BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Wednesday morning Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was joined by Governor Kathy Hochul's office and the 5/14 Memorial Commission to announce the finalists that have been chosen for the design concepts.
“Thank you to the 5/14 Remembrance Weekend Committee chairs, Dr. Michael Edbauer and Eunice Lewin. We appreciate all your hard work that helped to make this happen,” said Mayor Brown. “Congratulations to the three finalists. You all have wonderful creative abilities. I look forward to seeing your final designs.”
Three finalists were chosen, and more than 20 concepts had been submitted when the initial request was put out for ideas. Finalists were interviewed by Rev. Mark Blue, along with the commission and 5/14 family members.
Finalists are
- Watts Architects & Engineers, Buffalo NY
- “Our approach for our team’s design proposal is to shine a light on the stories and experiences of the lives stolen and affected on 5/14/22 by creating a space for remembrance that is respectful to the families of the victims. We are honored to be part of this process to date.” - Ed Watts Jr. President of Watts Architects & Engineers
- Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood
- “We believe in the inherent power of ‘design’—its unique capability to elevate awareness, mobilize communities, stimulate intellect, and ultimately incite meaningful action. Working together with families, community members, and the 5/14 Memorial Commission, we aim to produce an agency for social justice, healing, and remembrance, not only for our time but also for audiences nationwide and future generations.” - Jin Young Song and Douglass Alligood
- Beehyyve, L3
- “We are beyond ecstatic and extremely grateful that our initial design concept resonated with the board and for the opportunity to participate in the second design phase for the 5/14 Memorial Commission. Our goal as Architects is to do good work, with good people for good reasons and there isn’t a more worthy cause nor a more deserving community to work for than the citizens of Buffalo, NY.” - Kristen E. Locke, AIA Beehyyve NC PLLC
During the second phase of the memorial design process, finalists will be required to complete an RFP that prompts them to create a final design with the cost estimates and specifications outlined by the commission.
The finalists will each get a stipend of $10,000 to refine their work, and create three-dimensional simulations of their designs. Stipends came from funding that was generated during the 5/14 Remembrance Weekend in 2023 which totaled $30,000.
“Thank you to the 5/14 Remembrance Weekend Committee chairs, Dr. Michael Edbauer and Eunice Lewin. We appreciate all your hard work that helped to make this happen,” said Mayor Brown. “Congratulations to the three finalists. You all have wonderful creative abilities. I look forward to seeing your final designs.”
Some of the requirements for the final designs include a park-like landscape, at least one fully enclosed building, interpretative, artistic, or educational structures, and designated areas for temporary and permanent art installations.
“Since the very beginning of this process it has been my goal, the governor’s goal, the mayor’s goal, and the commission’s goal to create a memorial that represents the desires of the families and the community,” said Reverend Blue. “We have spent quite some time meeting with family members of victims and survivors. We plan to continue the conversations we are having with the families throughout this process.”
To read more on the finalists and the memorial design process visit www.buffalony.gov/514-Memorial-Commission
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