Terminal would love if you could volunteer there! Just let me know.
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halljd39
What are the new hours at the Buffalo ReUse center? Are they the same as listed on their website?
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SLEEPL8
halljd39...how are you involved with the Central Terminal and what types of work do you need volunteers for?
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SilentMajority
Nothing but positives here. I hope the word has gotten around to area contractors... and this becomes more than just a place where do-it-yourselfers can find cheap materials and hostorical bits. I hope also that they will save some of the real treasures for themselves. I would love to see some sort of museum/space showcasing the history of Buffalo craftsmenship and building. An art exibit is a good start.
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SilentMajority
ooh... and it would be cool to see some of the salvaged materials incorporated into their new building... along with a note to say where it came from.
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halljd39
I went to the Rochester ReUSE website, and they really did a nice job with the property. With some paint this building could be very attractive.
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chiknlil
fredrico - I had the same experience. It seems to me that they are over their heads in terms of administration and coordination. I would like to see them get their stuff together because this is a great project with a lot of potential; however it seems to me more of the 'michael gainer' show with a supporting cast of a few loyal followers. Everyone else is disposable because there is an ample supply of volunteers willing to help.
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Andrzej
Not so long ago, I heard that ReUse was moving into a building in Broadway-Fillmore. I was waiting for the grand opening and then this. What happened ?
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halljd39
chiknlil - read my reply to fredrico above :-)
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cseawell
If you've been trying to volunteer for Buffalo ReUse, please visit our BLOG http://www.buffaloreuse.wnymedia.net/ or MYSPACE http://www.myspace.com/buffaloreuse ; we've been sending out requests for several on-going projects these last few weeks. This week we are deconstructing a house, doing a TV program with Sundance and sprucing up our soon-to-be-new warehouse. Our hours for the Ellicott warehouse are still Sundays from 11-4pm at 459 Ellicott (our Northampton location is not operational yet). We try to update our volunteer e-mail list as frequently as possible, but you're always welcome to CALL 716-885-4131 IN FACT, if you'd like to volunteer, we need "shoppers" in the 459 Ellicott Warehouse from 11-1pm THIS THURSDAY while Sundance is filming. We hope to see you soon! Sincerely, Caesandra
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georgethomasapfel
If you can't come Thursday, come to the new location at 298 Northampton 10a-4p this Sunday October 28 and November 4th and help move into the new digs.
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SilentMajority
Buffalo ReUse needs to reach out to the UB School of Architecture. Large pool of potential volunteers as well as sponshership opportunity. I can envision some sort of Deconstruction 101 as part of the course load. What's the best way to learn how something works? Take it apart!
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artbuff
The location at Broadway Fillmore did not work out once the potential code issues were investigated. THe Northampton location will ultimately transfer into Buffalo ReUse's needs more efficiently, and offers more space.
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buffaloreuse
Well. i'll be the first to admit that our "systems" are far from perfect...we're still creating...improving...and learning. We've been powered by volunteers and an amazing board that have gone above and beyond since day 1...and we are complemented by a committed and hard-working staff that is innovating deconstruction in Buffalo. A huge, enormous thanks to a crew that I so enjoy working with each day...Kevin, Jon, Jason, and Caesandra...
Maybe you visited Re-ART...that event was a huge success and I thank Caesandra, our logistics czar and a totally together crew of volunteers that pulled together food..thanks mary and laura, music...thanks jessica, art hanging...mike, tamara, love, and sherry, publicity...thanks kim, set-up and clean-up...andy, robert, whitney, darren, and hospitality...thank you to all that i may have forgotten...it's was an amazing effort and i'm so grateful to all those that pitched in...
Maybe you've been down to our store on any given Sunday...at 459 Ellicott Street...soon moving to 298 Northampton...we always have a few folks cleaning, processing materials, organizing...Ian, Teresa, and Rafi...a heartfelt thanks...
The past 3 weekends...we've had volunteers out beautifying abandoned lots, cleaning the lumber yard at our soon to be store...and last weekend helping to prepare our new store for customers in the next couple of weeks...thanks amanda, sherry, darren, rafi, and all others...
We have volunteers that help maintain our blog and myspace...that shoot youtube videos...that developed promotional materials...and constantly network with others about our efforts...thank you thank you dan, jess, mike f., andrew, kim...
Folks that offer technical expertise...thanks george, annette, cynnie...and all the amazing folks that i call on with great regularity for advice...
There are more...more than i can list here...a big thanks...
We're going to troubleshoot the issues identified above...like i said we're growing, we have a lot to do and a lot to juggle as we get started...your patience is appreciated, but your feedback is also encouraged and welcome...if you know of problems...send me an email directly(buffaloreuse@gmail.com) and i'll make sure we take care of it...but if you want to volunteer...just come join us...we frequently update our blog and myspace, i send out frequent email updates with opportunities to get involved (sign up on our website...we finally have the bugs worked out of our e-news network...right on George)...you may not get a personal phone call always, but we try to be diligent about following up...just jump in...take initiative...and good things will happen...we definitely need you...and it is my goal each day that those that contribute to this effort are appreciated for their time and commitment...
Onward, Michael
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Andrzej
Good luck wherever you're located, artbuff.
ag
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fredrico
Ok- I will volunteer as a shopper on thursday between 11 - 1 pm. I would love to help the Central Terminal too - what a great cause - but I don't know how many hours I have to give - I will try.
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halljd39
fredrico - normally the work parties are on Saturday. Just email me if you are still interested.
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