By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-748160.mp3
Buffalo, NY –
The Ashford Hollow Foundation in Buffalo operates the Griffis sculpture park located near Ellicottville, as well as the Essex Street Arts Center on the City's West Side.
Last November the foundation offices at the Parish Commons on Elmwood and Ferry were destroyed by fire.
But now the non-profit arts organization has a new home. The foundation decided to move into the Essex Street site located off of Massachusetts near Richmond.
UB associate professor of architecture Frank Fantauzzi stepped forward to design and reconstruct the space. He offered his services pro-bono.
The foundation gave him a small budget to buy the materials. The West Side building is a historic complex. Renovations began more than six months ago. Charlie O'Geen is Fantauzzi's former UB student. He assisted in design and renovations.
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