In order to expand the Sustainability Center at the Tifft Nature Preserve, the Buffalo Museum of Science has been granted $275,000 in planning dollars from the Niagara River Greenway Commission. The current structure on the site is thirty years old and has been already been expanded twice, but cannot keep up with demand. The Sustainability Center functions as a visitor and education center for the Tifft Nature Preserve which is located on a 264-acre nature refuge dedicated to conservation and environmental education. As public interest and visitors have increased, the building can no longer support the demand being placed on it. The…
Author: Mike Puma
It was a tale of two seasons for the Buffalo Sabres. They lost 11 of their first 14 games. But they won 8 of their last 10. After it was all over, the Sabres finished 43-29-10 with 96 points. That’s a mere 4 points less than last season. An amazing trip punctuated by new owner Terry Pegula taking control of the team and dramatically and immediately changing the trajectory of the season. But the regular season is ancient history now. And fittingly, the Sabres will be taking on the hated Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the 2011 Stanley…
The latest phase of the Darwin Martin House restoration is in full swing. Much of the current work is expected to be completed in time for the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference in October. Eric Jackson-Forsberg, the Martin House curator, was nice enough to take time out of his busy schedule recently to give a tour of the house for Buffalo Rising. Eric has been curator for eight years and is very passionate about the Martin House. He half-jokingly said, “What we’re doing here feels like atonement for the Larkin Building.” This visit was my sixth time through the…
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) has worked around the clock over the past week in order to create their vision for the reuse of Millard Fillmore Gates which is to close next year. ULI is a non-profit research and education organization that focuses on issues of land use and real estate development. The ULI panel has spent hours researching, interviewing, and envisioning the future use of the property. The Kaleida Health Board of Directors has created a small steering committee to vet the draft ULI report and to help determine what options are truly viable. ULI’s report is non-binding and…
Monday evening’s public meeting to consider the future use of Millard Fillmore Gates allowed concerned residents to voice their ideas for the reuse of the property. The event held at Avant was rather casual beginning with a five minute introduction by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) which is advising on the reuse project. Afterwards the ULI panel went around to various groups of people to gather ideas and explain their own. Attendees were given a brief information sheet with ample space for comments and suggestions. The Urban Land Institute was established in 1936 as a non-profit research institute to create…
Preservation Studios, in a pro bono role, is currently working on behalf of the Hamlin Park Taxpayers Association to gain listing in the National Register of Historic Places for the Hamlin Park neighborhood. If successful, residents and businesses in the approved historic district could be eligible for historic preservation benefits, such as restoration tax incentives and, in certain instances, grants. Like the campaign that led to the local historic district nearly two decades ago, pursuit of National Register listing for the only local historic district on Buffalo’s Eastside will be a community-based, volunteer-driven effort. If you are interested in volunteering…
There has been significant progress in establishing the Urban Habitat Project (UHP) on the grounds of the Buffalo Central Terminal. Project lead Dave Majewski has confirmation from Paul Hogan of the Oishei Foundation that their board has approved a $15,000 grant for the UHP. The project also is receiving $10,000 from the Buffalo Green Fund and another $10,000 in in-kind services from Dore Landscaping and Wendel Companies. UHP is a component of the master development plan and vision recently unveiled by the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC).
With work underway at 701 Seneca (Larkin Center of Commerce) by Seneca Holdings LLC, the development group is firming up plans for their next project in the Hydraulics, The Larkin Lofts. The lofts will be located in the former Larkin Boiler House, adjacent to the 701 Seneca complex. Dating back to 1902, the Larkin Lofts building will house fifty-four residences ranging from 600 to 1,300 square feet. Some of the units will have two levels. There will be enclosed parking for 54 vehicles, plus storage for individual tenants, and a 37-car parking lot to the west of the building. In order…
THE BASICS: This is the American version of Patrick Hamilton’s Victorian era thriller, the basis for the film “Gaslight”. It’s part of the fourth season for the Playhouse of American Classics, which makes its home at the Buffalo Historical Society. This production runs through Sunday, February 13th. The play runs fully 2 ½ hours, a little longer actually, with its single intermission.THUMBNAIL SKETCH: New York City, 1885. Jack and Bella Manningham, a five year married couple, have taken up residence in a beautiful old home, and seem, on the surface, to be living a fine, patrician life. But there are…
Preservation Studios is currently working on behalf of the Hamlin Park Taxpayers Association to gain listing in the National Register of Historic Places for the Hamlin Park Historic District. If successful, residents and businesses in the approved historic district could be eligible for historic preservation benefits, such as restoration tax incentives and, in certain instances, grants. Like the campaign that led to the local historic district nearly two decades ago, pursuit of National Register listing for the only local historic district on Buffalo’s eastside will be a community-based, volunteer-driven effort. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with the nomination…