Buffalo City Hall Common Council Chambers Restoration

Location
Buffalo, NY, USA
Year Completed
2002
Building Type
Restoration/Preservation
Size
13,000 sq. ft.
Cost
$516,000
Client
City of Buffalo

HHL Architects designed this restoration, which is located on the 13th floor of the National Register-listed Buffalo City Hall building, built in 1929. The deterioration included a broken leaking skylight, cracked Guastavino masonry, an archaic sound system which obscured original stone carving, crumbling plaster, peeling paint, laminate covered original inlaid paneling and millwork, scarred flooring, a broken art glass skylight and broken glass in original light fixtures.

Restoration included the inner sunburst decorative glass ceiling; plaster ceiling and grillwork; the hand painted Guastavino ceiling; historic light fixtures and introduction of a concealed sound system; the “Acoustolith” wall system and decorative gold leaf; stone work and promenade cork flooring; new cork flooring on the stairs and arena level matching original; wood spectator seating, and carved walnut entrances; inlaid woodwork at dais, desks and arena wall, and a new insulated glass outer skylight.