Restoration of 60 Hedley Place Farmhouse in Hamlin Park will continue

According to mayor Byron Brown, the restoration of 60 Hedley Place, a circa-1854 stone farmhouse that is located in the city's Hamlin Park neighborhood and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will continue. City bond funds were approved in 2000-01 for the restoration of the structure in the amount of $700,000 and the city will soon issue an RFP for bids on the next phase of the building's rehabilitation.  "This is one of the city's most historic houses and it's imperative that we finish the process of restoring it to a condition that will enable it be reused within the community," said Brown. Phase I of the 60 Hedley Place's reconstruction occurred between 2001-03 when the interior of the building was stabilized, including restoring the stonework, constructing a new roof, framing the first floor and securing the building against any potential vandalism. "In 1998, I secured $300,000 in city capital budget funds to save 60 Hedley Place from the wrecking ball and then led the effort to have another $700,000 in city bond funds secured for the restoration of the historic farmhouse," said Brown. "Now, as mayor, I have directed that additional funding from the city's Grow Buffalo Fund be used to cover any additional costs for the final restoration effort of 60 Hedley Place." Phase II consisted of developing a new design for the building to meet the needs of Hamlin Park Taxpayers & Community Association, who will utilize the building once it is completely restored.  Architect Robert Coles conducted the design work. "The Hedley project is an important historic preservation project that I have been involved with for over seven years," said NYS senator Antoine Thompson. "I fought for funding when I served as the Masten district councilmember and, as a senator, I have obtained $100,000 for this very important project." "The restoration of our homes and historic neighborhoods is something that we should take pride in. Buffalo has made some significant improvements over the last few years to restore it to its status as the gem of WNY, and the Hedley project is no exception. I remain positive regarding its progress, and look forward to its completion," said assemblymember Crystal Peoples. "I am happy to finally see the completion of a long awaited project in the Masten district," said Masten district councilmember Demone Smith. "This project shows the collective efforts of city and state governments, council members for different terms, and different levels of city government working together to get the project done."