The Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens has received a big boost to its expansion plans from New York State.

Empire State Development awarded a $500,000 grant to help the South Buffalo cultural attraction build a 36,000-square-foot glass addition designed by architect Toshiko Mori. The expansion also includes a butterfly conservatory, expanded and consolidated grow houses, and a larger admission area and main entrance. The expansion also includes a cafe, expanded exhibit spaces and educational classrooms.

"We are certainly happy and pleased that our local legislators supported our request last year, and we are hopeful we can continue to raise the funds we need to make this project a reality," said David Swarts, the Botanical Gardens' president and chief executive officer.

The funding – obtained through the competitive Market New York grant process – brings the Botanical Gardens financial commitments for the expansion to nearly $9 million, almost half of the anticipated $18.5 million cost.

"We have several requests in for additional funding to support the project through corporations and foundations," Swarts said. "If they come through, then that $9 million would grow substantially. We are in the process to secure that funding."