Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Celebrates Construction Progress

Building Renovations & Upgrades Will Offer an Enhanced Visitor Experience

Last week Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens held a press conference to update the community on the progress of its $30 million Renovation & Expansion project. The project scope includes the renovation of the existing Grow Range space that houses staff offices, restrooms, and VIP areas for events, as well as mechanical equipment that feeds the new addition.

The two-story, 18,000 sq ft addition will be the future home to classrooms, a breathtaking large event space that can accommodate 335 people, and an expanded gift shop and reception area. When complete, guests will be welcomed at the main entrance Visitor's queue on the ground floor and will have a direct line of sight to the cafe and expanded gift shop. From there, guests can follow pathways to classrooms, conference rooms, and restrooms.

Also attached are two existing greenhouses spanning 6,700 SF. One will remain in use and the other has been revamped for special events such as cocktail parties and small bridal gatherings.

Visitor accessibility upgrades, enhancements to outdoor gardens, and a parking lot expansion are included as part of the project. The project is currently 60% complete with a grand opening planned for January 2027. Take a look at the Hyperlapse video on the right to watch the construction progress.

Project Sustainability Initiatives Support the Mission of Botanical Gardens

To complement the existing glass structure, exposed glued laminated timber beams and cross-laminated timber (CLT) decking connect the Grow Range to the existing glass conservatory. The timber shows off natural characteristics that blend nature with the glass building and is used in lieu of conventional steel and concrete to align with sustainability initiatives. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens' mission is to deepen the connection between people and plants through beautiful gardens and extraordinary experiences--and the inclusion of mass timber is one way to support their mission. 

The project team is also installing EV charging stations, a solar array at four different elevations of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer membrane (EPDM), and standing seam metal roofing. The new addition is being roughed in while becoming a weather tight space for mechanical equipment and finishes. The sustainable materials, skylights, and raw lumber make this space one of a kind, and the project is pursuing LEED Gold certification.