STRUCTURE SELECTION:
· Built in 1929, and abandoned in 1979.
· Comprised of two distinct regions:
  · The main building which houses the interior of the terminal
  · An extensive network of railways that trains used to operate on.
· Was a combination of office and terminal space for New York Central Rail Road until 1968
· Hosted shows and festivals, such as Oktoberfest and the Train Show which drew large crowds; there were a record 20,000 visitors in 2006.
· The Tower is 17 Stories high

Buffalo is a declining city that needs up-cycling of many of its old resources that currently exist within the city. One of the most important structures is the Buffalo Central Terminal.

Current Use:
Currently abandoned, this station used to accommodate Amtrak and other regional passenger train traffic going in and out of the city. This structure has been deteriorating in the past couple of decades, but is currently privately owned and full under restoration.

REASONS FOR OUR SELECTION
Population Decline
The primary reason that this site was chosen was because the population rates have been decreasing since the 20th century. (Detroit being the only other US city to experience this) Unfortunately, this trend is expected to continue throughout the 21st century.

Reviving the train terminal could prevent further downfall of the population and has the potential to improve the economy as well. A modernized train station would bring in more people from other areas through AMTRAK. One way to increase the number of people visiting this terminal would be to improve the architecture to make it more appealing to visitors. The train terminal is a good site selection because it has a lot of space to implement shops, libraries, research, etc.

Lack of a Train Station
The train terminals in the vicinity are in bad shape.  In September of 2016, the other main train station in Buffalo (Exchange St.) suffered a roof collapse. A smaller station (Depew) handles minimal traffic, so the city has been in search of a replacement main terminal ever since.

Unprotected on the National Register of Historic Places
Being on the National Register of Historic Places does not guarantee protection from demolition. Up-cycling the terminal would save money, expedite re-opening a terminal train station for use by the region and preserve the structure, as well as ensure economic growth to sustain restoration of the structure.

Immediate surrounding (Fillmore-Broadway) is an under-served community
The surrounding neighborhood in Buffalo, has a total population of 7,707.(Approximately 1.39 square miles)

· Overall, expenses are 28% lower than the national average.
· 64% of households being occupied by renters.          
· Median age is 32
· 29% of residents are married
· 36% of residents have at least one child.
·
· The overall risk of crime is 11% higher than the national average.
· Approximately 34,267 students enrolled across 96 schools and is rated below average overall based on student test scores.

Education
Only 5% of adults here have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The graduation rate in the United States is at a record high in the 80 percentages. Buffalo is below average at 61%. In the past, the graduation rate was mainly in the 50s.

Current initiatives in Buffalo are limited in scope

Buffalo Billions Project

“A Path to Renewal: The Buffalo Billion Investment Development Plan” serves as a roadmap for implementation. Developed by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, it identifies six high-level strategies and the unique assets that will move the region forward on the path to sustainable, next-economy growth.
Six goals of the Buffalo’s Billions Project

-Advanced manufacturing
-Health and life sciences
-Tourism
-Entrepreneurship
-Workforce development
-Guides future economic growth initiatives.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INTENDED PURPOSE(S) OF THE UP-CYCLED STRUCTURE

The original purpose of the terminal was to move people long distances. The up-cycled train terminal will still serve that original purpose, however the new additions to the terminal will be on the floors above the ground. Most of these additions will be within the tower of the terminal. The additions include dining/seating areas, a library, research center, and both food and art vendors.

Library and education related places can improve the graduation and literacy rates that are currently in Buffalo. The library is beneficial for everyone because they can use it while waiting for their train or take out media for usage during the train ride. The biggest impact of the up-cycle of the train terminal is that the population as a result, could potentially stop dropping. The terminal would provide both a place of gathering, educational services, and entertainment for the local community. The project would also improve the reputation of Buffalo because of the ongoing Buffalo Billions project.

Although the Buffalo Billions project targets similar sectors, the initiatives are somewhat vague and it isn’t clear what steps the State government will be taking to implement growth in these six individual sectors. This is precisely where their project leaves off and ours picks up. Our project singles out a specific location (i.e. Buffalo Central Terminal) and will divide funding to distinct regions of the terminal.

1. Structure selection - J. Joa
2. Underlying reasons for Buffalo & the structure Waseer Mohamed
3. Buffalo Billions - inadequacy Matt Indar
4. Intended Purposes of Up-Cycled Structure Aritra Paul
5. Site Plan: Transportation & connectivity & existing services Lucas Rivera
6. Proposed Adjacencies / Connections – mindmap? Waseer Mohamed
7. Proposed Layout(s) Matthew Indar
8. Proposed Stacking / axon David Huang
9. Explanation: Train station & entrance / lobby J. Joa
10. Explanation: Research Waseer Mohamed
11. Explanation: Library Nelson Chan
12. Explanation: Tutoring/classroom Nelson Chan
13. Explanation: Computer lab Jose R.
14. Explanation: Vendor Spaces Jose R.
15. Explanation: Recreational Center Charles
16. Explanation: Entertainment (Cinema, Event space) Alex
17. Explanation: Sustainability Artitra Paul 
18. Explanation: Sustainability cont’d David Huang
19. Explanation: Schedule / phases David Huang
20. Explanation: Cost Estimate Alex
21. Conclusion Lucas Rivera

Submission

Submitted! We should find out within 2 weeks.

