Message from the RCC President
t is an exciting time for the RCC. The next two years will see a great deal of change and construction on the Campus. The RCC has published the Master Plan for the restoration of the entire Campus. This plan will provide a road map for all of our future growth and restoration efforts. We have completed the development of the Roycroft Gateway Park on the corner of South Grove and Main Streets, directly across the street from the Chapel. A former 1950's vintage building was purchased and demolsihed. A public pocket park and landscaped gathering spot has been built in its place. An informational kiosk will be installed that will orient the visitor to the Campus and many other attractions in East Aurora. We anticipate work will commence on the much needed improvements to the Campus Grounds. This $1,000,000 project will improve the drainage, circulation and parking infrastructure throughout the entire Campus. More importantly, it will restore a significant portion of the original green space and pedestrian walkways of the Campus. it will visually unify and beautify the Campus in a way that hasn't been seen in decades. We will also see the return of the centerpiece of the Campus, the Well. The RCC facilitated a grant from the Erie County for the Cornell Print Shop, making it handicap accessible. this will allow the general public access to the large meeting space on the Print Shop's second floor.
The Roycroft Campus will see more construction activity than it has seen since Hubbard's day. All this work will be complete just in time for the arrival of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference that will be held in Buffalo in the fall of 2011. The Roycroft will actually begin to see the results of our years of planning but we still have a long way to go to realize our dream of a totally restored and functioning Campus. To get there will still require time and resources. In order to achieve our goal, 2010 wil also see the launch of our capital campaign, ensuring the successful completion of our restoration efforts.... now is the time to finally celebrate the history of the Campus and its future. With the help of many, we will see it happen. Please join us with your support to make this dream a reality.
- Doug Swift, President, Roycroft Campus Corporation
