On May 21 at 6Pm, The History Museum will be hosting a book launch and a film premier, showcasing the behind the scenes work that went into the rehab of The Hotel @ The Lafayette. Photographer and author, Jackie Albarella, followed the artisans and workers as they recreated the historic details of the building, under the watchful eye of developer Rocco Termini. For the first time, a detailed account is being released in both film and book form.
“I wrote the book because I had walked by this building many times and thought it was a shame that it was disintegrating,” said Jackie. “Once I saw the inside, I was hooked. The hotel was a wreck, but a wreck with unbelievable beauty showing through. I saw Rocco’s vision and had to follow the process that would transform this magnificent place. After a week or so of taking photos and video I became friends with the people working there, and every time I was at the hotel I was so excited to see how it was morphing back into an architectural treasure. ”
From the tragically painted chandeliers to Pepto Bismol painted rooms, the hotel was a complete wreck, just waiting for someone to come by and take interest. Fortunately this new book takes a close look at the different stages of recovery – it’s a multi-media documentary that paints an uncanny image of the process, from start to finish.
Designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, who was the first professional woman architect in the country, this landmark signaled a golden opportunity for Buffalo in a historic sense, as well as a telltale sign of what was/is to come moving forward. The book and the companion video are ways that we can remember the former state of the building (the city), so that we may always know how far we sunk, and how far we eventually came. “The book is beautiful and I am super proud to say it was written about Buffalo, by Buffalonians* and printed right here in Buffalo… not many books can say that,” Jackie proudly stated.
The book and video launch will be held at The Buffalo History Museum on Weds, May 21 at 6:00PM
The evening will include the premier of The Hotel Lafayette Restoring Louise Bethune’s Masterpiece documentary, a talk by Albarella and a book signing.
Book & Text by Jacqueline Albarella
Editorial Services: ME Stern Design & Communications
Book Design: 44 Communication Design
Printing: Petit Printing
*Introduction by Kelly Hayes McAlonie, AIA, LEED AP and noted Bethune expert