The Albright-Knox Art Gallery Board of Directors launched the AK360 Campus Development and Expansion Project in 2014 to expand and upgrade the original 1905 and 1962 expansion facilities. The proposed program for this project consists of 43,500 SF of renovated space, 67,000 net SF of new space, and a 60,000 SF underground parking garage with 100 spaces.

Working under contract with the New York City offices of Cooper Robertson and the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), Wendel has been a key member of the consultant team since conceptual design in 2016 working with Michael Van Valkenburgh & Associates (MVVA) during the conceptual, schematic, and design development phases. Our team has provided expertise in planning, permitting, NYS SEQR, and site development consisting of civil and stormwater engineering including Green Infrastructure, landscape architecture, and Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy compliance.

Continuing into the construction documents and construction administration phases, Wendel assumed the role of Landscape Architect of Record adhering to MVVA’s basis of design.

Wendel’s skilled team of professionals were an important asset navigating the permitting and review processes inherent in this project, Wendel proved to be a key player for permitting with the City of Buffalo, State, and local agencies. Wendel’s in-house arborist services provided vital assessment of existing parkland trees for compliance with the City of Buffalo Parks requirements. Wendel also led the permitting effort that resulted in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the site during the SEQR process as well as providing support for New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) historical and archaeological reviews.

A groundbreaking ceremony for construction took place in November 2019. Construction completion is anticipated in the summer of 2022. Wendel continues to provide construction support services.