Adaptive Reuse of BPS #77

Former School Sustainably Rehabilitated into a Not-for-Profit Commercial and Community-Oriented Neighborhood Hub

While it’s not uncommon to find former school buildings converted into residences, this unique project succeeds as more than just a place to live. This mixed-use sustainable rehabilitation project for People United for Sustainable Housing (PUSH), a growing grass roots organization, involved the conversion and substantial renovation of the vacant former Buffalo Public School #77 into an important new community asset.

The first floor of the mixed-use building features a not-for-profit commercial and community-oriented neighborhood hub, which includes an auditorium that is rented to a local community-based theater company; offices for PUSH staff; and a gymnasium utilized for a variety of recreational activities. Existing classrooms on the second and third floors were converted into 30 affordable apartments for seniors.

The design team is proud to have assisted in creating this new community hub, featuring many sustainable design elements, including new energy-efficient windows, full new energy-efficient MEP systems, a green roof system for senior residents located on the gymnasium roof, and new rooftop photovoltaic panels that serve the commercial and community spaces. Additionally, many historically significant features were restored and integrated into the new uses, such as built-in wardrobes, original wood trim, furniture, and chalkboards.

The project met the requirements of the NYSERDA Low-Rise Residential New Construction program and the ENERGY STAR certified homes and Enterprise Green Communities certifications. The project was financed through NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR), State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), NYSERDA, and PUSH/BNSC’s capital monies.

An Award-Winning Project

In 2019, this project received an Outstanding Project Award from Preservation Buffalo Niagara.

Most notably, the adaptive reuse of School #77 serves as a vehicle to add value and provide services to an underserved neighborhood, developed by a not-for-profit founded in the same neighborhood. The mixed-use occupancy brings opportunities for community members of all ages to interact in this historically underserved neighborhood. Lifelong resident seniors now have a convenient alternative to age in place.