Library Face-Lift With
History Fidelity
Lockport Library
Written By
Casey Bolles & Zach Daddis
March 31, 2025
Project Description
Restoration of the Sawyer,
Herzog, and Wheeler Rooms
The Lockport Public Library, built in the 1930s and dedicated in 1936, stands as a hallmark of Beaux-Arts architecture in Western New York. The East Avenue structure features a grand entrance staircase, symmetrical design, columns, a cupola, and an elegant pediment. Inside, visitors are welcomed by a spacious concourse flanked by large rooms for periodicals, digital media, and community events.
Established in 1847 under the Union School system, the library operated in various locations before overcrowding spurred the construction of a dedicated building. Completed in 1936 at a cost of $140,000, the facility met the city’s growing needs. A 1992 bond-funded expansion modernized the library, adding a 36,000-square-foot, three-story addition. Renovations included new children’s areas, meeting spaces, and accessibility upgrades, transforming the library into a state-of-the-art facility.
For the final months of 2024, Buffalo Architectural Casting (BAC) undertook the restoration of the historic Sawyer, Herzog, and Wheeler rooms within the Lockport Public Library. Water infiltration from roof and masonry damage had caused extensive deterioration to the decorative plaster cornices and flat plaster walls, marring these beautiful spaces, and diminishing the library’s transportive appeal.
On-site, the metal lath supporting the cornice was repaired and replaced where necessary to ensure a stable foundation for the new plasterwork. The team then applied scratch and brown coats to the exposed areas, preparing the surface for the installation of the newly cast cornice pieces. Each replacement section was meticulously installed, carefully aligned, and blended with the existing cornice to create a cohesive and historically accurate restoration.
Beyond the cornices, minor damage across the room’s decorative plaster was addressed. Flat plaster sections, worn or scraped away by years of water infiltration, were skillfully re-coated and smoothed. Once all plaster repairs were complete, the restoration concluded with a fresh coat of paint across the entire room. The selected colors were matched to the library’s existing palette, ensuring a harmonious integration of the restored elements with the surrounding space.
This comprehensive restoration not only repaired the physical damage but also revived the historic character of these rooms. The updated spaces now provide a clean, polished, and functional environment for Lockport’s residents, all while maintaining their original classical beauty. By blending modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship, BAC ensured the library could continue serving the community as both a contemporary resource and a historic landmark.
