BUFFALO, NY — The first phase of redevelopment of the Richardson Olmsted Complex, a National Historic Landmark in Buffalo, is underway. About one-third of the 480,000 square foot, 140 year old complex will be adaptively reused as a boutique hotel, event and conference space, and Buffalo Architecture Center.
The design team, including Flynn Battaglia Architects (Buffalo) together with Deborah Berke Partners (NYC) and Goody Clancy (Boston), has been commissioned to develop the design.
The redesign and adaptive reuse of H.H. Richardson’s Richardson Olmsted Complex is both a significant privilege and a considerable challenge, how to reveal the silk purse hiding behind the sow’s ears of neglect and deterioration,” Flynn Battaglia Architects Design Principal Peter Flynn said. “The design team looks forward to rehabilitating another of our regions’ National Historic Landmarks.”
The $56.4 million renovation is a three year project, comprised of an eight month design phase, eight month document production and bidding phase, and a 20 month construction phase. Once completed, the project will create up to 90 permanent full time jobs.
The former Buffalo State Hospital is a complex of eight interconnected buildings designed between 1869 and 1872 by Henry Hobson Richardson in collaboration with landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Construction of the complex was completed in 1895. The complex was originally eleven buildings and four isolated service buildings on 203 acres which now has been reduced to 93 acres with the Buffalo Psychiatric Center accessing the eastern side of the site and Buffalo State SUNY on the north. “As an architect, living in Buffalo, I have long admired the design of this complex and its significant contribution to our skyline. Due to its original use and history the interior has been largely hidden from view. It will be exciting to open it up to public access and celebrate Richardson’s monumental design” said Peter Flynn.
Read the entire story here: Press Release