As the second Richardson-Olmsted Complex public meeting wrapped up last night, a heartfelt applause rang out in the room. As architects, historians, neighbors and lovers of architecture listened to the Richardson Center Corporation’s updates, one thing was clear… something is finally starting to happen at the complex. Anyone driving by the site can clearly see that workers and researchers are busy analyzing and shoring up the structures. For some the work cannot be quick enough, as every day brings with it the wrath of the elements. For others, this is the first true signal of hope that we may one day see a restored and operational Richardson-Olmsted Complex.
Currently, $2.1 million has been allocated to stabilize the compound, and that means that the last of the crevasses allowing vandals inside have been sealed. Electrical solutions are also being devised that will permit the use of alarms and fire detectors. A color-coded system has been devised to show what where the most damage has occurred, thus allowing stabilization efforts to pinpoint the sources of the damage. The compiled data will also allow developers to put a cost to the restoration operation. Once the preliminary research is gathered and the buildings have been shored up, a Master Plan will be drafted and Request For Proposals (RFPs) will be issued.
The team that has been assembled to compile the research needed to move forward is very excited to have the opportunity. Jean Carroon AAA, Principal for Preservation at Goody Clancy (architects), stated that she felt that no one quite knows exactly how impressive the end result of this project will be. “The team has been walking through the structure marveling at the interior,” she reported. “The Historic Structures Report is only half way completed… we are presently conducting field investigations. We’re thrilled to be working on this site… it’s the 10th HH Richardson building that we’ve worked on and it is the earliest… we’re very excited.”
Researchers are examining copies of the original Richardson drawings and Olmsted work conducted by past researchers and scholars – that work is 75% complete. They are still looking for materials that relate to the site – old maps, history, photos, etc. Historians are looking for changes as they document room-by-room surveys, which will make the findings user friendly for future planning. There are certain buildings that have fared better than others. Originally, the wing off to the right was designated for men and the wing off to the left for women. Many cost saving measures early on meant that sections of the (goose) wings were finished in brick rather than the more durable stone. The roofs were originally clay tile even though they are now copper… and some of the original tiles have been recovered. A few pieces of the original roof cresting have also been found so that recreating them accurately will be possible.
This is truly an exciting time for the complex and for Buffalo. Let’s hope that we have a mild winter – the October Storm reeked havoc on the structure last year. The next public meeting will be held in the spring, and at that time there will be more news about the total cost of repair as well as some insight on timelines. The presenters did not give any clues as to what the future use will be for the magnificent structure. Many believe that a part of it will be an architecture museum. There are so many ideas being bandied about these days… and as we already know, much of the future depends on the relocation of the Office of Mental Health.
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