The Roycroft Inn Restoration

Location
East Aurora, NY, USA
Year Completed
1997
Building Type
Restoration/Preservation
Size
48,000 sq. ft.
Cost
$10,000,000
Client
Margaret L. Wendt Foundation

The center of the Arts & Crafts movement in the United States at the start of the 20th century was the Roycroft Campus. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974, the campus required a complete exterior and interior restoration including all public spaces, the creation of 29 new guest suites, data centers, a training center, libraries, and executive board and conference rooms. The program called for the creation of several flexible dining spaces of varying sizes allowing for multiple events such as weddings, and smaller, private dinners to occur simultaneously with guest dining. A single kitchen was to serve all venues. MEP systems including fire protection were replaced throughout.

A unique aspect of the Roycroft Inn is that virtually all the artifacts were originally designed and fabricated by the numerous Roycroft Campus artisans. Reproductions needed for the restoration work were made by Western New York artisans. An extensive collection of original Stickley and Roycroft furniture was restored under the guidance of HHL Architects.