The quite literal opening of UB Architecture’s design project yesterday on South Putnam enlivened the entire neighborhood. Friends, neighbors, and passersby joined the students and their professors on the beautiful spring day in celebration of the revitalized home.
In a matter of months, the group transformed the ailing, forgotten structure into a unique display of design and vision that may just flip our community’s perceptions of worth on its side.
Much more than an architectural experiment, the redesigned house at 15 S. Putnam stands as a challenge to our community to take another look at the structures, and the neighborhoods, we’ve let deteriorate.
“I think everyone just wanted to engage the community, we wanted people to stop and look at these buildings more carefully,” said Professor Frank Fantauzzi. “I think that’s exactly what’s happened. People are starting to realize these houses have tremendous potential; and that’s really our goal.”
The crowd at the opening speaks to just how captivated the community has become with the project. Many hung around the festivities all day, exploring the space and watching as the façade slowly turned 90 degrees onto its side.
The little girls from next door explored the house for hours, marveling at how they’d never seen a place like this, though it’s the same structure that has stood next to their own home for years. Cozying up to its ultimate goal, perhaps this project showed these youth the possibilities that exist within their own world, even on their own block.
With a little creativity and a lot of work, it seems we can save this city yet.
Join the people behind this project for an opening reception from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at Buffalo Arts Studio, 2495 Main St. # 500.
Stay tuned to BRO this week for a video exploration of the house as its facade is rotated.
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