The University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning on the school’s South Campus is the recent beneficiary of $1 million from The Louis P. Ciminelli Family Foundation. The significant funding gift will be mostly earmarked for the ongoing restoration of UB’s Hayes Hall.
The funds will be dispersed over the next five years, and will also be directed towards initiatives in Buffalo neighborhoods, according to a UB news release. A gesture to name the hall’s atrium after the Ciminelli Family was made in response to the generous gift. The Louis P. Ciminelli Family Atrium will include a central gallery where exhibits, presentations, lectures, seminars, films, and workshops will be held (among other events).
Lou Ciminelli is currently wrapping up his three year stint as founding chair of the School of Architecture and Planning dean’s council. The gift is appropriately timed to coincide with his departure, as well as spur on the final completion stage of Hayes Hall renovations. Ciminelli stated that he would continue to work with the university in various capacities in years to come. Hayes Hall is slated to reopen in September 2016.
Click here for detailed project information.
Renderings: John M. Wightman, UB MArch/MFA student
Construction photos: Douglas Levere