Electric Tower: Celebrating 100 Years Lighting Up Our City.

       "And all this started with one bright idea"                       

It’s been 100-years since the Buffalo Electric Tower first turned on its lights in 1912, but now it has become as much a part of Buffalo’s history as it has Buffalo’s skyline.  

     Each night for almost 100 years its 300-foot tower has lit up the sky, making it one of the most recognized buildings in the city.  Similar to the Empire State building in New York City, Buffalo’s Electric Tower celebrates holidays and special events along with the city by lighting up in colors. It even lit up in blue and gold during the NHL playoffs.  The building also hosts Buffalo’s New Year’s Eve “Ball Drop” READ MORE...

Buffalo Architecture Foundation

Buffalo Architecture Foundation, Inc. (BAF), a non-profit, 501(c)(3) public charity, announces the anticipated celebration of the organization’s first event and fundraiser, Fall for Architecture, on October 8, 2011. 

The event will be held at the Tri-Main Center (2495 Main Street) from 7:00-10:00 pm with live music, great food, and drinks.  The evening will also highlight submissions to their Building Stories program featuring personal WNY architecture stories.  All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Buffalo Architecture Foundation. READ MORE...

UB Thinking Green

Sustainable, Plyboo walls. Floor tiling made from recycled soda bottles. Man-made ponds designed to capture rainwater before it enters an overloaded sewer system. Electrical outlets high enough to be easily accessible to wheelchair users. Classrooms and lounges suitable for educational programs and social gatherings. READ MORE...

The Master Plan: Buffalo Central Terminal’s New Life

By Sarah Kuziomko

Sometimes moving forward begins with preserving the past.  That’s the delicate balance the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC) is trying to strike as it races to preserve the old Buffalo landmark, while creating a space for generations to come.

     This spring the CTRC unveiled its master plan for the “preservation, restoration and rehabilitation” of the terminal.  It includes keeping the main concourse open for public space, while bringing businesses and entertainment into the remainder of the area.  In turn that will allow the complex to retain its history while giving the community a place to come together.

But before the CTRC can start updating, it has to stabilize the structure and maintain its historical features.  Years of harsh Buffalo weather and neglect have taken a toll on both the interior and exterior. While the structure is rebuilt it will continually be checked for stability and any future threats to its condition. For the CTRC this is equivalent to laying down tracks before driving the train down them. READ MORE...



New Use for Vacant Lots

As Rust Belt cities transform vacant lots into green space for growing vegetables, University at Buffalo researchers are using modeling to help assess the City of Buffalo's capacity for sustainable agriculture.

Specifically, UB geographer Sara Metcalf has developed a conceptual model in the form of a "causal map" that shows, visually, how different elements within Buffalo's urban food movement relate to one another. READ MORE...