BUFFALO, N.Y. — A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Saturday at the former North Park Library in the City of Buffalo. After sitting vacant for over a decade, work will begin to redevelop the former library into the Italian Cultural Center.
The Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo purchased the building at 2351 Delaware Avenue from the city so all members of the community would have a place to learn about Italian culture.
"The Italian Cultural Center will be an important outlet for Italian Americans to express their heritage and preserve meaningful traditions while also spreading the legacy of their Italian roots all over Buffalo and Western New York," said Erie County Legislator Lisa Chimera. "I am confident this new facility will provide the public a place to appreciate the art, music, and food from Italy. This will truly be a treasure for North Buffalo and all of Erie County."
The building will be redeveloped to hold an Italian heritage museum, and a small educational library. The renovations will also make it possible for the center to hold activities like cooking classes.
This redevelopment was made possible by a $350,000 grant from the City of Buffalo.