The local company behind the highly rated Mansion on Delaware boutique hotel will be adding an iconic Buffalo landmark to its portfolio. WBFO's Chris Caya has more on the long awaited renovation of the historic Richardson Olmsted Complex on Forest Avenue.
Originally built as the Buffalo State Asylum for the insane - plans for restoring the 140-year old complex include buffalo architecture center, conference space, and 90-room boutique hotel. It'll be run by Buffalo based INNvest lodging services which operates 19-properties around the country.
INNvest owner Dennis Murphy said the Richardson's not going to be a traditional hotel.
The local firm Flynn Battaglia Architects is heading up the design team. Peter Flynn said it's a significant structure - built over a 22-year period.
To highlight Olmsted's contribution - the south lawn is being restored and 125 trees will be planted.
Richardson Center Corportation board chair Howard Zemsky said one goal is providing some benefit to the neighborhood.
The hotel and conference center is expected to open in September of 2015. But Zemsky said people will start noticing a sea-change on the outside of the building this summer.
Lt. Governor Robert Duffy made a stop at the iconic structure on Forest Avenue in Buffalo Friday for the announcement. Duffy says the state is investing $56.4 million in phase one, which includes a 90-room boutique hotel, a conference center, and a Buffalo Architecture Center.
"This is a team that came together in the last several years that really kept this dream going. When this is done, it's going to end up [being] 500 construction jobs that will be created [and] 70-90 full-time jobs. It's a terrific infusion into Buffalo and its economy. The beauty of this place, when it's done, is going to be fabulous," Duffy said.
State Senator Mark Grisanti says when the project is complete, it will help boost the surrounding neighborhood.
"It's taking a piece of property that's literally been fenced in, forgotten about, and deteriorated, and now opening it up to the public...making it a part of the community," said Grisanti.