Looking for art studio space in 2005, Barbara Rowe and Peter Sowiski considered a small warehouse on Lafayette Avenue in Buffalo adjacent to a corner parking lot and former donut shop. The warehouse, despite its rundown condition, sparked ideas of living and working in the same space.
The building was deeded in the early 1900’s to the Rustless Ruler Company and had seen other businesses come and go, including engine repairs, cabinetry manufacturing, and more recently, a photography studio. Architect Brad Wales was brought in and Barbara’s brother, David Rowe, who owns DMR Contracting was the general contractor. Together they transformed the space into a light filled studio and loft apartment.
More recently, the corner lot and building were acquired by the couple. They are gradually transforming the lot with gardens and boulders to soften the hard edges and create a bit more comfortable bus stop area.
