Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 16th 2008, 5:33pm By Eli George

Last Friday marked a joyous occasion for two communities. The communities that utilize two area parks got news from Mayor Brown that restoration work would continue on their park buildings. The Hedley Place Farmhouse in Hamlin Park will be able to continue being restored in its next phase of rehabilitation and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Shelter Home will begin to be restored.

The Hedley Place Farmhouse was built in 1854. The stone farmhouse was approved for city bond funds in the 2000-1 fiscal year. Work began on Phase 1 in 2001 and continued through 2003. The interior of the building was stabilized and stonework was restored, a new roof was constructed and the building was secured against potential vandalism.

After the initial work, the building was ready to move to Phase 2, where the building would be redesigned. Architect Robert Coles did the design work and the building will eventually house the Hamlin Park Taxpayers & Community Association, but to move on to Phase 3 and allow the association to move into the building, it first needed more funds. Now, the project has received $100,000 secured by Senator Antoine Thompson and it will go towards the completion of the design. The farmhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the city will soon be issuing a response for proposal for bids on the next phase of rehabilitation.

As monumental as it will be to see the completion of the farmhouse in the Masten District, another historic moment is in the works for the people who utilize the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. They will get to see further improvement to its atmosphere with the restoration of its Shelter House. The house, whose picture is featured with this post, will be receiving a new roof and gutter system, masonry and foundation improvements, new windows and a new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC system.

To do all of this work, the city’s Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets will direct a $500,000 grant from the NYS Dormitory Authority to fund the project. The new design of the building will be overseen by the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy in the interest of incorporating the historical significance of the facility while providing modern users with updated bathrooms and a welcoming reception area.

The windfalls for these two parks will greatly enhance the quality of the atmosphere surrounding the parks. Improving two dilapidated buildings to usable, quality structures will benefit all who utilize the parks. With other improvements to the parks, including new tennis courts, landscaping, benches, tables, and picnic areas for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, it is clear that these important community centers will no longer be mishandled.