AIDS Community Services of Western New York, Inc. (ACS) received approval from the City of Buffalo Preservation Board for its plans for a 21,000 square foot addition to the Roanoke Building at 206 South Elmwood Avenue in the Historic West Village. Approval of the design by Silvestri Architects is a significant step forward in this major renovation/construction project.
The new Evergreen Center of Excellence in HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Research will position ACS as a national model in comprehensive HIV/AIDS services, a model that can and should be replicated throughout the nation. Already the largest and most comprehensive community based provider of HIV/AIDS services in Western New York, and the first in NYS to build a medical practice into its extensive network of prevention and care services, this project is expected to bring a national and international spotlight to Western New York.
The Roanoke was completed in 1901 by John S. Rowe and was possibly intended to be an apt. house but because of the Pan American Exposition it functioned as a hotel for awhile. It’s done in the Venetian Gothic style of architecture as evidenced by the polychrome brickwork, the elaborately patterned archway (entranceway) and the design on top (image below) that looks almost native American is a replica from the Doges’ Palace in Venice.
ACS’ historically significant “campus” includes what is called “The Victorian” at 200 South Elmwood Avenue (which is actually Italianate style architecture) which was built in 1854 as a private residence and The Watkins building, an apartment building built in the late 1800’s at 170 West Chippewa.
The new Evergreen Center will be attached to the back or west side of the Roanoke where a parking lot is now located and will sit between the Roanoke and the Watkins facing Chippewa. Groundbreaking is planned for June or July of this year with completion anticipated in 10-12 months.
Get Conncected: ACS, 716.847.2441
Larger Front Elevation: View image