RoyCroftCampusCorporation

The Roycroft Copper Shop Restoration Begins

The long anticipated restoration of the Roycroft Campus has finally begun. A hard working crew of volunteers began the process of forensic demolition of the 1918 addition to the Copper Shop.  Several layers of non-historic finishes were carefully removed revealing the original design of the "finishing room" for the first time in over 60 years.  The north wing of the Shop was originally constructed to house the finishing process of the copper pieces produced by the master metal smiths of the Roycroft.  Eva Strong operated a gift shop in the Copper Shop and converted this room into her family's apartment in the 1950's.  Several other operators maintained a gift shop in the Copper shop until the RCC purchased it in April 2005 from Kitty Turgeon, long time owner and Roycroft scholar.

Local architect Ted Lownie has completed a Historic Structures Report (HSR) that documents the building's history, function and changes from its initial construction in 1902 to its current condition.  Flynn Bataglia Architects of Buffalo have now been retained as our architects to perform the design services for the RCC's Campus wide restoration efforts.  Peter Flynn and his firm have an impressive resume of excellent historic preservation work.

Our first task is to make this newly created space habitable.  We are creating a space to showcase our growing inventory of beautiful artisan made furniture and decorative arts.  We have found that our current gallery space is not large enough to properly showcase these works of art.  The work conducted during this phase will be temporary.  We anticipate that the full restoration of the Copper shop will take place within three to four years.  The reconstruction of the fire damaged Power House will be our first major restoration project.  The RCC hopes to begin construction on the Power House in 2007 depending on our success in raising the necessary funds.  You can help us in our restoration efforts by sending in your tax deductible contributions.

A Very Busy Day at Hubbard's Roycroft Campus

It was a busy day yesterday on the Roycroft Campus. Along with the tree work John Bero, the architect conducting the Historic Structures Report (HSR) for the Powerhouse was also on site.  He was conducting preliminary field research documenting the present conditions of the ruins that will inform his opinion leading to its proper reconstruction.  He also met with the former property owner, Dan Murray, to inspect the original salvaged material from the fire damaged structure.  He saw first hand the historic elements including:  terra-cotta roof tile, concrete blocks, steel trusses and other architectural details that Dan has been good enough to store for the past six years.  John later presented to the RCC board some of his initial findings and recommendations.  He outlined the necessity for the HSR and the importance of properly reconstructing the original architecture of the Powerhouse.

Roycroft Campus Earth Day Cleanup

Yesterday was a great day.  The spirit of Hubbard was alive and well with over 25 volunteers pitching in for a spring clean up of the Apian Way and the rest of the Roycroft Campus.  Flower beds were raked and weeded, snow plow damaged curbs where repaired and the ravages of winter were eliminated.  Work also began on the clean up of the Roycroft Power House after being neglected for nine years. The ivy and overgrown plantings were removed, debris and garbage was picked up and the plywood covering the widows were removed.  There is much more work to do but its great that now the Power House is a "work in progress" rather than continuing to deteriorate.  A huge thank you to all who participated in yesterday's efforts.