Richardson Complex revamp

The Richardson Complex next door to campus is being transformed into a hotel and conference center.

Monica Pellegrino Faix, executive director of The Richardson Complex, said Phase One of the plan is to create a boutique hotel, event conference center, and architecture center in the Towers Building as well as one of the Ward Buildings.

Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky said he has been successful in getting Buffalo State involved with the project.

"Buffalo State looks forward to being actively involved in the successful emergence of this historic building and developing new uses to make such a significant property economically viable," Podolefsky said. "It's an ambitious endeavor that will build on the existing vitality of the Elmwood Avenue area and potentially serve as a workplace learning site for our students. Buffalo State is proud to be an active partner in this collaborative historic preservation project."

Pellegrino Faix said she believes Podolefsky is a "real visionary" and that he sees all the possibilities around him for the college and the complex.

Buffalo State students are contributing to the project by participating on the Community Advisory Committee. Pellegrino Faix said the students are a huge help on deciding what to do with the complex.

Senior Travis Carlson, a television and film arts major with a minor in writing, said he thinks very highly of the committee, which he has been part of for approximately two years. He said the Richardson Complex has always enchanted him.

"To me, what I used to refer to as the insane asylum was the most enchanting thing about our Buffalo State Campus," Carlson said.

Carlson said he believes the castle-like towers of the building bring a huge amount of inspiration to academic life.

"I'm relieved and exhilarated to know that this historical masterpiece will not only be protected, but utilized as a way to further strengthen this re-emerging city," Carlson said.

"A boutique hotel was a wonderful idea to provide more of a tourist cove with charming class to the Elmwood district and the cultural corridor of the city."

The general managers of The Mansion, Gino and Diana Principe, will oversee the boutique hotel after its completion, expected in late 2015.

Pellegrino Faix said, "The Richardson Center Corporation chose the Principes to partner up with us in the creation of the hotel and to run it."

Buffalo State's hospitality department is also striving to be a part of the project.

"We want to work very closely with them, so that students could come and do their internships at the hotel or the event conference space," Pellegrino Faix said.

"There is a lot of overlap between our needs and services that students can provide and learn from nearby."

Both Pellegrino Faix and Campus Liaison Brian Wittmer said this will be a great opportunity for students' parents to stay close to campus when they visit.

"Right now we don't have any hotels close to the campus, so it is exciting to have a new project that is going to open up next door to the campus," said Wittmer.

According to Pellegrino Faix, the project plan will allow the college to utilize three buildings on the east side of the complex.

"Some ideas are classrooms that might need to work with the public, like speech language programs or educational programs," Pellegrino Faix said.

Some students hope the project will bring a new and exciting aspect to the Buffalo State neighborhood.

"It seems the time of whispering of ghosts and sneaky break-ins is behind us and the building becomes what it should be, another strong symbol of Buffalo's Renaissance," Carlson said.  

Jasmine Willis can be reached by email at willis.record@live.com.