Ralph C. Wilson Gateway Project

• February 3, 2020
• Posted to: Custom Fabrication Client Projects Reclamation Projects

In the summer of 2019, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, along with the grant assistance of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, expanded the Empire State Trail initiative along the waterfront in Buffalo, NY. Part of the grant was used to incorporate historic materials, such as salvaged granite curb and large stone blocks for benches, as a part of the landscape design for the gateway park. With a focus on historic preservation, we were the perfect local supplier for the project!

The specifications for the project called for an engraving that would commemorate the legacy of the late Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. His foundation (https://www.ralphcwilsonjrfoundation.org/) made this project possible

Supplying Antique Stone & Installing the Salvaged Granite

We worked with a local landscaper in providing the project with two types of reclaimed materials. The first is a generation 3 granite curbing, which was installed as pavers. The second type, serving as the main focal point of the project, was large granite block salvaged from Western New York. These stones are one-of-a-kind, an impressively large granite block that created beautiful sit-down benches for the gateway park. Once it was power washed and thermaled on the sides, the stone looked stunning along the waterfront.

The Waterfront Gateway Park Shines with Reclaimed Materials

All parties involved did an excellent job designing the enhancements to the trail, continuing to make the Buffalo waterfront a world-class destination. Our team was thrilled to add that touch of history by providing the reclaimed, antique materials to their continued investment in the Buffalo waterfront and overall statewide tourism industry. The gateway park is a site to see!