After posting about the removal of the porte-cochere at The Richardson Hotel (see here), I decided to check in with Paris Roselli, the President of the Richardson Olmsted Campus and the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, to see how the Lipsey Architecture Center was progressing.

Work is well underway to expand the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo (LACB) into an 11,000 SF visitor experience that will include a new, larger museum dedicated to Buffalo’s architectural legacy. Along with the restoration of the historic 1875 kitchen building, a new foundation is also in the works that will support an 8,200 SF glass addition designed by Höweler + Yoon. Once complete, the adjoining buildings will house interactive exhibits on local planning, building, and preservation.

That’s the good news.

On the other development front, Roselli told me that since Douglas Development left the project, the non-profit Richardson Center Corporation has been put into the driver’s seat. At the moment, they are seeking $12 million in State funding to continue stabilizing five, currently vacant, out buildings.

“We are currently responsible for the campus,” Roselli told me. “Jemal was going to build out 200 apartments. That didn’t happen, and now we are responsible for a half million SF of roof patching and additional stabilization. Our development committee is seeking funding to stabilize those shells. If they can be stabilized, we are sure that we can attract developers. We are still lobbying national foundations and the State.”

Roselli also reminded me that there is a push to extend the cap of $5 million for potential “white elephant” historic rehabilitation tax credits to $15 million. This would be a historic rehabilitation tax credit for severely vacant, large-scale projects with $50 million+ rehab costs. The purpose would be to revitalize long-vacant, historically significant buildings in New York State. Roselli is working with other major non-profits such the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation to rally for the passage of the New York legislation, which is currently in Assembly Committee.

Redevelopment Scope

Building 12

Details: Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo is expanding into an 11,000 sq. ft. space on the historic Richardson Olmsted Campus, blending adaptive reuse with a modern addition by Höweler + Yoon Architecture. The new facility will feature interactive exhibits, highlighting Buffalo’s rich architectural heritage while driving cultural tourism and community engagement. Learn more
History: Built in the late 1800s as the main kitchen then later transitioned to the men’s kitchen

Building 30

Details: A one-story building with useable hayloft totaling 6,556 GSF
History: Built in 1930 with post and beam construction and used as a wagon barn

Building 38

Details: A one-story building with partial attic totaling 19,200 GSF
History: Part of the original female patient wing; built in the late 1800s

Building 39

Details: Two, two-story buildings totaling 37,731 GSF
History: Part of the original female patient wing; built in the late 1800s

Building 40

Details: Two, two-story buildings totaling 37,731 GSF
History: Part of the original female patient wing; built in the late 1800s

Building 41

Details: A three-story building totaling 33,362 GSF
History: Built in the 1920s with poured concrete and beam and slab construction; used as a dining hall

Building 42

Details: A three-story, Medina sandstone building totaling 53,182 GSF
History: Part of the original female patient wing

Building 43

Details: A one-story building with a mezzanine totaling 12,538 GSF
History: Built in the early 1900s as the women’s kitchen and repurposed for a variety of uses over the years

Get connected: richardson-olmsted.com

Also see: Richardson Olmsted Complex Master Plan – Exective Summary