Whatever your thoughts may be regarding the architecture of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield building (I personally like it), one thing that cannot be denied is the improvement to the surrounding landscape. The corporate land that falls in-between West Genesee, 4th Street and 7th Street (didn’t even know that 7th existed) has been converted into a series of miniature, lush, green, pocket parks (though I’m not sure how public it is). While biking downtown over the weekend we were lucky enough to find this oasis behind City Hall, and after examining the situation we parked our bikes and grabbed a seat at one of the ‘picnic benches’ that bounded 4th Street.
I am sure that people will not flock down to this area with picnics in hand, but the transformation from two years ago is welcoming for the occasional urban explorer. We tested out the recycled metal umbrellas that looked as if they should have been on some exotic island before making the rest our way around the property. Towards the front of the building crews from DeSpirt Mosaic & Marble were installing intricate walkways and planters, thus creating a pleasant front entrance off 7th Street. More of the blue and white umbrella seating areas had been added, creating a smaller pocket park for employees to sit.
The impression that these landscape designs give off is that the public is welcome to enjoy the surroundings. We never felt like we shouldn’t be enjoying the facility ourselves. Whether Blue Cross/Blue Shield meant for the public to enjoy the land is unknown (I’m sure we’ll find out today). In the meantime, when people grab their bikes and head for Erie Basin Marina or the Erie Canal Terminus, they should know that there is a nice place to stop along the way.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com