Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is about to receive a nice facelift thanks to a long-anticipated expansion and renovation project in South Buffalo.
Officials gathered on Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking of the $31 million project that will include much-needed visitor amenities to meet the demands of the community, further the organization’s mission, and provide generational growth and stability.
This project is anticipated to be completed in early 2027.
"The Botanical Gardens have long been one of my favorite places to escape and enjoy nature, providing lush greenery and bright flowers even during Buffalo’s toughest winters," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul during Friday's ceremony along South Park Avenue. "Improvements to this historic tourist destination will create a space for events, kids’ camps, and educational classes to grow — ensuring a bright future for one of Buffalo’s most treasured attractions."
The transformation of this historic facility will meet the needs of the community by increasing access to the living collections and programs, while creating more accessible spaces, pathways, and entrances. With a growing demand for student field trips and private events, intentionally designed spaces will enhance comfort and functionality for students and guests, where current spaces present limitations and challenges.
The project includes over 14,000 square feet of renovated spaces, more than 16,000 square feet of new construction, and over 90,000 square feet of renovated and new outdoor gardens. Some of the features include:
- Welcome Center: A brand new entrance/admission center;
- Garden Market Café: Providing small bites and beverages;
- Expanded gift shop;
- Learning Lab: Two new classrooms;
- The Canopy: A beautiful climate-controlled event space;
- Solarium: A dedicated greenhouse for small events;
- Terrace: An outdoor patio for events;
- Horticulture Center: A transformed workspace for horticulturists, gardeners, and volunteers;
- Central Courtyard: An enclosed courtyard for protected plant collections and works of art;
- Sustainability initiatives: Solar panels, stormwater management and energy efficient designs;
- Accessibility initiatives: Including a relocated entrance with a drop-off circle, all-gender and family-focused restrooms, a parents’ room, visitor lockers, and many more visitor-friendly amenities.
"The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens are an irreplaceable part of our cultural mosaic in Erie County, and for more than a century this place has attracted visitors at all times of year, enjoying the many varieties of plant life here as well as the historic and peaceful atmosphere inside the Gardens themselves," said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz on Friday. "Erie County has invested millions of dollars in this facility to preserve and maintain it for future generations, and we are proud to be a part of the Botanical Gardens’ exciting next chapter, one which will expand the campus footprint, improve visitors’ experiences and increase educational offerings. This project will take the Gardens to the next level."
The Botanical Gardens’ mission to deepen the connection between people and plants through beautiful gardens and extraordinary experiences will be furthered through the addition of these amenities that will create more opportunities for additional programming like field trips, summer camp, adult education, community events, exhibits, art collaborations, and more. The establishment of these foundational programs and amenities will ensure that generations of families will continue to have a place for learning, gathering, celebrating, and connecting with nature for another 125 years and beyond.
New York State is providing $12 million in capital grants for the project, including $10 million from the Regional Economic and Community Assistance Program, $1 million from the Western New York Regional Council, and two $500,000 grants from Market New York.
The expansion and renovation project is also supported by Erie County, federal funds, local corporations, foundations, and individuals.
"This transformative expansion marks a major milestone in a years-long effort to ensure the Gardens remain a vibrant, accessible, and inspiring space for generations to come," said Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon on Friday. "As South District Council Member, I was proud to provide funding for the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, one of the most cherished cultural and environmental assets in our city. I’m excited to see this project move forward."
The Botanical Gardens has already raised over 94% of the needed funding for the completion of the project, and is asking for the public’s support of its capital campaign titled "Growing Beyond the Glass" to close the $2 million gap of the $31 million project total.