Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) of Buffalo Selected Explore & More as Project of the Year
Photos of the Museum are Available Here
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum are proud to announce the museum, located at Canalside, has been selected as the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) of Buffalo 2019 Project of the Year. This prestigious Project of the Year award is bestowed upon one building per year following an extensive review and an on-site visit from BOMA judges. BOMA is the leading trade association for commercial real estate professionals, supporting companies that help grow the Buffalo region by developing or renovating commercial buildings, creating jobs and servicing their tenants.
“Receiving this distinction from the esteemed members of BOMA is a testament to the exceptional design and engaging exhibits at the new Explore & More museum,” said Robert Gioia, Chairman ECHDC. “The museum has become a vibrant magnet for visitors to Canalside, adding to the overall resurgence of the waterfront and the Queen City.”
“We are thrilled to receive the Project of the Year award. This collaboration between ECHDC and Explore & More-The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum tells the story of Western New York through immersive and hands-on exhibits. The designers, fabricators, contractors and architects work is highlighted both inside and outside the museum. We are extremely proud of the outcome,” said Michelle Urbanczyk, CEO-Explore & More.
“BOMA is proud to honor Explore & More museum with the 2019 Project of The Year Award. This development represents dynamic collaboration between public and private entities. It is obvious how much careful thought went into how it would fit into the landscape of Canalside, and how the diverse exhibits represent so many aspects of what Buffalo stands for. It is truly a destination for local residents and families visiting Buffalo,” said Jennifer Aiple, Executive Director, BOMA Buffalo.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the completion of construction and dedication of the new $29 million Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum at Canalside in May of 2019. The 43,000 square foot stand-alone building houses seven educational play zones, each offering hands-on activities and exhibits that tell the stories of Buffalo for children and families.
Located at the corner of Commercial Street and Marine Drive, the museum was built on the terminus of the original Erie Canal, where replica canals and bridges have become year-round family and tourist destinations.
Credit for the collaborative design of the museum goes to Fontanense, Folts, Aubrecht & Ernst Architects, Foit-Albert Associates and Gyroscope. The core and shell of the building was constructed by LeChase Construction; Savarino Construction built out the interior of the museum.
In addition to the play zones, the four-story brick museum houses a family-friendly café and party room overlooking the Canal Towpath, along with a Buffalo themed gift shop, private office space, a conference room, several additional exhibit spaces, activity studios and a rooftop terrace offering magnificent views of the city skyline.
More information about Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum can be found at exploreandmore.org.
About BOMA Buffalo
BOMA Buffalo is a not-for-profit trade association providing an array of services to commercial property professionals including education, networking opportunities, benchmarking data, legislative and regulatory advocacy and professional development. Greater Buffalo BOMA’s membership consists of more than 125 real estate professionals including building owners, facility managers and developers, as well as companies that provide services and supplies to the industry. Greater Buffalo BOMA is a federated chapter of BOMA International. Learn more at www.bomabuffalo.com
About BOMA International
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 90 BOMA U.S. associations and 18 international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types including nearly 10.5 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 1.7 million jobs and contributes $234.9 billion to the U.S. GDP. Its mission is to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence and knowledge.
BOMA International is a primary source of information on building management and operations, development, leasing, building operating costs, energy consumption patterns, local and national building codes, legislation, occupancy statistics, technological developments and other industry trends. Learn more at www.boma.org.
Contact:
Pamm Lent (Governor’s Office) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Laura Magee (ECHDC) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239