Azar Design Co worked in association with Explore & More and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation on the interior build out of the new Explore & More Children’s Museum at Canalside, Buffalo. 

The local Canalside area has become a popular destination in Western New York. Explore & More is a key component in the development of the Buffalo Inner Harbor as one of the first buildings to be constructed here, and its design is intended to recall the historic buildings of the inner harbor with a modern interpretation of spaces and aesthetics.

Azar’s team completed the program of spaces for the building interior - space requirements, workflows, activities, and special uses; prepared documents and specifications for interiors, security, signage, HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing & fire and cost estimates for each. Our team worked closely with the core and shell and exhibit design teams. Services during construction included project administration, RFI and ASI review, schedule review and as-built documents.

In 2022, it was determined security and flow improvements would better suit the space as the museum visitation has grown.

Additional design services for the 2022 front entrance and gift shop redesign included renovations for:

      · lower level party rooms were opened and redesigned to accommodate moveable partitions;

      · a third floor expansion into the 2-story space to provide another exhibit area;

      · modifications to accommodate a privacy/mother's room;

      · fourth floor omission of dividing wall and modification to exhibit spaces;

      · intermediate floor levels in the Museum to provide more exhibit, activity and rental space;

Azar’s Building systems team provided design for the installation of a new conference and meeting room, the renovation of two multi use spaces, and a complete renovation of the main entrance and ticket booth. Design included Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection services.

The redesign project was fast-tracked in construction to decrease the time the museum would have to remain closed.  Our Project Manager worked closely leading our design team and coordinating with the Contractor, Buffalo Contracting for the aggressive construction schedule.