About Us

Organizational Background
Buffalo ReUse (BR) was established in 2006 to develop deconstruction as a competitive, green alternative to the standard demolition of abandoned housing stock in the City of Buffalo, NY. Deconstruction is the disassembly of a building in the opposite order that it was originally constructed, as a strategy for removing unwanted structures, while salvaging usable materials and preserving elements of Buffalo’s unique architectural heritage. Reclaimed building materials are sold through BR’s ReSource, aimed at improving the quality of existing homes in Buffalo.

Buffalo ReUse is WNY's first and only Green Demolition and Salvage Company. Hybrid deconstruction has proven to be a tool to empower neighborhoods, build a more thriving community, and engage youth with a job training and GED program. In the past year we have strengthened our vision: to empower citizens to create healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities.

A Research and Development Grant has been secured from Empire State Development Corporation to expand the practice of deconstruction in Buffalo. The $187,000 grant will subsidize contract revenue in 2008 and allow the flexibility to develop an efficient training program, while refining techniques and procedures. After successful lobbying, the City of Buffalo awarded Buffalo ReUse a contract to dismantle ten abandoned structures in 2008.

Founder, Michael Gainer, was awarded an Echoing Green Fellowship in 2007. Echoing Green (www.echoinggreen.org) is a national organization supporting outstanding emerging social entrepreneurs in their launch of organizations that deliver bold, high-impact solutions to society’s most challenging problems. Gainer received national recognition in the New York Times Magazine article, “Faces of Social Entrepreneurship” on March 9, 2008.