City HallTuesday, November 10
Buffalo City Hall's makeover has a preliminary estimate of $211 million
The Daily Buffalo team
If you've looked up at City Hall from Niagara Square lately, here's the number to know: $211 million. Deputy Mayor Benjamin Swanekamp confirmed that preliminary estimate in a Monday statement. He said grants and philanthropic donations are among the avenues the city could pursue. Councilmember Golombek has raised debt concerns, and the city is seeking a preservation consultant.
A City Hall makeover could cost more than $200 million
- $211 million
- preliminary estimate for the City Hall renovations
- $215 million
- the high end of some preliminary estimates
- 8 years
- as long as the makeover could take
- 1,520
- windows on floors 1-25
Sources: WIVB News 4, WBEN
The project surfaced in Ryan's proposed capital budget, which the Common Council is reviewing. WBEN reports the work would start next year. The list includes long-stuck windows, air conditioning, a modernized heating system, lobby murals, new lighting and elevator upgrades.
- Size: 32 stories and 566,313 square feet
- Possible funding: grants, foundations, Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority
- Status sought: National Historic status for City Hall
- Swanekamp: the city must balance this against other capital needs
City Hall has stood on Niagara Square since 1931
- Sept. 1929Construction on City Hall began.
- Nov. 1931Construction was completed.
- July 1932City Hall was formally dedicated.
- 1999City Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Source: WBEN
Sources: WIVB News 4, WGRZ, WBEN