About Us

Rehabilitation of the Complex is the mission of the Richardson Center Corporation, a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Board’s vision statement informs the rehabilitation process.  The Richardson Architecture Center board, also a not for profit 501(c)(3), oversees the development of the Architecture and Visitor Center.   Members of both boards are knowledgeable about Buffalo and have the spirit to do what it takes to move this project forward.

Richardson Center Corporation Vision Statement

We envision the rehabilitation of the National Historic Landmark H. H. Richardson Complex (the former Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane), comprised of the H. H. Richardson-designed buildings and Frederick Law Olmsted-designed grounds, to be the crowning jewel of a mixed-use, multi-purpose civic campus of public and private activities.

By combining contemporary ideas with our 19th century inheritance, we will create to the highest standards a nationally significant, 21st century, economically self-sustaining and environmentally sound Richardson Complex as a place for architectural, educational, cultural, and recreational activities for the benefit of the residents of and visitors to the Richardson Community, the Museum District, the Elmwood Village, and the entire Buffalo Niagara Region.

Richardson Architecture Center, Inc. Vision Statement

The Buffalo Olmsted Richardson Architecture Center celebrates our region’s architecture, design, landscaping and cultural institutions.  The center provides a setting for the public to learn and understand the artifacts, stories and significance of Buffalo’s more than 200 years of world class architecture and urban design.

Located in the towers building of the National Historic Landmark, H.H. Richardson-designed former “Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane,” the center, recognizing the special place in which it resides, exhibits the history of society’s seeking to heal mental illness here for more than 125 years. 

The center will feature a visitor center to orient the public to the center, the Museum District, and related attractions of the Buffalo Niagara Region. 

Board Members

Richardson Center Corporation (RCC)

* indicates member of both Richardson Center Corporation Board and Richardson Architecture Center Board

*Stanford Lipsey – Chairman – Publisher, The Buffalo News
*Howard Zemsky – Vice Chairman – President, Taurus Capital Partners, LLC.
*Christopher Greene – Secretary - Partner, Damon & Morey, LLP
*Paul Hojnacki – Treasurer – President, Curtis Screw Company
Carol Ash –Commissioner, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
*Clinton Brown –President, Clinton Brown Co. Architecture, PC
Paul Ciminelli – President & CEO, Ciminelli Development Company
Eva Hassett
Muriel Howard, Ph.D. – President, Buffalo State College
*Richard Tobe

Richardson Architecture Center, Inc. (RAC)

*Stanford Lipsey – Chairman – Publisher, The Buffalo News
*Howard Zemsky – Vice Chairman – President, Taurus Capital Partners, LLC
*Christopher Greene – Secretary - Partner, Damon & Morey, LLP
*Paul Hojnacki – Treasurer – President, Curtis Screw Company
Peter J. Atkinson – National Board member - Capital Projects Manager, Harvard University Art Museums
Anthony Bannon – National Board member – Director, George Eastman House
*Clinton Brown, AIA –President, Clinton Brown Co. Architecture, PC
Barbara Campagna FAIA, LEED AP – National Board member – Graham Gund Architect, National Trust for Historic   Preservation
Brian Carter – Ex Officio – Dean and Professor, University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning
Louis Grachos – Director, Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Robert Kresse – Attorney, Hiscock & Barclay, LLP
Lynn J. Osmond – National Board member - President, Chicago Architecture Foundation
Chase Rynd – National Board member – Executive Director, National Building Museum
*Richard Tobe