Fall 2019 final presentations: MUP/MSRED

The fall 2019 graduate studios in urban planning and real estate development invite you to attend their final presentations on three unique Buffalo-based planning and development projects.

Wednesday, December 4th
2:30-5:30pm
Hayes 403

Northeast Greenway Initiative: Rail Trail Extension

Professor: Ellen Parker

Students worked to explore possibilities for the Northeast Greenway Initiative (NGI), an effort by the University District Community Development Association (UDCDA) to implement a Rails-to-Trails project. The route extends from the existing North Buffalo Rail Trail, which ends near the LaSalle transit station, south to Kensington Avenue. There are many community assets along the route of the trail, including city parks, schools, business districts and densely populated neighborhoods. The studio explored a range of solutions to complete this 1-mile gap in the network, including route alignments, methods for safely crossing busy city streets, and opportunities for incorporating green infrastructure, public art and other amenities. Their recommendations identify steps and actions needed to implement this project and address possible interim solutions to improve accessibility.

ECMC Campus: A Transformative Plan for the Future

Professors: Ernest Sternberg, Hiroaki Hata, Eric Recoon

This fall semester, students from three disciplines have jointly examined prospects for the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) campus, with a focus on the former Kensington Heights property recently acquired by ECMC. The collaborative effort brought together Hiro Hata’s urban design studio, Eric Recoon’s real estate capstone, and Ernie Sternberg’s urban planning practicum. Student work built upon initial studies conducted by the UB Regional Institute on community priorities for the site. The studio plan presents a unified vision for placemaking, community economic development, real estate investment, recreation and health-based landscapes, and transportation enhancements benefitting ECMC properties and the surrounding community.

Board & Batten: The Legacy of Kirkbride and the Therapeutic Landscape Reimagined

Professor: Kerry Traynor

Three disciplines, one goal. Explore with us, the Richardson Olmsted Campus and its Historic Barn. Join us as we pay homage to Richardson and Olmsted’s interpretation of the Kirkbride Plan, and enhance its cobbled characteristics. In bridging the gap between agricultural heritage and present development, we examine the opportunities to bring back the therapeutic aspects of the Board & Batten Barn.