Thanks everyone for your contributions, it's truly been a team effort. (this is a reduced resolution version of the submitted file)

We'll see you at 4pm Monday, Mar 6. As far as I know, the commissioner will stop by, so a great opportunity to chat with him!

Buffalo Central Terminal

Square feet ~ 810,000 Sq ft

Movie theater ~ $165.18 per square foot

Restaurant ~ $50 per square foot

Research Facilities ~ $445.50 per square foot

Fitness center ~ $150 per square foot

ACE Team Write Up

The write up is almost done... We need about 2-3 paragraphs of information/input
Below in grey is the write up so far. The stuff highlighted in yellow is what needs works... try to answer the questions and add it into the team's write up...

Buffalo has over nine colleges within the city but has seen a decline in population since the early 1900’s. The Broadway Fillmore neighborhood surrounds the terminal with a population of 7,700 averaging about 32 years in age.

Buffalo is a declining city that needs upcycling of many of its old resources that currently exist. One of the most important structures is the Buffalo Central Terminal that used to run Amtrak trains in and out of the city. The structure has been deteriorating in the past few decades so keeping the structure strong and safe will be one of the most important aspects of this project.

Upcycling the terminal would save money by maintaining the old structure’ historical significance. It will also prevent further decline in population by improving job outlooks, public transportation, and providing a place of interest within the community. A modernized train station would not only help commuters, but also the residents that live close by. The new terminal will be host to a wide range of services including a library, shopping, and green space.

Bolded- Jonathan's additions

(1) identify the structure(s):  Buffalo Central Terminal

(2) provide the reasons for your selection:

WHY DID ACE TEAM SELECT THIS SITE???

The train terminals in the vicinity are in bad shape. The primary reason that this site was chosen was because the population rates have been decreasing since the 20th century. This trend is expected to continue throughout the 21st century. The train terminal is a good site selection because it has a lot of space to implement shops, libraries, research, etc. 

In addition. the education rates in Buffalo is below average. The graduation rate in the United States is at a record high, being 83%. Buffalo is below the United States, being 61%. In the past, the population rate was mainly around 50%.

(3) give clear explanation of former or current uses/purpose and what you intend to change it to:

ACE TEAM this is the question that needs to be fully answered. What you have now is not enough. Include info as to HOW your project will benefit the area. WHAT SPECIFIC areas within the building are you going to change?

Ex. We plan to clear the front atrium and provide seating for our guests so that they can buy food and have a place to eat it. ß Need to form complete sentences/thoughts about your ideas.

The original purpose of the terminal which involves moving trains and out of the terminal. The up-cycled train terminal will still move trains in and out. However, the new additions to the terminal will be on the floors above the ground. The most of these additions will be within the tower of the terminal. The additions include dining/seating areas, a library, research center, and other vendors.

(4) support for your intended purpose(s):

Now you need to argue your case! Why is a library good for this terminal? What will be better about your building than the old one? How will it support the community? What are some services that the terminal will provide. BASICALLY WHAT PROBLEM(s) IS YOUR DESIGN GOING TO SOLVE???

Library and education related places can improve the graduation and literacy rates that are currently in Buffalo. The library is beneficial for everyone because they can use it while waiting for their train or take out media for usage during the train ride. The biggest impact of the up-cycle of the train terminal is that the population as a result, could potentially stop dropping. 

(5) you MUST use design and construction materials, building techniques, and approaches (e.g., speak to the structural engineering and construction) that are the essence of your new approach/purpose.

 

Buffalo Billion

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ze1FNG1YWF9Ux4uF_Rq4DxHsAxRNKPURsW-9LbdKA3A/edit?usp=sharing

Operational changes

• Install programmable thermostats.
• Close off rooms that are not in use and adjust the temperature in those rooms.
• Do not condition rooms that do not need to be conditioned, thereby reducing the thermal envelope.
• Use insulated shades and curtains to control heat gain and loss through windows.
• Use operable windows, shutters, awnings and vents as originally intended to control temperature and ventilation.
• Take advantage of natural light.
• Install compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) lights.
• Install motion sensors and timers for lighting and local ventilation, such as bathroom exhaust fans.
• Reduce “phantom” electricity loads by turning equipment off when not in use.
• Clean and service mechanical equipment regularly.

Requires Minimal Alteration

• Reduce air leakage.
• Add attic insulation.
• Install storm windows.
• Insulate basements and crawlspaces.
• Seal and insulate ducts and pipes.
• Weather strip doors and add storm doors.
• Add awnings and shading devices where appropriate.

Requires More Alteration

• Add interior vestibules.
• Replace windows.
• Add insulation to wood-frame walls.
• Add insulation to masonry walls.
• Install cool roofs and green roofs.