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Buffalo Zoo Site Improvements

Entry Plaza Redesign

Location Buffalo, NY
Size 1 acre
Status Constructed 2024
Services
Industries
Azar Design Co was contracted by the City of Buffalo’s Department of Public Works to redesign the entry plaza at the Buffalo Zoo. Our Landscape Architecture team developed a solution to replace the existing pervious concrete with a more effective, safe, and visually appealing surface. The final design features a distinctive sunburst pattern combining pervious pavers in varied colors and textures with standard concrete, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

The Great Lakes-shaped fountain, previously designed by Azar, remains a central feature of the upgraded plaza. This design preserved and integrated the fountain, complemented by new tree plantings, tree grates, and a dedicated planting area, creating a cohesive and inviting space.

The challenge was to create an attractive, permeable surface that supports the foot traffic of an average of half a million visitors annually. Azar selected larger-format pavers with a structural geogrid for durability and employed a sustainable approach by repurposing the existing plaza’s permeable stone subbase, achieving significant cost savings. We managed the construction schedule through a phased plan, ensuring uninterrupted access for zoo visitors throughout the project.