Roycroft Campus Planning Next Phase of Copper Shop Restoration
The Roycroft Campus has announced the next phase for the restoration efforts of the National Historic Landmark – including plans to revitalize the Copper Shop. The Copper Shop building is in need of significant structural restoration, including the floors, worn down by more than a century of use. The gallery and gift shop located in the Copper Shop are major tourist attractions and act as economic drivers for the Campus – and are therefore seen as imperative to the continued sustainability of the Roycroft Campus.
Older flooring in the Copper Shop in need of restoration. Photo Courtesy of the Copper Shop.
The project involves the removal and replacement of existing cracked and unsafe concrete slab throughout the building; removal of maple flooring in the west wing and replacement of subfloor and hardwood; reconfiguration of the northwest side of the west wing and removal of a 1960s fireplace in the north wing to be more historically accurate; addition of an ADA compliant bathroom; updated boiler and plumbing systems; and tying all electrical to the Power House building. Construction is anticipated to start in mid-January 2019, being completed by May.
“The Roycroft Campus is a unique and irreplaceable historic resource that attracts visitors from all over the world,” says Curt Maranto, Executive Director. “Restoration of the Campus serves as a catalyst for our economy by reinforcing and enhancing the tourist-related activity essential to revitalizing Western New York.”
Advertisement banner in the Copper Shop for the Roycroft Restoration Raffle. Photo courtesy of the Copper Shop.
In addition to grant and funding requests, the Roycroft Campus has introduced a unique raffle to help raise money for this project; giving away 6 prizes, totaling $15,000 to only 450 lucky ticket holders, five prizes of $1,000 and one grand prize of $10,000. This is the largest raffle East Aurora has seen with some of the best odds of winning. Tickets are $100 each and currently on sale at the Campus’ M&T Bank Visitor Center and Copper Shop Gallery or on their website. The drawing will take place on Friday, November 30th at 6pm during a Holiday Kick-Off Event.
For more information, please visit their website at www.roycroftcampuscorp.com or call (716) 655-0261.
Photo of the exterior of the Copper Shop. Photo courtesy of the Copper Shop.
The Roycroft Campus Corporation (RCC) is a not for profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Roycroft Campus, a National Historic Landmark in East Aurora, New York. From 1895 to 1938, the Roycroft Campus was one of the most successful and well-known components of the Arts & Crafts Movement in the United States, consisting of a community of over 500 artisans and craftspeople led by writer and charismatic leader, Elbert Hubbard. The RCC’s mission is to inspire visitors to experience the creativity, ideals and future of the Arts & Crafts Movement and to further promote and preserve the Roycroft Campus.
