Buffalo Area Community Center sets sights on June grand opening
Let the countdown begin. As the final weeks of winter whittle away, excitement is building for the opening of the Buffalo Area Community Center (BACC). Community Center Manager Adam Leiferman and Buffalo-area realtor Tammy Johnson, who serves on the Community Center Advisory Board, recently shared updates on construction and remodeling at the future home of the BACC, located at 114 Commerce Circle.
Since 1989, the community center has operated out of 206 Central Avenue in downtown Buffalo. The current building, originally constructed in the 1950s as an American Legion, has served residents well for decades, hosting countless events and gatherings. However, limited space and ongoing maintenance needs have created the need for a new facility.
In November 2024, the City of Buffalo purchased the Commerce Circle building, formerly owned by PenRad Technologies. Since then, hours of planning and discussion have led to construction and remodeling, which began in fall 2025.
Both Leiferman and Johnson emphasized that the Buffalo Area Community Center is designed for all ages, with programs and amenities intended to serve the entire community.
“We’re excited to include everyone from the community,” Johnson said. “One of the biggest changes is shifting the perception that the downtown building is just a senior center. This new space is for people of all ages, while still being mindful of the needs of our senior community and continuing to provide a welcoming place for them.”
Budget considerations have been central to the project, as leaders have been mindful to keep costs low and repurpose when allowable.
“We operated on a very thin budget,” Johnson said. “We worked to keep as many existing elements as possible, including cabinets, furniture, and flooring.”
Leiferman shared that there will be no cost to the public to enter the community center.
“We want everyone to have a membership so we can track how the space is used, but there will be no fee to come in and enjoy the facility.”
Space Utilization
Every inch of the building has been carefully planned to maximize use. Leiferman and Johnson highlighted several key features, including an indoor play area for children, giving them a place to burn off energy during cold winter months, and a movie theater equipped with a 100-inch screen, sound-dampening walls, and comfortable seating.
One of the most significant changes is the relocation of the main entrance and reception area. The new layout will feature a centrally located reception desk accessible from both the main entrance and the exterior elevator.
A large open area to the right of the entrance will offer restaurant-style booth seating, benches, tables, and ample space for group gatherings and events.
“There will be seating for about 60 people in the large open area, with the option to open adjacent rooms for additional seating if needed,” Leiferman said. “A microphone system will allow sound to project into multiple rooms so everyone can be part of larger programs.”
Amenities
Amenities at Buffalo Area Community Center are plentiful. Guests will be able to check out laptop computers for use throughout the building, opening the door for technology classes, telehealth visits, and other digital programming.
Students will have dedicated spaces to gather with friends, as well as quiet rooms for homework, studying, and group projects. An activities room will provide a place to relax and unwind, including arcade-style Pac-Man, and three pool tables.
Plans for an outdoor splash pad are in the works to help families cool off during the summer months, with construction scheduled to begin this summer.
The multipurpose room, flowing with natural light, will accommodate a range of creative activities, from painting and sewing to sculpting and other arts.
Telehealth and Podcasting
Looking toward the future, leaders and staff have explored opportunities for telehealth and podcasting. A private room will be available for telehealth appointments, with assistance offered to those who need help navigating the technology.
Leiferman also anticipates partnerships with students from Wright Technical Center.
“We’re working with Wright Tech students who need volunteer hours,” he said. “With staff supervision, they plan to visit regularly to offer health checks, such as blood pressure screenings, while building relationships with the community and developing skills for careers in health care.”
The center received donated podcast equipment, creating potential opportunities for residents to share stories and discuss local topics.
Transportation
To help residents transition to the new location, Trailblazer Transit will offer free rides from the downtown area during the first three months after opening.
“It will give us data on the most popular times and days,” Leiferman said. “We can then tailor a long-term schedule and work to provide rides from downtown apartments at little or no cost.”
The center also plans to use the You-Hoot rideshare app, part of a national program designed to connect volunteer drivers and riders. The program, launched with a startup grant awarded last year, is intended to complement Trailblazer services and provide evening and weekend transportation options.
Save the date
The downtown location will close from Friday, April 24, through Friday, May 1, as the center prepares for the move. A soft opening is planned for May 4 with regular hours. The Buffalo Area Community Center will host a grand opening celebration on June 9, featuring vendors, prize giveaways, tours, and more. That date will also mark the start of extended hours, including evenings and weekends.
Buffalo Mayor Steve Downer shared, “I’m excited about the new community center and what it will mean for Buffalo. This is something that has been talked about for a long time, and it’s rewarding to see it becoming a reality. This will be a place where people come together, build connections, and make memories. I am glad to be part of a project that will have a lasting, positive impact on our community.”
