BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – An old church at the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Ferry Street in Buffalo is getting new life, and will soon give artists, dancers, musicians, and performers a space to come together on a collaborative arts campus.

The project has been underway for over a year now, as the owner and developers have worked to stabilize the structure of the former Richmond Methodist-Episcopal church, which has sat basically empty for decades. The church, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in the 1890s, and saw its hey day in the 1940s before the congregation began to shrink.

The historical charm is clearly visible everywhere you look. “When we see the space, most of the beauty comes from what was already built,” explained Tyra Johnson Hux, a co-developer for the Richmond Ferry Church project and the owner of Blue Sky.

Many of the beautiful historical features are being lovingly preserved in this renovation project, from the expanses of stained glass to the historic pipe organ and handcrafted wood work. “It’s our goal to balance the bringing into the 21st century with preserving what’s already a remarkable space,” said the building’s owner and developer, Rachel Heckl. “I think our artists and our anchor tenants are going to feel the energy every single day.”

When it’s finished, the church and two vacant buildings next door will house an extensive visual performing arts center and business incubator as well as residential apartments, an art gallery, and space for private and corporate events.

Construction crews are at work this week transforming what was the church’s chapel and Sunday school area into the business incubator and black box theater space.

“Having it renovated back to its full luster is just magnificent,” said Emily Tucker, the director of the Benjamin Gallery Group. “Buffalo just keeps getting better and the culture keeps growing, so I feel thrilled to be a part of that.”

“I think this neighborhood, so close to Grant Street and the West Side as well as the Elmwood Village, this building bridges some really amazing energy and some great cultural foundation that we’re just building upon,” Heckl added.

If all goes well, the new collaborative arts campus should be open for the community to enjoy in 2017.