Capital Project Campaign
Funds are being raised to replace the current parking lot, driveway, accessible parking, and paved surfaces. These spaces are currently dilapidated and cause Issues with parking, accessibility for large buses and utility vehicles, watershed issues, and expensive temporary repairs. The surface is too thin and brittle and while it has lasted many years, the cracking and crumbling is beyond any repair methods. In addition to that, some areas are too narrow to accommodate the level of traffic received by the museum.
School buses and tour buses have a hard time getting in the entrance and if they do make it up to the north circle drive for drop-off, it is difficult for them to turn around and will frequently have to drive over grassed areas resulting in mud pits and damaged curbing. School children and tour groups often must walk up from Tonawanda Drive if the bus can’t make it through the entrance. Most of our bus tours are for retired seniors. The parking lot is currently at a steep incline which can be very hard for guests to maneuver.
In addition to these issues, current watershed leads to damaged grass areas, waterflow toward the building structure, and large amounts of deposited debris. The project breaks the full scope into phases or zones. With a zone being completed each year for the next two to four years. This project will also add lighting, irrigation and beautification to the adjacent areas of the paved surfaces.
Project Zones
Due to the scale of this project, it has been divided into four zones which will be completed consecutively starting on the north side of the property with Zone 1 and working counter-clockwise. Click any one of the zone tabs below to view zone specific information, photos, and donor listings.
- Zone 1: North circle drive and accessible parking area
- Zone 2: North drive and maintenance garage area
- Zone 3: West drive and loading dock
- Zone 4: Parking lot and estate entrance
Zone 2 - Current Phase
North Drive & Maintenance Garage
Items To Be Completed:
- Widen driveway for better and safer traffic flow which will allow two vehicles, school buses, and tour buses to enter/ exit at the same time
- Replace concrete surfaces and curbs
- Regrade and add irrigation to grassy areas (Zones 1 & 2)
- Add lighting for added safety and security
- Remove two large, hazardous trees
- Add enclosure to dumpster area by maintenance garage
- Repair retaining wall on east side of maintenance garage
Help us make this project a reality by giving a gift today!
Currently $29,350 of $120,000 has been raised.
$10,000 +
$5,000 - $9,999
$1,000 - $4,999
$500 - $999
$100 - $499
Under $99
Zone 3
West Drive & Loading Dock
Items To Be Completed:
- Widen driveway for better and safer traffic flow
- Replace concrete surfaces and curbs
- Reroute drainage underground to prevent icing and hazardous conditions
- Add three new parking spaces
- Add irrigation to grassy areas
Estimated Budget: $100,000
The following individuals have made a pledge to this zone:
Zone 4
Parking Lot & Estate Entrance
Items To Be Completed:
- Widen the entrance of the estate to allow for large buses and utility vehicles
- Remove hazardous tree at entrance
- Install stately entrance gate for both beautification and security
- Replace concrete surfaces and curbs
- Reimagine parking spaces to fit more vehicles and allow for easier exiting
Estimate Budget: $250,000
The following individuals have made a pledge to this zone:
Zone 1 - Completed 2025
North Circle Drive & Accessible Parking
Items Completed:
- Replaced circle drive and accessible parking with new concrete and curbing
- Added a wider entrance point for larger vehicles
- Added a van accessible parking space
- Graded the circular grass area and installed new sod
- Installed uplighting on the north side of the house and cottage
- Installed two light poles
- Installed an irrigation pump and infrastructure (sprinkler heads and lines to be installed during construction of Zone 2)
Thank you to our lead donors!
