In advance of the Barcalo Factory open house, later today starting at 5pm, I was able to tour the Barcalo Buffalo Living & Commerce Complex, which is still being renovated. It has been with great anticipation that I have awaited my return to the Barcalo Contemporary Gallery (along Art Alley), which was under construction during my last visit to the Complex.
Along with the Gallery, the Complex will soon be home to a number of commercial tenants, including Canandaigua-based Frequentem Brewing Co., a running club called Pace Strength and Conditioning, and Oak & Iron Salon and Tattoo. A publicly accessible laundromat will also be added to the mix.
As for the residential component, 200 people will eventually live on-site, in 116 apartments. The $38 million mixed-use development project is composed of 8 different buildings, which are now all interwoven to create a year round gathering place for both residents of the Complex, and visitors from far and wide.
The Art Alley experience is being curated by the operators of Raft of Sanity on Niagara Street – Elisabeth Samuels and Emily Tucker. This is the same art team that once curated shows – as Resource:Art – at The Hotel Henry.
“We are so thrilled to partner with Dôme Art Advisory on the launch of a brand new project, Barcalo Contemporary Gallery (BCG).” – Resource:Art
Needless to say, by observing the photos, the gallery-esque atmosphere that permeates the complex is quite astounding. The gallerists have amassed quite a collection of works from regional artists, which can be found along Art Alley (the length of two football fields), a number of corridors and alcoves, and even in a second floor common area. The works are very diverse, and are broken up by lush living walls. The juxtaposition of modern and industrial is stunning.
When the commercial spaces are up and operational, it will be a highly functioning, encapsulated space that will offer plenty of amenities for tenants. In fact, I can imagine pulling into the parking bay during a snowstorm or a rainy day (on a Friday), and spending the better part of a weekend holed up inside with plenty to do. Commercial tenants include a brewery, a café (current LOI – cross your fingers), a gym, bike lockers, dog-washing station, cryo and beauty, a running club, laundry facilities, and more to come.
Today marks the Grand Opening of this sprawling adaptive reuse project, located in the Old First Ward at 225 Louisiana Street, starting at 5pm. Guests will get a chance to explore the Barcalo Contemporary Gallery, and learn about the exciting future of this marvelous mixed bag makeover.