Buffalo Rising Online

You're right Steel, I have never even noticed the wings...but I will make an effort to check them out. I was in one of the towers several years ago. The great visual irony of the interior is that the spaces are airy and light filled - such a contrast from the dark and imposing exterior. It is frustrating to watch these buildings decay...especially since funds to stabilize are approved. Not to change the subject, but are you following the Walgreens/Gates Circle tempest? (I am sure you are).

This is a disgust and an embarrassment to the image and reputation of the city of Buffalo, Buffalo State, the surrounding cultural district and every resident of the westside!

Drive down Elmwood and you are faced with a thriving retail / residential district faced by the front of Buffalo State and the Albright Knox. A REVITALIZED RICHARDSON COMPLEX WOULD GIVE NEARLY ALL OF FOREST AVE FROM ELMWOOD TO GRANT THE SIGNATURE PRESENCE OF ELMWOOD, CHAPIN, BIDWELL, DELAWARE, JEWITT, ETC.....

Its a travesty that they cant decide what to do with the Richardson! There are some great ideas out there such as:

-a Presidential Library for Millard Fillmore

-a Conference Center for Medaille, Canisius and Buffalo State

-an expansion of the Burchfield Penny, Albright Knox or Historical Society

-Buffalo State could certainly use the additionally space to offset its 1970s "Planet of the Apes" architecture that predominates one of the ugliest campuses ive seen.

and the list goes on but the point is that this isnt something people should be sitting on their asses about! The Richardson is more important than a grain silo or those eyesores holding up the new downtown courthouse!

Its outrageous the priorities of this city! The apathy and lack of outrage astounds me!

I am not a resident of Buffalo, but like many readers of Buffalo Rising, someone who loves the city and follows events there with the greatest interest. We have been considering a move there for a couple of years now.

In my opinion, not all the grain elevators can likely be saved, but there is absolutely no reason to tear down so distinctive a part of Buffalo' s disproportionately-important architectural/art/industrial history and add acres of vacant property to what is, friends, let's face it, an already pock-marked and somewhat dreary downtown, UNTIL there are well-reasoned plans for the elevator sites that take into account the projected development of the entire waterfront, and such projects actually have a chance of being executed.

But I am with Luke-- and I am sure countless others-- on the subject of the Richardson complex. No matter what the use or uses, these buildings must be preserved. You can count on one hand the number of cities with a comparably-significant property. These buildings identify and anchor the successful surrounding areas. The potential of the setting is equally stupendous. There is substantial money appropriated that may be lost while Nero fiddles.

Having spent some time in Buffalo and having read everything I can find about the city that is published and/or on the net, I do not sense that "The City" really has clear priorities. It doesn't seem to perform as a protector of, and advocate for, the residents, nor does it display much urban vision and creativity. Lots of reports of visits of elected officials to other places to get ideas, but not much seems to happen.

Does the city have a sort of ombudsman to whom Buffalo Rising regularly conveys the opinions expressed in these posts?

Is there a citizens advocacy group for the Richardson complex akin to the friends of the parks? I know of the Richardson Towers Community Association, but gather its interests are a good deal broader than just the hospital buildings.

Thanks for letting an "outsider" have this forum.

There's no doubt about it, the continued decay and seemingly concious neglect of the Richardson Complex is incomprehensible. However, I also don't believe this has to be an either/or situation. I'd wager that just about everyone in favor of making something of the grain elevators would be, and are, equally passionate about the RC.

I see BR as the catalyst for these very issues...bringing Buffalo together to find answers...we Don't have to settle!

We have an opportunity here again to brainstorm ideas to get this moving.

I do have a question...if funds are approved, then what's the holdup? Neurosis over what it should be used for? There's got to be more to this? Ok...more than one question.

Does anyone know what the status of the Burchfield expansion is?

What does the new builiding look like? There was a preliminary design by Gwathmey Siegal a few years ago.

Hamp--I saw the drawings for the proposed new Burchfield, and I thought they were really awful: poorly designed, street unfriendly, I could go on and on.... They are being very careful about who sees the plans, but I think the community should get in on this quickly.

