Buffalo Culinary School, Kideney Architects
Hutchinson Central Technical High School, Montante Solar
library covered by restored skylights in the courtyard roof. Two areas not envisioned in the 1920’s when the building was originally designed were the large cafeteria (children used to walk home for lunch) and science labs. These were accommodated in new additions at either end of the building. Outside, the attention to traditional detail continues with the copper covered classical canopies at two of the entrances and the gently curved cafeteria wall containing a distinctive diagonal “diapering” pattern adorning the brick that complements the original building.
each of the buildings. Producing 3 megawatts, it is the largest public school solar project in New York State
School 67 houses a brand new elementary level program entitled Discovery, that encourages hands on learning. The architect chose to utilize the center open courtyard of the building by demolishing the one story portion and replacing it with a the cafeteria and multi-level library. Covering this space is a four story high lightweight fabric roof providing diffused light to the space. The fabric roof required very little structure and from the outside it is virtually invisible, thus not altering the historic exterior. In keeping with the “discovery” theme all the interior frame work for the roof is exposed and electrical conduit, wiring, plumbing and sprinkler lines throughout the building are left open for the children to see. A highlight is the full height glass enclosed elevator supported by four bright red columns soaring through the center of the building under the fabric roof. The JSCB project allowed Buffalo to provide its students with some truly unique buildings housing programs unavailable in any other local school district. These include a Visual and Performing Arts School with a state-of-the-art theater, television studio, art rooms and black box theater. Burgard Vocational High School located in a 1920’s vintage building trains students in auto mechanics and machinery. Buffalo also has two Culinary schools in downtown Buffalo where the students not only produce the food but operate restaurants that serve downtown customers breakfast and lunch. Recently Buffalo installed solar panels on 19 schools. These panels provide approximately 20% of the required power to
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Ultimately no one can deny the success of this reconstruction and historic preservation program. The district realizes that strong, successful schools are vital for the city to thrive. In addition, these facilities are the focal points within their neighborhoods and can be the catalyst for community redevelopment. Neighborhood schools are an asset that the suburban districts don’t offer. With this project, Buffalo has been able to maintain the integrity of its architecturally significant schools while creating learning environments that are a match to any other in New York State. l
Paul is a lifelong resident of Buffalo, NY. He spent 32 years working as an architect in the public sector—the last 25 years was as an architect and the Director of Facilities for Buffalo Public Schools. The highlight of his career was managing the $1.3 billion Joint School Construction project which completely renovated 48 of Buffalo’s schools. Paul is an expert in historic preservation. His work with the Buffalo school district involved dozens of landmarked buildings. He also served as chair of the Buffalo Preservation Board for 11 years. He is co-founder and president of Buffalo’s leading preservation advocacy organization, the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History Architecture and Culture and board member for the Buffalo/Niagara Freedom Station. Paul has served as President of AIA Buffalo/WNY, as a Director and Vice President for Communications & Public Awareness for AIANYS and is currently serving as the Vice President for Education for AIANYS.
