Richardson Olmsted Complex

The Richardson Olmsted Complex is the site of the former Buffalo Psychiatric Center and is located on the southern edge of the Buffalo State College campus. The 140-year-old former state hospital facility was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and the grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The Complex is registered with the National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Buffalo Engineering provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection design and construction administration services for the $69 million renovation and adaptive reuse of the 180,000 SF Towers Administration Building (“Building 45”) and two adjacent ward buildings (“Building 44” and “Building 10”) into an 88-room boutique hotel and a 300-seat event/conference space. 

Building 45 houses the lobby, ballroom, meeting and reception space, restaurant and lounge, kitchens, fitness center and gallery. The largest room, located on the Tower Building’s 4th floor, doubles as a ballroom and main conference space. The 4,200 SF space was structurally reinforced and has upgraded mechanicals and integrated video broadcast technology. Towers 3rd Floor Gallery has 1,850 SF of space for breakouts, receptions and food service/dining. Towers 3rd Floor East and Towers 3rd Floor West have 1,050 SF meeting rooms for small conference groups. Towers 2nd Floor West is a 660 SF space also used for small conference groups. Buildings 44 and 10 house guest rooms and suites of varying sizes and configurations.

The existing buildings experienced significant deterioration after they were abandoned in the 1990s. Stabilization work included: abatement and cleaning; repair of roof and roof leaders to stop water infiltration; and repair of masonry and windows. The project has received local, state and national recognition for excellence in historic preservation.