By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The planned new home for the Burchfield-Penney Art Center is drawing criticism before it's even left the drawing board.
Architects unveiled the design Wednesday that they believe has all the elements of an elegant, environmentally compatible, art center. Flint, magnesium, limestone and glass tier and curve to create a two-story, massive contemporary structure. Architect Robert Siegal says the building presents a sculptural and earthy presence.
But early critics say the massive building would be totally out of its element. Those comments were echoed at Wednesday's event. Members of Forever Elmwood say the community was left out of the multi-year planning process. Now, they question the facility's design, scope and aesthetics with surrounding architecture. Buffalo State College President Muriel Howard says some elements may be tweaked.
"The design of the building will stand. But there's still time to deal with issues such as parking, access to the building and landscaping to make it approachable to the community," Howard said.
The $30 million museum will house and exhibit the Burchfield and other collections, and provide additional classrooms, an auditorium and art conservation labs. But critics say the Richardson complex could have be adapted for that use instead. Cindy Abbott-Letro, vice president of the Burchfield-Penney Board of Trustees, says they tried for two years to find a way to make that work.
"It (Richardson complex) will be adapted for another use. But it did not meet the standards without a tremendous outlay of money," Abbott-Letro said.
Officials say creating the right climate and space conditions would be well in excess of $100 million. That is the amount earmarked by the state for the Richardson renovation. A state-appointed committee will soon be named to decide the best reuse for the historic complex. That could include an architectural museum.