Buffalo Golisano Institute Business School 83,706 SqFt Renovation

Buffalo, NY — January 20, 2026 — The Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship is transforming the historic One News Plaza at 125 Washington Street in downtown Buffalo into a dynamic new higher education facility. With construction underway, the institute plans to welcome its first cohort of students in fall 2026, offering a specialized 2-year certified business degree program.

Project Overview

The Golisano Institute acquired One News Plaza (the former Buffalo News headquarters building) for $10 million in October 2025, marking a significant investment in Buffalo's downtown revitalization. The building, designed by renowned architect Edward Durell Stone and recognized for its striking brutalist architecture, is receiving careful interior renovations while maintaining its architectural integrity.

The renovation project encompasses 83,706 square feet across three floors (floors 1, 4, and 5) of the five-story building. Floors 2 and 3 are being left as vacant shell space to accommodate future expansion based on enrollment growth. The total square footage represents a substantial educational facility designed to support a growing student body.

The institute will occupy and renovate:

• Floor 1: Primary entrance and ground-level spaces
• Floor 4: Academic and classroom facilities
• Floor 5: Administrative and support spaces

Project Details and Timeline

Construction and interior renovations began in January 2026, with completion scheduled for fall 2026, well ahead of the student enrollment deadline. LeChase Construction serves as the general contractor, with CJS Architects managing the design.

The renovation strategy focuses on creating a modern educational environment while respecting the building's architectural heritage. The project includes:

• Interior classroom and teaching spaces designed for contemporary business education
• Modern HVAC and building systems to support a professional learning environment
• Technology infrastructure for a digital-first business curriculum
• Administrative offices for faculty and staff

Facility Access and Parking:

• Primary entrance: Scott Street side of building
• Emergency egress: Washington Street entrance retained on first floor
• Parking for faculty and students: 75 free spaces at adjacent Scott & Washington lot, plus 250 market-rate spaces available
• Bicycle parking: 20 spaces provided adjacent to Scott Street entrance

Building Signage and Branding

The Golisano Institute is seeking variance approval from the Planning Board for new exterior signage that reflects the building's size and visibility. The institute requested approval for two large signs:

• Two 240 square foot signs facing Washington Street and I-190
• Current code limit: 175 square feet per sign
• Letter size: 26-inch letters with 10-inch detailing and a 46-inch logo (6' x 40' total sign dimensions)
• Design feature: Halo illumination for daytime and evening visibility

According to the application, the larger signage is necessary due to the building's substantial size. The reverse illumination design provides an "upscale look" appropriate for a professional business education facility.

Academic Program and Institutional Context

The Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship is part of the broader Golisano Foundation's commitment to education and economic development. The Buffalo location represents a strategic expansion bringing business education and entrepreneurship training to the Western New York region.

The program offers:

• 2-year certified business degree aligned with New York State requirements
• Focus on entrepreneurship and business foundations
• Accessible higher education for regional students and professionals

Downtown Buffalo Revitalization Impact

This project represents a significant vote of confidence in Buffalo's downtown core. The Golisano Institute joining other recent downtown initiatives signals growing institutional and private sector investment in the city's economic recovery and cultural resurgence.

Why This Matters for Buffalo:

• Educational investment: Brings new business education capacity to the region
• Downtown activation: Occupies a prominent 1-News Plaza location, bringing energy and activity to the district
• Workforce development: Prepares regional workers and entrepreneurs for competitive market demands
• Adaptive reuse: Transforms underutilized office space into an active educational facility
• Architectural preservation: Respects and maintains the building's iconic brutalist design legacy

Architectural Significance

One News Plaza, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Edward Durell Stone, represents an important example of brutalist architecture in Buffalo. Stone also designed the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The building features distinctive design elements including extensive skylights on interior floors and a raised plaza design reflecting its original office function.

The renovation strategy respects these architectural qualities by preserving the exterior facade without alterations and focusing renovation work on interior spaces. This approach honors Stone's design intent while creating modern educational spaces within.

Project Team and Execution

Key project stakeholders:

• General Contractor: LeChase Construction
• Architect: CJS Architects
• Signage Contractor: Ulrich Sign Co.
• Owner/Developer: Golisano Institute

The experienced construction and design team brings significant expertise to the project, ensuring quality execution within the aggressive timeline.

Industry Insight: Westside Construction Group understands the challenges and opportunities in adaptive reuse and downtown revitalization projects across Upstate New York. WCG's experience managing complex commercial renovations and institutional projects positions the firm to support similar educational and mixed-use developments. For consultation on downtown development or institutional construction: (585) 440-0304 or www.buildwcg.com