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.
Deborah Berke Partners Founding Partner Deborah Berke said,
“I fell in love with the extraordinary Richardson Olmsted Complex the first
time I saw it, in all its majestic glory, and it is an honor to be part of the
team that will bring new life to the complex. As an architect I am very
interested in making old buildings relevant in today’s world, and I believe
that our thoughtful and sensitive approach to this project will revitalize
Richardson’s 19th century masterpiece with a 21st century spirit.”
“Revitalizing the Richardson Olmsted Center is a gift to Buffalo and the world.
Goody Clancy is proud to be part of the stewardship of such an important
architectural treasure,” said Goody Clancy Principal Jean Carroon.
Flynn Battaglia Architects is a Buffalo based architectural firm, led by Ronald
Battaglia and Peter Flynn, focused on design, historic preservation, and
planning for higher education, housing and community projects. They have
extensive experience with heritage architecture including preservation
planning, renovation of buildings and reconstruction using archaic and
appropriate modern materials and assemblies. The firm has led preservation
efforts on many of Buffalo's National Historic Landmarks including the
restoration of the Guaranty Building; redevelopment of the Roycroft Campus; and
restoration of the exterior at St. Paul's Cathedral. National Historic register
projects include the adaptive reuse and renovation of the Old Post Office for
Erie Community College; reconstruction of the main dome at the Botanical
Gardens; and conversion of Asbury Delaware Church to “Babeville.”
Deborah Berke Partners is an architecture and interior design firm that creates
buildings and spaces poised between background and foreground, between the rich
texture of history and the boldness of the modern-day. Since 1982, the firm has
been working with individuals, cultural groups, and innovative developers to
design distinctive hotels, public buildings, facilities for the arts and
academia, and custom residences. Based in New York City, Deborah Berke Partners
has completed projects around the world and throughout the U.S. Current
projects include hotels in Arkansas and Ohio, follow-ups to the award-winning
Louisville 21c Museum Hotel; a community arts center in Manhattan; arts buildings
and a new residence hall at several liberal arts colleges; and a number of
private residences.
Goody Clancy is a firm of architects, architectural conservators, urban
designers and planners based in Boston and practicing nationally. Goody
Clancy’s work on historic buildings and modern landmarks includes the
assessment, restoration, and rehabilitation of structures that span centuries.
Goody Clancy completed the Richardson Olmsted Complex Historic Structures
Report in 2008. This comprehensive history and documentation of conditions and
character defining features was a valuable foundation and tool for the reuse
planning. Treasured buildings restored and modernized under Goody Clancy’s
direction include H. H. Richardson’s Trinity Church in the City of Boston and
the Massachusetts State House.