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Renowned architect to lead Botanical Gardens master plan

Chris Caya/WBFO News

The award-winning architect of the Darwin Martin House visitor center is taking on another piece of valuable Buffalo property.

Toshiko Mori's architectural firm will head up a new master plan for the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

The list of possible improvements includes an events facility, a new entrance, a cafe, and restoring the panoramic view of South Park from the Botanical Gardens that Frederick Law Olmsted envisioned.

While attendance is up, President and CEO Dave Swarts says several improvements are needed to handle recent increases in programs and visitors.

"We need to think about exhibit space. How do we create exhibit space so that our horticulture department can present the collection in a way that is exciting and new and different and attracts people regularly throughout the year?," Swarts told WBFO.

Swarts say the conservatory can not survive if people only visit once a year.