Several projects have been undertaken at Rich Products as ongoing efforts to improve the company’s world headquarter campus. The design intention has been to update and unify the buildings and grounds into an overall corporate campus, creating a distinct and contemporary presence within Buffalo.

A very long and steep berm along Robert Rich Way was extremely overgrown and infested with weeds. As part of an effort to reduce maintenance efforts the berm was redesigned with multiple levels of roses, ornamental grasses and turf. A prime design consideration included how the berm would appear from the overhead walkway and upper levels of the surrounding buildings.

Existing small street trees and smaller plants were removed along the edge of the parking lot adjacent to Niagara Street and were replaced with a new site/planter wall. The site/planter wall helped to distinguish the edge of the parking lot and prevent people from exiting where there was no access drive into the parking lot. The elevated site/planter wall also provides a greater street presence. A new company sign was also designed and placed within the site/planter wall that indicates the entrance into the parking lot. The parking lot has also been redesigned to better utilize the space of the lot and improve drainage. A new circulation patter with clear and entrances and exits into the lot has been established along with a designated drop-off lane at the main entrance into the Renaissance building.

The existing entry into the main office building of Rich Products at 1150 Niagara Street had been modified over the years and had lost the continuity and grandeur of the main entrance. The existing walkway, which did not line up with the entry doors and existing plants were all removed as part of the redesign. A new walkway with pavers to match the ones used at One Robert Rich Way was designed. The new walkway is centered at the main columns into the building’s entry court and then turns and lines up directly with the building’s main doors. New planter walls were added that match the site/planter walls along Niagara Street. These planter walls are used by employees for sitting and gathering. A new sculpture plinth was added as a visual focal point upon exiting the building that holds a large planter with seasonal interest.

The interior atrium space of Rich Renaissance is a large planted space with a central water feature and waterfall. Over the years the waterproof lining underneath the planter beds had deteriorated and water leaked into the basement of the building, causing damage and structural concerns. Construction documents were prepared for removal of all plant materials and soil, scrapping of old liner material, installation of new drains, concrete for creating slopes, new waterproof spray-on liner, and new soil-less soil and plants. The project took sixteen days of construction to complete and during that time Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect PC served as Construction Manager.

JKLA has also designed a lighting plan to better emphasize the garden like atmosphere for evening events with new up-lighting, path lights and garden lanterns. The lighting package should be complete by late summer 2007.