Frequently Asked Questions

How will the public be involved in development plans?  What is the public meeting schedule?

The board is endeavoring to lead a process that will prove to be a model for projects of this nature and believes that if the process is handled properly there will be a consensus plan, with no surprises and lots of input from stakeholders, including of course the neighborhood.  A Master Plan Community Advisory Group, including representatives from the neighborhood, has been developed as part of the master planning process.  Throughout 2008 and early 2009, the Community Advisory Group will meet approximately six times to review the master plan preliminary work products and report findings and provide feedback to the board.   Public meetings will continue to provide updates and obtain feedback on the planning process.  If you wish to be added to the mailing list for public meetings and updates, please contact our Project Coordinator at monica@richardson-olmsted.com.

How will the adjacent neighborhoods be impacted by this project? 

It is the board’s intention to advance a plan that has a positive impact on the neighboring residential and business districts and increase public access to the site.  At each stage in the process the importance of three adjacent neighborhoods has been emphasized; the West Side’s Grant Ferry and Elmwood Village districts and Black Rock Riverside’s Grant Amherst district.  

What is the project time line and next steps?

The Historic Structures Report and Cultural Landscape Report will serve as guides for future changes to this historic property, the final reports are complete.  The master plan will take place throughout 2008 and will be completed in April, 2009.  The Architecture and Visitor Center Feasibility Study will be undertaken July to November, 2008 and be used to immediately proceed with design plans.

What kind of development will happen at the Richardson Olmsted Complex?  What are the future plans for the brick ward buildings that appear deteriorated?  Is the Richardson Center Corporation going to retain all the buildings or will some be demolished?  Will the RCC build new development on the site? 

The master plan process will define the future development and uses at the Complex.  The Historic Structures Report, Cultural Landscape Report and Master Plan, in consultation with the New York State Historic Preservation Office, will help to guide alterations and changes to the historic buildings and grounds.  Except for the development of the Architecture and Visitor Center, the board has no preconceived ideas about the future uses of the buildings.   The RCC values both the historic buildings and grounds and endeavors to create a plan that respects both elements.  The Master Plan Community Advisory Group will help to review preliminary work products and report findings and give feedback to the RCC board. 

The Richardson Olmsted Complex does not easily lend itself to reuse.  The economics of making the complex viable will be challenging, but that is one of the jobs of the master planning team.
 
Is the RCC working on a plan for the landscape? 
 
Landscape improvements will be one of the first noticeable changes on the site.  The master plan will develop a plan for the appropriate landscape for the entire site, utilizing the Cultural Landscape Report. 

Are the Urban Land Institute Report recommendations going to be implemented?

The ULI report, generated from a one week examination of the site, was a first attempt to generate ideas for development.  The RCC is pleased with the report, but recognizes that a Master Plan is needed for more extensive planning.

What parts of the site is the RCC working on? 

The Office of Mental Health identified 40 acres of their 91 acre site as “surplus” and no longer necessary for their operations.  This area, the historic asylum building and surroundings, is indicated in tan on the site map.  The master plan will address the entire rectangular site, and develop a plan to create defined spaces for the Richardson Center Corporation and Buffalo Psychiatric Center by rearranging uses, for example addressing parking, circulation, access, and service delivery. A landscape plan for the entire site will also be developed.
 
Does the Richardson Center Corporation own the historic buildings and land?  How and when will ownership be acquired?

The RCC does not yet own any buildings or land; the entire rectangular site, including the surplus historic buildings and grounds are owned by the NYS Office of Mental Health.  Ownership or lease will be pursued once the Master Plan is prepared, identifying specific reuse and development plans. 
 
How are the $76.5 million in state allocated funds obtained and spent?

The Richardson Center Corporation draws down the funds through Empire State Development (ESD) for specific uses.  There are currently three Grant Disbursement Agreements:  Working Capital, Capital and Stabilization.  A Working Capital Grant of $200,000 funds salary and operational expenses.  A Capital Grant of $10 million funds preconstruction activities, such as the studies underway.   The Stabilization Grant of $2.1 million funds emergency stabilization efforts to prevent further deterioration and vandalism.  Expenditure documentation is submitted quarterly to ESD for their approval. 

What are the potential project costs?  Is the $76 million in state funding sufficient to complete the project?

The $76 million state allocation is a start; however the costs to complete this project are vast and will require funding significant additional funding.  The master plan team will develop a plan to assist the RCC, including the use of historic tax credits.
 
Can I tour the Complex?  Can I photograph or film the Complex?  Can I conduct paranormal studies? 
 
Currently there is not public access at the Richardson Olmsted Complex.  The Richardson Center Corporation does not yet own or lease the property, it is still owned by the NYS Office of Mental Health.  There is a limited access agreement that allows entry to the building to conduct studies, such as the Historic Structures Report, Master Plan and Architecture and Visitor Center Feasibility Study.

Is the Buffalo Psychiatric Center going to move to another location?  How will people with mental illness continue to be served on the campus? 

There are no plans for the Buffalo Psychiatric Center to move, they will continue inpatient and outpatient services on the site. 
 
Why do you need yet more studies after years of studies?  How will past studies be used by the current board?

The studies will provide us with information we never had before; information that will be necessary to make intelligent decisions and secure approval from various agencies.