The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society has received feedback on its proposed 40,000-sq. ft. expansion.
The society adopted a master plan for the future of the gardens and has engaged the community to measure and gain support for the proposed expansion. Informational meetings have been conducted with local community organizations, partners, government entities and community leaders.
The society’s board of directors authorized a feasibility study be conducted to obtain reaction to the Botanical Gardens future expansion plans from a diverse group of individuals from across Western New York. The results of the study were overwhelmingly positive, indicating strong support for moving forward on the expansion. According to the results, 94% of participants in the feasibility study had a positive or very positive perception of the Botanical Gardens, 83% had a positive or very positive reaction to the proposed expansion plan, and 83% thought that the time was right to move forward with the expansion.
Based on stakeholder feedback, research and extensive interviews, the architectural team updated the expansion plan and is currently working on developing construction design documents.
The multi-million-dollar expansion would add 40,000 sq. ft. to the historic structure which will include a butterfly conservatory, state‐of‐the‐art educational classrooms, new grow houses, expanded exhibit and event spaces, a café, a new visitor entrance and a larger gift shop.
When completed the “re-invented” historic, architectural and botanical jewel will enhance the overall visitor experience and create educational opportunities to achieve a sustainable future for the Botanical Gardens for generations to come.
Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2020 with completion expected in the fall of 2022.
