Construction of the boathouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905, but never built, began on the Buffalo waterfront this past September. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 6, 2006. Shortly after Lehigh One Construction moved onto the site and commenced construction.

With Buffalo’s relatively mild weather this fall and early winter, construction progressed well and the first phase of construction was completed in early January. This phase involved site excavation, seawall, foundation and some utilities work. In order to complete this phase, a portable cofferdam was installed to hold back the water of the Black Rock Channel, allowing Lehigh to construct the permanent seawall. Once the seawall was constructed, Lehigh was able to complete the foundation, site grading and some utilities work.

The next phase of construction, which will complete the project, will begin in 3-4 weeks with the installation of the structural steel. Once the steel is erected, the precast concrete exterior walls will be installed, followed by roof work and then interior finishes. Construction is scheduled to be complete by August.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation also announces the completion of their fundraising effort to meet a generous challenge grant from M&T Bank. During the period September 1, 2005 to December 31, 2006, the Boathouse Corporation had to raise $600,000 in order to receive a $200,000 matching grant from M&T Bank. As of December 19th the challenge was met.

Fundraising efforts continue to meet the overall capital campaign goal of $5.5 million. To date $5.3 million has been raised.

Ted Marks, President of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corp., stated “Construction is underway on this exciting project and it is due to the generosity of NY State, Erie County, many area foundations, corporations and hundreds of individuals from WNY and from across the country, that this project is a reality.”

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse Corporation is a New York State not-for-profit Corporation formed in 2000. The Boathouse Corporation is dedicated to the mission of building Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1905 design on a water’s edge site, placing the building into service for its original intended use as a working rowing boathouse and interpreting it well for all architectural tourists who desire to tour the building and experience its authentic spaces.