Museum lands $3.3 M grant - Business First of Buffalo:

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million state grant that’s considered crucial towardsz the development ofits expansion. The has signeds off on the grant, the second offeree to the project. In it approved a $3 million grant for the which not only boosttthe museum’s profile but is expected to be a major aid to Buffalo’ws historical and cultural tourisjm position. “It’s been a long time said James Sandoro, museum founder and Pending variousmunicipal approvals, Sandoro said he hope to start work on the expansionm project next year.
The project will see 60,000o square feet added the Michigan Avenues destination includinga 60-foot peak that will house a 1920s-erqa filling station that was designer by Frank Lloyd Wrigh but never constructed. The high peak is needefd to housetwo 40-foot tall copper towerws that Wright designed as landmarks for the station. Wright designex the station for a local but plans were ultimately scrapped befors constructioncould begin. The station was slates for a portion of Michigan Avenuew that is now in the middlw of theKensington Expressway. Sandoro, a historyh and automotive buff, acquired the blueprintx for the station severalyears ago.
Sandoro originally wanted to build the filling station next tothe Pierce-Arroe Museum. Several factors prompted him to change his plans and enclossthe station. By enclosing the station, it also assurews the building with be a year round destinationmand attraction. “To get off the (New York Thruway and see this building will be a big boosgt for Michigan Avenue and downtown Sandoro said. The expansion is part of an overalk $15 million facelift and renovation planne forthe museum’s campus. Sandoro is working on its firsg phase, putting a brick facade on the face of theexistiny 20,000-square-foot museum.
The brick facade, which carries a 1920 motif, will match that of the expandee museum. Sandoro hopes to start work on the foundationz and begin installing the steel framer by earlynext year. The expansion is slated to be completee by 2011 when Buffalok hosts the annual meeting of the National Trust forHistoric Preservation. “It’s important that we are read for that,” he said. Sandoro is also plannint other special events for 2011 and beyond including a display off historic motorcycles indowntown Buffalo’s Niagarza Square and the centennial celebration of the former now the Clarence Town Park casino.
welcomez approximately 10,000 people annually and hoste d more than 400 privatew events since it opened severalyearsx ago.