One other comment on the Richardson Towers: I strongly disagree with the observation made above that this complex is not considered one of Richardson's best. Every architect and architectural historian I have spoken to has thought this is a major building and a fundamentally important one in his oeuvre. It is a masterpiece.

Just my two cents for today. Thanks!

Eric,

Reread my statement. I devoted several lines to why this building IS an important work by Richardson. It is however not considered one of his master pieces in league with Trinity Church in Boston or Ames Gate House outside Boston for example. The Psych Center is a work from his early career before he had fully realized his full talents.

Also to add to my post. I can't help thinking that Albany would never allow a major work like this to rot in the middle of New York City. Why do they think this is exceptable in Buffalo? Is it perhaps that Buffalo does not demand better from Albany? Interesting side note, the capitol building in Albany is also designed by Richardson

Yes, it is an outrage but to whom we direct our anger? Some suggestions for the building: (1) conference center serving all colleges/universities in metro Buffalo (2) senior citizen housing (3) business incubator (4) architecture//design museum (5) a combination of all of the above. ??

How about at least fix teh walls windows and roof until everyone agrees on what to do with the inside. How 'bout something as simple and logical as that so that the buildiong does not colapse.

Steele,

I still have to respectfully disagree. The impression I am getting from architectural historians about this building is that its complexity and grandeur do indeed make it one of his masterpieces, if a belatedly recognized one. I couldn't imagine prefacing remarks about this building with a caveat about its not being one of his best. I don't think there is a national consensus on that, and until there is, I am happy to shout its praises. When it comes to getting that money spent on saving this place, and convincing people to act, I think it best to leave out qualifications about its relative rank in Richardson's resume of commissions. In the end, the building soars with the best of them. Amen to that.

Stablizing it, at least...ok...what exactly can we 'the people' do to get this going?

The Psych center is a beautiful structure, and should be renovated and saved. It could be made into a hotel, or apartment complexes, or anything. It could serve many purposes. There's no reason to destroy this piece of history/art.

I commend everyone on their concern for the Richardson but no one said that they called or wrote their elected representatives or said that they were willing to call the Richardson Towers or Forever Elmwood or Buffalo State.

No one said that they would start a petition!

I guess what Im saying is that if we want to make Buffalo a livable thriving community looking to the future but with strong and enviable links to its past, then everyone needs to pick up a pen or a phone and make their voices heard.

Here are some contacts for those of you who are angry enough to speak out. Governor George Pataki: 518-474-8390, www.state.ny.us/governor

Sam Hoyt (NYS Assembly) 518-455-4883 hyotos@assembly.state.ny.us

Bernadette Castro 518-474-0443, www.nysparks.com Commissioner, Parks, Recreation and Historic Presevation Office

Three NYS Senators Mary Lou Rath, rath@senate.state.ny.us Willaim Stachowski, stachow@senate.state.ny.us and Dale Volker Volker@senate.state.ny.us

Be sure that when you call or e-mail you give your full name and address.

Sorry, correction to Sam Hoyt's e-mail hoyts@assembly.state.ny.us.

I'm not articulate enough to start a petition, or I would in a heartbeat. I'd certainly back it 110. Hell...I'd stand out on the street with a petition...if that's what it would take. I'm also the newcomer. Which means I'm playing catch up to the many issues Buffalo is facing...including this one. One thing I believe wholehearted...make use of the fuel of outrage to get things moving in a positive direction. This is an outrage...there's just no doubt about it. What does it say about Buffalo if the citizens allow the Richardson Complex to turn into the Richardson Ruins? This is a defining issue. I don't think we can take 'wait' for an answer with this anymore....it will turn into 'too late'.

Thanks Jefferson, for the contacts. I had begun to search them out last nite...got only as far as Hoyt...

I think we should further pursue the options you present Luke...and anything else that will give this momentum. I'm willing to do what it takes...just need some 'seasoned' direction (I'm still carrying a map of the city around with me!) greenant5@verizon.net

Perry...how about 'future Buffalonian'!

