“The Buffalo chapter of the American Red Cross can now rest assured it will be staying indefinitely in its Delaware Avenue home—along with some musical accompaniment,” writes Jonathan Epstein in Thursday’s (9/14) Buffalo News (N.Y.). “John Yurtchuk, a developer and former chairman of the regional Red Cross chapter, is buying the prominent Clement Mansion from the nonprofit he used to lead. In a surprise move, Yurtchuk will split the property and donate the historic mansion to the Crescendo Campaign for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, of which he is also a board member. The BPO will occupy part of the building for its administrative offices and will lease the rest to the Red Cross…. ‘It’s a transformational gift for the BPO,’ said Executive Director Daniel Hart. ‘This is an iconic Buffalo building…. It’s a dream scenario for us.’ … The purchase is expected to close in mid-October, when the BPO will take over and move in.” Built in 1912, the Clement Mansion hosted “social functions, musical performances and other gatherings…. BPO musicians even performed at the house.” Said Hart, “It’s going to be much more than just another office space for the BPO.”
Posted September 18, 2017
