Buffalo State College is celebrating the completion of rehabilitation work on the second floor of Rockwell Hall. Utilizing space created by the relocation of the Burchfield Penney Art Center, the $6.8 million project includes expanded laboratories and specialty resource/studio spaces for the Art Conservation Department, eight new “smart” general purpose classrooms and a new recital hall and recording studio for the Music Department.
Architectural Resources collaborated with project representatives from the State University Construction Fund (SUCF) and the State University of New York College at Buffalo on the design and renovation work. The project included the comprehensive rehabilitation of the mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems.
The Louis P. Ciminelli Recital Hall is the centerpiece of the renovation. This intimate, yet high-profile venue offers a dedicated, appropriately sized space for recitals by students, faculty, and guest artists, as well as master classes and rehearsals. It houses 200 fixed seats and features a raised stage for up to 15 musicians and a fully restored 1956 Mason & Hamlin concert grand piano.
The department’s current use of the Performing Arts Center is restricted and the venue is simply too large for many departmental events. The recital hall is named in honor of Louis P. Ciminelli, Chairman and CEO of LPCiminelli Inc. after Ciminelli and the Ciminelli Family Foundation donated $750,000 to the Buffalo State Music Department.
A ribbon cutting for the project was held on November 4 followed by a classic guitar performance by Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra conductor JoAnn Falletta, clarinetist Robert Alemany and Buffalo State’s ensemble-in-residence, the Clara String Quartet.
Design Team:
Architectural Resources – Architect & Prime Consultant
M/E Engineering, Buffalo Office – MEP Engineers
LF Engineers – Structural Engineer
Samuel Anderson Architects – Conservation Architect
AVL Design with LP Swist Design – Acousticians
Sienna Environmental – Hazardous Materials
General Contractor:
Concept Construction
Photos Courtesy of Architectural Resources