Senator Sean Ryan Announces $1.5 Million In State Funding For Buffalo’s MLK Park Greenhouse

BUFFALO – Today, February 18, 2025, New York State Senator Sean Ryan announced he has secured $1,530,000 in state funding for the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC). That funding includes a $1.5 million grant to fund the restoration of the historic greenhouse at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and $30,000 in operating funds for BOPC.

Constructed in 1909, the MLK Park Greenhouse provides over 15,000 plants annually to enhance the parks, parkways, and circles that make up Buffalo’s Olmsted park system. BOPC also has a partnership with Grassroots Gardens, which allows the greenhouse to be used by a small group of gardeners in support of their efforts to grow plants for community gardens. 

The restoration project will turn the aging greenhouse into a state-of-the-art facility open to the public for community use, which will also serve as a hub for workforce development and more. Phase 1 construction will provide critical structural updates to bring the deteriorating greenhouse up to code while also enhancing its HVAC and watering systems. The first phase of the project will cost an estimated $8 million, with the bulk of the project’s cost funded by $6.5 million in funding from Empire State Development. The $1.5 million grant secured by Senator Ryan will close the funding gap and allow BOPC to move forward with the restoration project.

Senator Sean Ryan said, “The work done by the staff at the MLK Park greenhouse is a huge part of what makes Buffalo’s world-class Olmsted parks, parkways, and traffic circles so picturesque and inviting. I am always proud to support the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, and this funding will allow BOPC to upgrade the 116-year-old greenhouse to ensure Buffalo’s beloved Olmsted park system retains this important resource and community asset for generations to come.”

Senator April Baskin said, “I thank Senator Ryan for delivering these dollars that will fully fund this important project. The Greenhouse at MLK Park is the seed of neighborhood beautification for Buffalo. Many of the seeds and plants grown here are used in our community gardens, as well as the flowers you see in our parks. I am excited for the MLK Park greenhouse to enter its next era and look forward to Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy opening its doors to greater community use of this important building.”

Buffalo Common Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart said, “I want to sincerely thank Senator Ryan for securing funding for the MLK Park Greenhouse in the Masten District. This investment will ensure the greenhouse’s long-term stability and sustainability, allowing it to offer valuable programming for the broader community. As the Councilwoman representing the Masten District, I have always emphasized that Buffalo’s success relies on strong partnerships between our elected leaders at the city, state, and federal levels. Moving forward together is essential, and I am grateful for Senator Ryan’s continued collaboration and commitment to our community.”

Catie Stephenson, Executive Director of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, said, “On behalf of the entire BOPC team and Board of Trustees, we are so thankful to Senator Ryan and Empire State Development for making Phase 1 of this restoration possible. Just as MLK Jr. Park is a hub for activity, this historic working greenhouse is a hub for BOPC’s operations. Restoring this building creates opportunity for workforce development and training, community engagement and use, and so much more.”