Senator Volker Announces Energy Efficiency Grant For Roycroft Campus
(DEPEW, N.Y.) New York State Senator Dale M. Volker (R-C-I, Depew) announced today that the Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, NY will receive a $150,000 grant to facilitate implementation of two energy efficiency projects.
"The Roycroft Campus is without question a historical jewel right in our backyard," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "These state financial resources will provide energy-saving improvements that will provide significant savings and allow this impressive facility to run efficiently and effectively for the foreseeable future. I would like to thank the New York State Power Authority in partnering with the Roycroft Campus for this significant investment in our region."
The Roycroft Campus is one of the best preserved and most complete complexes of buildings associated with the guild movement that evolved in the United States in the late 19th century. The movement advanced centers of craftsmanship and served as a vanguard in the uniquely American "Arts and Crafts" style of the era. The style, championed by Frank Lloyd Wright, among others, emphasizes spare, clean lines and simplicity of design. As a center for the stylistic movement, author, lecturer, and entrepreneur Elbert Hubbard began to develop the Roycroft Campus in 1897 and it quickly became a gathering place for notable artists, architects, authors and philosophers.
The Campus is a designated National Historic Landmark and contains 14 structures including the Inn, the Chapel, the Print Shop, the Furniture Shop, the Power House and the Copper Shop, to name a few. New energy-saving technologies will allow the campus to reduce operating costs and demonstrate its commitment to a clean environment.
Senator Volker secured the grant from Petroleum Overcharge Restitution (POCR) funds, established from proceeds of court settlements relating to major oil company violations of federal price controls in the 1970’s and 1980’s. NYPA administers the funds in New York State.
"Back in May, the Power Authority contacted me to discuss energy-related improvements at the Campus," said Christine Peters, Executive Director of the Roycroft Campus Corporation. "We discovered that various structural and environmental changes needed to be planned for and funded. We are very grateful to Senator Volker and the Power Authority for helping move the projects forward."
Energy conservation measures for the museum were identified by a NYPA energy audit and include boiler upgrades, window replacements and improved lighting.
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