Have you lived your entire life saying to yourself “Boy, I sure hope someone makes a rock song involving father baker someday. That would be neat-o.” ?

Well if you have then today is your lucky day! The band, “Dear Leader” comes through with a quality song involving a quality city.

I got an email today from one of the 999786427642 people I work under at the Martin House that gives a really detailed construction update on the Martin House…

“The following information is provided so that you can be well informed, as well as give our guests the most current information about the
Martin House restoration project. The reconstruction of the pergola, conservatory and carriage house is nearing completion.
Installation of the HVAC system for these buildings is the major focus at this time, along with completing the installation of all doors,
windows and remaining millwork. The new electrical system, which will be an underground service, is also near to being activated.
The second floor of the carriage house still has a significant amount of “build out” work which will be completed in December.
The current schedule calls for substantial completion of all buildings by December 28th. The MHRC will take possession of the buildings
as soon as a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the city, which should be at that time. Installation of the museum shop will take
place during the final weeks of December and early January.

Looking ahead to our next phase of work, the board of directors has authorized the advertisement for bids on Phase IV of the project.
At the heart of this phase is the exterior restoration of the masonry of the Martin House itself … from repair of step-cracking in the piers, to replacement of missing or broken bricks, to reversal of non-historic conditions, to re-pointing mortar for the first time in 100 years.
The plans also include restoration of window framework, as well as the installation of an ADA approved entry system at the bursar’s
door, structural restoration of the main fireplace and the completion of the restoration of the verandah. The documents are scheduled
to go out to bid in December, and contracts should be awarded in January, with actual construction work lasting approximately twelve months.
As always, it is our intention to keep the site open during the restoration process. This next phase of work is vitally important and is the
necessary precursor to the installation of updated mechanical systems and interior restoration of the plaster and woodwork inside the
Martin House. The Visitor Center design project is still progressing, but no actual date to begin construction has been determined
at this time.”

It’s going to be amazing, especially when they finally get crackin on the construction of the visitors center designed by Toshiko Mori. I saw the designs of it and i swear to you the interior and all its’ features will blow you away. Right now the museum shop is in the Barton House which is in the back. It’s old and creaky and small. It gets super jammed right before tours begin and gets a little chaotic. Regardless, come in and buy a book and take a tour. You’ll appreciate the fully restored complex even more when you’ve seen it before its glory.

Wow, first day back in Buffalo and I’m rewarded with maybe the most exciting Bills game of the year followed by a clutch overtime win by the Sabres in MSG.

It was only four days but boy I missed it!

The construction is done! The hat party bus is in! And the doors open tomorrow!
A bunch of events planned for the opening, not to mention some awesome hats in an awesome new space in an awesome part of downtown. I wish I could be there.

The fake historic facades are coming up now next to the Washington Market. Looks like it’ll be ready to go maybe even before March

Construction comin along nicely on 285. All 5 stories are in now

On my way to suburban Maryland for Thanksgiving with a bunch of construction photos it tow so don’t worry-your construction photo fix will be taken care of tomorrow and friday. Sadly, I will miss the opening of the NewEra store but I’m begging you to not miss it…they challenged us by saying the NYC store opening had 1,000 people so there better be 1,001 on Delaware Ave.

I was downtown almost all afternoon yesterday and the vibe I was getting was so great. I’m downtown about once a week and I swear each week Downtown is better than it was the week before. It’s all coming together so quick and I don’t think most of us could realistically say that we saw this coming so quickly.

So that’s what I’m thankful for I guess, amongst other things. Hope y’alls have a great Thanksgiving, I heard it’s the biggest party weekend in Buffalo…shouldn’t suprise me I guess.

Interesting article about an interesting concept. Retail incubators?
Never even heard of the concept but I guess leave it to Rocco…probably the most progressive and dynamic developer downtown. I’m really curious to see what this looks like and how it pans out. He wants 5-6 on his 1st floor of the Ellicott Commons and it should be ready in February.

Looks like ECC could finally get phase one of the downtown expansion started? A six story academic building connected to the stunning Public Safety Campus and Flickinger center. I was talking to ECC VP Dan Penfold about this three weeks ago and he said Cannon Design gave him a concept drawing of the building but designs are far from complete.

Oh by the way, in case you didn’t know…Cannon Design=Sexy.

I don’t think it’s possible for them to make a bland, boring, or ugly building. So get ready for another modern architectural gem coming to Buffalo!

7-2.
We’re amazing. Maybe the greatest team to ever take the ice in the history of the NHL if we do this through June.

Wow.

WOOOOOOO! That was great! I had a feeling the coaches would let the offense open up a little this week after realizing the uber-conservative offense cost us a chance to beat the Colts.
Evans set the team record for yards in a game previously held by Jerry Butler (255). It looked like it was gonna be just another frustrating loss but Clemens made a huge stop on 3rd and Losman took the team 60 yards in the last minute to get the job done-capped with a beautiful catch by Peerless Price in the endzone to end it. Made up for the three straight 2yrd passes to the A-Train as the clock ticked away (wtf!?!)
That final drive could be the defining point in Losman’s career! Did you see all the love he was getting afterward? I’ve never seen the Bills bench like that since the Flutie days.

4-6. Next game v. Jacksonville in OP