The Botanical Gardens Society Board of Directors has put forward an expansion plan that would add 40,000 square feet to the historic structure and is said to create hundreds of new jobs. Funds still need to be raised for the project.
"It's so important that we continue to provide opportunities for the public to see this wonderful plant exposition and also to understand the important role that plants play in insuring that life survives on our planet," said David Swarts, Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.
Holding onto the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens hasn't always been easy. Their rich history dates back to Frederick Law Olmsted's original concept design for south park. The building was designed by Lord & Burnham, Buffalo's own 19th-century greenhouse designers who were known around the world.
According to Swarts, when the Botanical Gardens opened to the public, this landmark was the ninth-largest conservatory in the world and the fifth-largest in the United States.
"Really reflecting the prominence that Buffalo had nationally in 1900, when it was considered to be the eighth or ninth-largest city in the United States," explains Swarts.
That notoriety ended very quickly in 1929 when the city considered demolishing the structure due to maintenance problems. The structure was fortunately repaired. Then in 1979, the city of Buffalo tried to demolish it. To prevent that, Erie County purchased the conservatory.
The Botanical Gardens Society has taken over the responsibility for the structure.
"All of our data points showing increases in membership, in attendance, participation in our educational programs have grown significantly," adds Swarts.
The president says that revenues will not continue to match expenses. To plan for the future, amenities must be added to enhance the visitor experience and grow revenue to ensure the conservatory's long-term financial sustainability.
If the necessary funds are raised, construction for the expansion is anticipated to begin in the fall of this year.