The 19th century Richardson Olmsted Complex – the former Buffalo Asylum for the Insane – is a National Historic Landmark. It was also a ruin. The complex had nearly 500,000sf of vacant space and was rapidly deteriorating. The interior spatial configuration of the main complex challenged traditional reuse scenarios.
OUR RESPONSE
The plan stabilizes the iconic central tower and identifies core uses (hotel, conference and event center, architectural center) to be initial catalysts, anticipating housing expansion.
The Results
Following four years of stabilization and reconstruction, the initial 180,000sf Hotel and Conference Center opened in 2017, successfully rehabilitating the first three buildings.
