BUFFALO, N.Y. — Frank Llyod Wright's Graycliff visitor center project is now becoming a reality.
Organizers announced Tuesday they have broken ground on the visitor center's construction which has been valued at $4 million. It is the hope that in building the center it will improve Graycliff's ability to accommodate more visitors, and host year-round programming.
In a press release, they said, "The project has received substantial support from various New York State entities, including a $1,275,000 commitment from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), $1,020,000 from the New York Power Authority (NYPA), $1,000,000 from Empire State Development, and $550,000 from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York secured by New York State Senator Sean M. Ryan. Erie County has also contributed $750,000 to the project."
NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, "Capital project funding allows organizations to dream big and better serve New York State. The New York State Council on the Arts is proud to support this new Visitor Center at Graycliff, which will share the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright’s vision and expand programming for residents and tourists alike. Congratulations to the entire Graycliff team."
Graycliff Executive Director Anna Kaplan said, "What better way to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1926 design for Graycliff than by unveiling a proper Visitor Center? This project is essential to Graycliff’s growth and sustainability, and it will significantly impact the tourism economy of Western New York. It will also enhance our ability to showcase this remarkable regional treasure and become a dynamic community partner. We are beyond excited to begin construction on this transformative project! LeChase Construction, a trusted name in the Buffalo region for over 35 years, has been named general contractor for the project. Recently honored as ENR NY’s 2024 New York Contractor of the Year, LeChase has worked on numerous significant projects throughout Western New York, including the renovation of the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, the expansion of The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, and the studio expansion at the Corning Museum of Glass."
While the new center is being built, Graycliff will remain closed until February 2025, and open again for tours in March 2025.
To learn more about the project people can visit experiencegraycliff.org