Phoenix,

I am trying. It's the other half of the equation-- a native of Virginia-- who is hesitant. However, I have been reporting Buffalo's recent temperatures on a daily basis, and there's been at least a little more interest. I love the cold and snow and 50+ degress in January isn't Buffalo to me. Will I have to move to Norway; maintain a separate household?

Seriously, though, I will write all the New York government officials I know, or with whom I have had business before, regarding the Richardson complex.

Make sure they know that the whole thing needs to be saved not just the towers

Yes, sir!

I emailed Hoyt, since he seems to be the most involved with the complex (and put in some plugs for other needs in the city!!!).

The Buffalo News actually printed a 1/9/06 article by Tom Precious out of Albany today, concerning the RC. It's quite forthright, and worth the read.

You're right westcoast, Mr. Hoyt does seem to be standing firm on seeing this through. I think he deserves as much support as we can give him, as well. Especially now....there's talk of losing the funding completely...according to the new article.

Perry...a couple of my friends out west who are attempting to convince their significant others to make the move here...are now talking 'summer' home...gaining interest! They're also having near record breaking rain...and here we are experiencing Spring?! Thanks for the support, as well.

Prior to 9/11/01 the plan for the complex was to consolidate the Olmsted School (at that time in three locations, now at two sites). I believe the architecture firm, Foit Albert ,was hired to do the plans. With Buff State in its backyard, RC becoming a school seems like, pun intended, a no-brainer. Teachers-in-training could student teach, volunteer, etc right on campus. I have also heard various Olmsted parents talk about a possible Olmsted High School and I would think the RC complex would be large enough to accommodate grades PK-12. Another great feature of the parcel is all the acreage for athletics, which is totally lacking with the current Olmsted facilities and other public schools for that matter...Efforts seem to be hinged on State Funding (I am perplexed as to the issue of not knowing how to spend the allocated funds - fix the roof first.!Ok, now we've resolved that issue...) Are there other avenues for funds besides NY State? Can the National Trust for Historic Preservation offer any advice or assistance? Maybe we could convince the Bill Gates Foundation to adopt the RC as incubator for the company's educational software products (what a perfect fit - a city school wth a diverse socio/economic student body and high academic standards). Watching this fabulous structure decay is so frustrating...it needs to be restored, and it should be a school.

Absolutely, Cynthia. You've hit the target here. That building begs for reincarnation as a school, for all the reasons you've mentioned. I think the outside foundations are worth asking, given the scope of the project, the pedigree and calibre of the building, and the enormous potential it has.

I am also looking into the possibility of starting an architectural heritage foundation for Buffalo. There is still a great deal of private money in Buffalo and in the coffers of homesick or affectionate ex-Buffalonians (many Hollywoodians: witness Tom Fontana and the Wright Boat-House). It would be invigorating to see a foundation that could grant funds to buildings and structures that are in urgent need of repair and/or restoration: tenuous church spires, ravaged roofs, buckling walls--we know how many stunning buildings that are integral to the visual texture and public pride of this city are out there in the cold with few dollars behind them. We need a source of money whose sole purpose is to maintain the beauty and integrity of the city's architecture so people can work, live, and thrive in the city that has sheltered so many generations.

This would not be an educational or advocacy organization; that role is performed valiantly by the Preservation Coalition and The Campaign for Buffalo. What we need is a quiet foundation with big money to help rescue buildings. I know this can be done. More later--thanks for listening!

The Buffalo News went to print on this, once again today...seems that Sat. the agreement was settled on how the funding would be allocated. 7million had been set aside, over and above the 100million, for emergency stabilizing repairs...that was in 2003 (am I in another parallel universe? or is this the year 2006?) Key word: Emergency. I am certainly glad the fire department here understands what that means. Let's hope these 'emergency' repairs get going! The good news is that the funding is now locked in. The downside...'the wings' aren't included in these allocations of funds.

OK...Eric! Counting on 'I know this can be done' (not to put tooo much pressure on ya)...will be looking forward to hearing more from you on this!

That's ok Phoenix--I don't mind some pressure in this situation! I'm working on this. Right now it's meetings with the right people and trying to build a core of people with enough money abd clout to seed a foundation. But these are big sums, and it has to be done correctly and responsibly. More coming . . . .