Hodgson Russ Kicks-Off Bicentennial, Hosts Grand Opening of the Guaranty Interpretive Center
Hodgson Russ LLP, the region’s largest law firm, is also Buffalo’s oldest continuous business, celebrating its 200th birthday in 2017. On Thursday, January 26th, the firm revealed a gift to the community and a major collaboration with Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) at its bicentennial kick-off event. At the morning reception, leaders of the firm introduced the Guaranty Interpretive Center, dedicated to the visionary architects who designed the Guaranty Building, Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler.
The Interpretive Center is the result of a long-standing collaborative relationship between Hodgson Russ and PBN, dating back to 2002 when the firm granted to the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier (a predecessor of PBN) a permanent façade easement over the exterior of the Guaranty Building. This façade easement has helped ensure the integrity of the world-renowned terra-cotta exterior for the enjoyment of future generations. Through the Interpretive Center collaboration, Hodgson Russ and PBN are continuing their partnership by providing visitors to the Guaranty Building with a museum quality experience highlighting the unique and storied history of one of the first successful preservation initiatives and historic restorations in the City of Buffalo.
Under the collaborative arrangement, ownership of the 11 exhibits, models and displays has been transferred to Preservation Buffalo Niagara for exhibition to the general public. In addition, Preservation Buffalo Niagara will have the ability to conduct functions in the Interpretive Center in furtherance of its mission.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteer preservationists in the 1970s, this architectural gem has continued to grace our City and provide an important cultural tourism magnet,” said PBN executive director, Jessie Fisher. “Hodgson Russ’s investment in a faithful restoration of this American masterpiece and their willingness to welcome the public into the building is the kind of stewardship of cultural resources that will further Buffalo’s renaissance.”
With roots dating back to 1817, Hodgson Russ’s relationship to the development of the city and region are unparalleled. The firm was instrumental in many of the most significant events that spurred the development and growth of the region, including the completion of the Erie Canal (also in 1817), the development of Buffalo’s City Charter, the founding of international companies like Wells Fargo and Citibank, and the development, major manufacturers and industrial giants, hospitals, educational and cultural organizations. At the kick-off event, a video produced for the bicentennial was previewed, illustrating the firm’s commitment to the city and its philosophy of building community through service. Additionally, a commemorative logo was unveiled with the theme being “A Future Inspired by Our Legacy,” an affirmation of the firm’s third century of commitment to clients and community.
Bicentennial chair and Hodgson Russ partner, Hugh Russ noted there would be celebrations held in the firm’s offices in Albany, New York, Saratoga Springs, Palm Beach and Toronto and a series of Buffalo-specific events for community, clients and colleagues throughout the year. “We’re deeply indebted to the men and women who have come before us and to those who are our future,” said Russ. “Our bicentennial gives us perspective on the values and ideals that have been the foundation of our success and the success of the region.”
Hodgson Russ attorneys facilitate the U.S. legal aspects of transactions around the world. We practice in every major area of law and use multidisciplinary work teams to serve the specific, often complex, needs of our clients, which include public and privately held businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit institutions, and individuals. Hodgson Russ has offices in Buffalo, New York, Albany, and Saratoga Springs, New York; Toronto, Ontario; and Palm Beach, Florida. For more information, visit HodgsonRuss.com.