Daemen to celebrate Rosary Hall's 'Historic Landmark' designation

Daemen College's Rosary Hall, recognized for its Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, and designed by one of most prominent Buffalo architects of the early 20^th century, will be officially designated a "Historic Landmark" at 3 p.m. July 1.

The college will host a celebration in Rosary Hall in honor of this distinguished designation by the Amherst Historic Preservation Commission. Daemen President Gary A. Olson, Amherst Deputy Supervisor Guy Marlette, commission representatives, and members of the college community are expected to be in attendance.

"We are honored to have Rosary Hall receive 'Historic Landmark' status in Amherst, which has been home to the Daemen campus since it was founded," Olson said. "This beautiful building stands as a visible representation of Daemen's past, and for it to receive such a significant designation is a testament to its preservation as part of the rich history of the college and town."

Built circa 1912 as the Crouch-Waite mansion, the building was designed by George Cary, one of the few native-born Buffalo architects. He is best known for designing several city landmark buildings, including the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Buffalo General Hospital and the Pierce-Arrow administration building. Rosary Hall's Italian Renaissance style features gold leaf ceilings, black Italian marble flooring, and French doors and windows.

Purchased from the Waite family in 1948, the renamed Rosary Hall became the first building for the newly established Rosary Hill College, known today as Daemen College. It later served as a residence for the college's founding Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity. Today, Rosary Hall houses the Daemen office of admissions and the office of institutional advancement.