Restoration of Reflecting Pool at Kleinhans Music Hall is Symbolic Gesture for Buffalo

The reflecting pool at Kleinhans Music Hall has been fully restored, culminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday that celebrated the completion of this significant rehabilitation project.

 

In addition to the pool's restoration, a commemorative plaque now adorns the grounds, officially naming it The Stenclik Family Reflecting Pool, honoring the generous contributions of the Stenclik family.

 

This endeavor is part of a broader $15 million renovation initiative, supported by $9 million in New York State funds, aimed at preserving the National Historic Landmark. The 17,000-square-foot pool underwent extensive work, including draining, resurfacing, relining, and refilling, thereby reinstating one of Saarinen's architectural masterpieces to its former glory.

 

Originally designed by the father-and-son team of Eliel and Eero Saarinen during the hall's 1940 construction, the reflecting pool was filled in and converted into a lawn in 1956. It was reimagined in 2001 with a shallower, three-inch-deep design featuring a concave floor to create the illusion of greater depth.

 

The 2001 restoration of the reflecting pool coincided with Buffalo's broader resurgence. The loss of this architectural feature in 1956 was a poignant symbol of the city's challenges, as many landmarks faced neglect. Preservation efforts gained momentum in the 1960s, leading to the establishment of the City of Buffalo's Preservation Board in 1976. It took another 25 years before the lawn was reconverted into a reflecting pool, a moment that resonated deeply with the community's renewed commitment to preservation.

 

This project was made possible through the support of the City of Buffalo, Erie County, and Assemblyman Jon Rivera, along with the generous contributions from the Stenclik Family Charitable Fund and Aleron CEO Scott Stenclik and his wife, Rachel.

 

Attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Scott and Rachel Stenclik, New York State Senator April Baskin, Buffalo Common Council member David Rivera, WNY Chief of Staff for Governor Hochul Bonnie Lockwood, Kleinhans Board Chair Jeremy Oczek, and Buffalo DPW representative Francisco Guzman.

 

The restoration of the reflecting pool at Kleinhans Music Hall stands as a testament to Buffalo's dedication to preserving its rich architectural heritage and cultural landmarks.