The last part in this Artspace series is dedicated to the artists who are building and installing the building’s central staircase. Even though there are only two floors that will (finally) be connected, the project is much more than just adding stairs. Artspace commissioned Jeff Gabriel, Dan Higgins and Frank Coppola to make the pieces offsite before bringing them back to create the final bridge. Site Manager, Bryan Day, described it as a focal point of two separate floors. From the rear lower level this will be the main thoroughfare to get to the common areas as well as accessing daily conveniences like mailboxes. The same is true with the first floor Main Street level. Like a high school hallway, this is going to be the busy hub that will lead residents and visitors to different sections of the building… and it turns out to be a pretty cool seating area for anyone waiting for a visitor.
It was important that the right team put together this crucial element. Instead of putting up some sort of prefab design, the craftsmen made sure that every detail was significant. From the pouring of the concrete treads to the non-obtrusive (yet sturdy) railing system, the end product will say one thing… and that is, HANDMADE. Bryan told me that the stairway system was no easy task… and now that it is finally coming together there will be a lot more action on those two floors.
For those of you who may not be familiar with Jeff Gabriel, I caught him in action installing a cool piece over at New Era a year ago.
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