Buffalo Community Center Receives Long-Awaited Makeover

On November 4th, 2024, the Buffalo City Council approved the purchase agreement of the PedRad building. Located across Buffalo Hospital on Hwy 25, the building is soon the be Buffalo’s new Community Center. Adam Leiferman has been the manager of the Buffalo Community Center for three years and, ever since working there, has been looking for a better building. 

“Right now, what we have is an old American Legion. It’s very small and commonly known as the Senior Center.” Leiferman said. “For three years, I’ve been looking and dreaming of a bigger, better space for the community.”When Leiferman originally saw a Facebook ad about the PenRad building, he was skeptical about how successful he would be in acquiring it. 

“I’m just one guy trying to make a difference here,” Leiferman said. “But I don’t know if I can [make a difference].”

But after Leiferman messaged the seller and toured the building, his skepticism turned into optimism. 

“[The seller] reached back with a very long, excited message, saying how wonderful this would be as a Community Center,” Leiferman said. ”We met and did a tour of the building; I knew right away this was it.”

Leiferman believes that the PenRad building has a lot of new aspects that the current building lacks—new aspects that will make it attractive to the community. 

“[The PenRad building] has a lot more space and, with all the natural light and the glass windows, a lot more welcoming atmosphere,” Leiferman said. “I think that this will be an exciting new space for the community, and a lot more people will be interested in participating in things here. We’ll take some of the same programming that we already have [at the current Community Center] and bring it here, but we’ll also be able to offer so much more.”

Leiferman wants to brand the PenRad building as a place with a local, community atmosphere but doesn’t have the traditional activities of a Community Center. 

“When people think of a Community Center, they have some expectations: a pool, a gym space, maybe a walking track and exercise equipment,” Leiferman said. “This doesn’t have that. But, it still offers that community space that’s open to the public. It’s a place to gather.”

Some of the new programming and additions include but are not limited to, technology classes, painting, an e-sports area, study rooms, a mini movie theater, and ping-pong and pool tables. 

Intending to open the building in the Summer of 2025, Leiferman is excited and passionate about the role this new building will play in shaping the community of Buffalo. 

“I think it’s important to have a space where everybody feels welcome and where everyone’s included,” Leiferman said. “That’s what I dream this place to be.”

Have ideas on how to make the PenRad building an amazing Community Center? Leiferman wants you to email [email protected] with suggestions.