Officials Break Ground on New Lipsey Architecture Center at Richardson Olmsted Campus

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Officials Break Ground on New Lipsey Architecture Center at Richardson Olmsted Campus

Buffalo's architectural heritage takes center stage with the launch of a state-of-the-art facility

On Thursday morning, city leaders and community members gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo (LACB) on the historic Richardson Olmsted Campus along Forest Avenue in Buffalo.

The forthcoming 11,000-square-foot facility is poised to become a dynamic hub for architectural innovation, offering ten distinct exhibit areas that delve into Buffalo's rich architectural history, its renowned architects, and the patrons who supported them.

"Our mission is to inform and excite visitors with a unique experience that encourages greater exploration of our region's architectural jewels," stated Judi Lipsey, Chair of the LACB Board. "Upon completion, our new home will be a spectacular addition to Buffalo's 'Cultural Corridor,' standing proudly alongside our neighbors the Buffalo History Museum, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and the Burchfield-Penney Art Center."

Currently, the LACB operates within the Towers Building of the Richardson Campus. The new center will repurpose a circa-1875 kitchen building, integrating it with a contemporary addition designed by the internationally acclaimed firm Höweler + Yoon Architecture. The design features a curving glass facade with 18-foot-tall scalloped glass panels, creating a "mirage-like" effect that accentuates the historic masonry structure.

"By showcasing the architectural treasures we've inherited from past generations, the LACB will serve as a powerful driver for cultural tourism and the associated economic benefits of bringing visitors to Western New York from all over the world," added Paris F. Roselli, Executive Director of LACB.

The Richardson Olmsted Campus, a National Historic Landmark since 1986, continues to evolve as a beacon of preservation and innovation. The new Lipsey Architecture Center is expected to open its doors in spring 2027, further cementing Buffalo's reputation as a city that honors and celebrates its architectural legacy.