Capital Campaign Update - Spring 2013
Restoration of the iconic stone wall lining the Roycroft Campus commenced in November. The wall along South Grove Street has been a contributing structure to the Roycroft Campus for more than 100 years, and now this important piece of East Aurora history is on the road to repair. $27,000 was raised from the community through the "ROCKstoration" campaign, with the remainder of the $140,000 needed coming from state grants and local foundations.
The plan is to restore the wall just as Arts and Crafts Colony founder, Elbert Hubbard, envisioned it when it was built from fieldstone lugged in by local farmers. The scope of work includes reconstruction of five piers, placement of light fixtures on four of the piers, as well as dismantling and rebuilding the wall sections and replacing stones lost over the past years. The segment of the wall included in this project is approximately 346 feet long, including openings for three driveways and a walkway that interrupts the length.
The reconstruction of the wall marks a shift in focus to the Campus grounds. While the RCC’s restoration focus has largely been on acquiring and rehabilitating the buildings that comprise the Roycroft Campus, a key component of the Campus Master Plan is the grounds restoration, consisting of installation of walkways, parking areas, lawns, and gardens.
A system of pedestrian pathways, service parking lots, and landscaping is planned for the Historic Roycroft Campus. Lawns and native plantings will be installed throughout the Campus, providing educational opportunities in a park setting for enjoyment by both visitors and local residents.
The total budget for the grounds restoration project is a little shy of $1,000,000. Funding is currently being sought from local, regional, and national sources. If you would like to learn more, or are considering making a contribution to the Capital Campaign, please contact Tricia Furnari at (716) 655-0261 or tfurnari@roycroftcampuscorp.com.
