Just a day after getting lambasted by Donn Esmonde, City Hall has announced that there is going to be a $20,000 overhaul conducted on its Observation Deck and the surrounding area. According to The Mayor, the news article and the announcement were simply ironic, and the improvements were scheduled to take place regardless. Whatever prompted the action to take place, it’s good news for anyone who takes the time to visit the architectural masterpiece.
Last year clear panels were placed around the exterior of the Observation Deck despite prompting from some that the look would appear out-of-place (and the maintenance would be difficult). The year before there was an attempt to incorporate an actual art gallery into a space close to the deck. That was a short-lived project, but it did give visitors the ability to explore more than just the outside area at the top of the building. Considering that there is no public restaurant in the entire city (that I am aware of) located at the top of a tall building, maybe that could be something that City Hall would consider. I bet a sandwich shop would be successful considering the number of city workers in the building too.
Prompted by The City, the Buffalo Arts Commission will be integral in securing historical and contemporary photography as well as interpretive signage so that visitors can learn about the history of the building. There will also be a stepped-up maintenance program implemented into future daily maintenance schedules. According to The Mayor, City Hall is undergoing a three-phase, $11.1 million restoration effort that will ultimately preserve the building for future generations of Buffalonians (and visitors) to enjoy. Combined with the stepped up interior improvement policies, City Hall will certainly be looking up.