Visitor Center Conversion (2001)

As part of its 2001 improvements for visitors, the Graycliff Conservancy renovated the former gymnasium built by the Piarist Fathers in the early 1960's. In the Conservancy's master plan, the former gymnasium is the only structure built by the Piarist Fathers to be retained. This decision was made due to its location outside the historical compound, adjacent to the Frank Lloyd Wright designed tennis court. It is also coincidentally the same location that Frank Lloyd Wright proposed for building a `pavilion' to watch tennis in his 1928 revised site plan.

$200,000 funding for this project was provided by Erie County Executive Joel Giambra and the Erie County Legislature. This appropriation was in response to the large number of visitors to Graycliff and the need to provide for their safety, comfort and enjoyment. Creation of a parking lot and paving of the outer driveway, both outside the historic compound, were also included.

The site design for this project, along with surveying, were performed by TVGA Engineering, Surveying, P. C. of Elma, New York. TVGA graciously donated a portion of the design costs back to the Graycliff Conservancy.

The renovations to the gymnasium were designed by Lauer-Manguso and Associates, Architects, Buffalo Engineering, P. C. and Parker Bay Engineering, P. C. Portions of these design costs were also been donated to the Conservancy.

Late July saw the completion of the conversion of the former Gymnasium constructed by the Piarist Fathers into a permanent Visitor Center, `The Pavilion at Graycliff'. The completion of the building was just in time for the major fundraiser of the year, The Larkin Premium Expo.

The Pavilion provides handicapped accessible restroom facilities, as well as Gift shop, Interpretation space, and very modest office space. The facility has been designed to accommodate growth incrementally. As non-historic structures are removed from the historic compound additional spaces required to service the Estate will be able to be added to the facility. These additions might accommodate future needs for office space, volunteer, maintenance, or additional interpretative exhibit spaces.

-By Patrick J Mahoney, RA

Visitor Center Conversion Images 1 2 3 >>