By Jennifer Silverman:
On Saturday, September 28 the public is invited to join the Richardson Olmsted Complex at the “South Lawn Celebration,” to commemorate the unveiling of the new landscape between the Richardson Olmsted Complex and Forest Avenue and the transformation of the historic buildings and grounds.
This free event, sponsored by First Niagara Bank Foundation, is an opportunity to thank the public for their input and support throughout the redevelopment of the Richardson Olmsted Complex. The South Lawn is the scenic public entry to the Complex, while the north landscape will become a more active entry for the hotel and conference center. The northern entry will reflect the agrarian history of the site while acting as a welcoming entry.
The event will run from 11am until 4pm, and will feature live music by Jason Myers on bagpipe; the Bar‐Room Buzzards; the Buffalo State Jazz Combo; The Albrights; the Diaspora Drumming Ensemble, and the Nickel City Pimp Choir, with Drew Kahn of the Buffalo State Theater Department as the master of ceremonies. Other entertainment throughout the day will include magician Mike Seege and Mugsy the Clown.
Activities include the Great Lakes Kitefliers Society; a letterboxing scavenger hunt; crafts and face painting with the Buffalo State College Art Education Student Association; lawn games (including KanJam) and the creation of a Richardson Towers mosaic with Faces of Buffalo. Free outside tours throughout the day will highlight the past, present, and future of this iconic complex, with a special focus on the grounds.
The nine‐acre South Lawn was created by replacing two large parking lots with a historically and ecologically sensitive Olmstedian landscape and drive, transforming the South Lawn into a welcoming green space for gathering and recreation.
“Re‐greening” is part of the redevelopment of this National Historic Landmark – which will include a hotel, event and conference space and an architecture center for Buffalo. The first phase of reuse as a hotel, event and conference spaces, and a Buffalo Architecture Center, are all expected to open in spring 2016.
Free parking is available in the Buffalo Psychiatric Center (BPC) lot on Elmwood Avenue.
Visit tinyurl.com/southlawn for more information.
The official opening of Buffalo’s newest green space
Richardson Olmsted Complex
400 Forest Avenue
Saturday, September 28, 2013
11am – 4pm
Image credit: Andropogon Associates