May Preservation Month: RBM Project Highlights
Preservation Month is a time to recognize the value of protecting historic spaces and cultural landmarks. At Encorus Group, preservation is not just about maintaining structures—it’s about thoughtfully bridging the past with the future through safe, compliant, and sustainable solutions.
Preserving historic buildings requires a careful balance: retaining defining architectural features while upgrading systems to meet modern standards. Our Regulated Building Materials (RBM) team, alongside our multidisciplinary design professionals, plays a key role in supporting these efforts—helping clients navigate complex environmental challenges while safeguarding the integrity of each structure.
Below are a few recent projects that highlight our continued commitment to preservation:
SUNY Geneseo (Sturges Hall) – Geneseo, NY
Originally built in 1938, Sturges Hall is undergoing a $40 million renovation. The project includes a full interior gut while preserving key historic features such as the auditorium, grand stairway, windows, and clock. Encorus Group conducted hazardous materials inspections (asbestos, lead-based paint, PCBs), provided asbestos abatement design, and performed project and air monitoring. During demolition, radioactive concrete slag was discovered; our team supported safe handling, monitoring, and proper disposal to maintain compliance.
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens – Buffalo, NY
The historic conservatory was modeled after rare glasshouses in London, England. Opened in 1900, the Botanical Gardens spans 12 acres and includes an accredited arboretum and extensive outdoor gardens. Encorus Group supported ongoing renovations and expansions at the Botanical Gardens, enhancing both the facility and the surrounding grounds. Our RBM team performed hazardous materials inspections (asbestos, lead-based paint, PCBs), along with asbestos abatement design and project monitoring. The project includes a new main entrance, outdoor patio, and over 90,000 square feet of new and renovated gardens.
Masten Park – Buffalo, NY
At Masten Park, Encorus Group supported upgrades to this community recreational space, including demolition of a former daycare building and improvements to fields, pool, and splashpad areas. Our team delivered hazardous materials inspections, asbestos abatement design, and project monitoring services similar to those performed at the Botanical Gardens. In addition, we conducted TCLP sampling to properly characterize demolition waste—ensuring safe handling and regulatory compliance throughout the project.
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New York State Capitol – Albany, NY
As part of the rehabilitation of the Eastern Approach Staircase at the historic New York State Capitol, Encorus Group addressed significant structural deterioration while preserving the integrity of this National Historic Landmark. The work involved reconstructing stairs and retaining walls, improving stormwater drainage, and implementing weatherproofing solutions. Our RBM team conducted comprehensive hazardous materials assessments and developed abatement cost estimates, technical specifications, and CADD drawings to guide a safe and compliant restoration process.
Olana State Historic Site – Greenport, NY
Encorus Group partnered in the restoration of Olana’s 150-year-old mansion by providing comprehensive pre-renovation RBM services. This included hazardous materials inspections of the exterior and the development of a detailed abatement work plan, supported by CADD drafting and a site-specific variance. The effort required close coordination to meet regulatory standards while safeguarding the mansion’s historic integrity.
Want to talk about your preservation needs? Contact Sean Fitzgerald at 716.592.3980 ext 187 or sfitzgerald@encorus.com.
