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North Country Unfading Black slate project - Richardson Olmstead Complex (400 Forest Ave, Buffalo, New York)

North Country Unfading Black slate project – Richardson Olmstead Complex (400 Forest Ave, Buffalo, New York)

By     Apr 4th, 2018
0

At the time of construction 1872-1880, the Buffalo State Asylum in New York was a state of the art building. The name changed in 1890 to Buffalo State Hospital and in 1972 was named Buffalo Psychiatric Center.

Arial view of Richardson Olmstead Complex in Buffalo, New York

During the late 1960’s the entire ward buildings with the exception of the Female Ward 1 were replaced with 3 tab asphalt shingles, which were replaced again in 1993.  Originally the main building was covered with gray or black slate shingles.

Map of Richardson Olmstead campus

Designed by famous architect Henry H Richardson, whose Richardson Romanesque style included hipped and gabled steeply pitched slate roofs.  The landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, who designed Central Park, created therapeutic gardens for the patients.

Front view of newly renovated Richardson Olmstead Complex

Over time, the buildings began to deteriorate and patients were moved to a new facility in the 1970s. The building was eventually abandoned.

Looking up at the newly renovated Richardson Olmstead Complex which is now home to Hotel Henry boutique hotel

In 1973 the Richardson Olmstead Complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1986 named a National Historic Landmark.

In 2006, the

Closer view of the new unfading black steep pitched slate roof

n-Governor George Pataki, created a board of directors to save this architectural treasure and bring it back to life. Between 2014-2017 was the first phase of redevelopment of the tower building and two flanking buildings.  The first phase of restoration was only a third of the 480,000 square foot complex and cost $56.4 million. The new tenants are the Hotel Henry, an 88 room boutique hotel, conference center and Lipsey Buffalo Architecture Center.

Richardson Olmstead Complex in Buffalo NY listed a National Register of Historic Places in 1973

In 2015, we supplied 152 squares of our North Country Unfading Black natural roofing slate (20” x 15” x ¼”, 20” x 12” x ¼”, 20” x 10” x ¼” and 18” x 9” x ¼”).

Richardson Olmstead Complex in Buffalo, New York

By     Apr 4th, 2018
0

Sheena Owen

Sheena Owen began working for North Country Slate on October 12, 1999. Started as the Sales Coordinator and transitioned to a Sales Representative. Daily duties include providing customer service, new business development, inside sales, handling all cross-border customs issues/documentation, arranging shipments, health and safety representation and social media marketing. Sheena graduated from the University of Guelph in 1992 with a BA in English and Drama and in 1995 graduated with a Diploma in Radio and Television Broadcasting from Centennial College. Sheena’s first job was the Executive Producer’s Assistant for TV shows including Robocop, F/X The Series and Nikita. She went on to becoming an Assistant Manager at Eddie Bauer. In her spare time, Sheena enjoys traveling, gardening and hikes with family and friends.
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