Design Concepts Sought for 5/14 Memorial in Buffalo

The state is looking for design concepts for a memorial that would be built to an honor the ten victims, including an Auburn man, who were murdered in a racially motived massacre at a Tops store in Buffalo in May of last year.

The 5/14 Commission seeks individuals of all ages and backgrounds to submit ideas for design concepts. The Request for Submissions will include a two-step process: The first part is an open submission to identify broad concepts and potential lead designers for the memorial. A short list of respondents will be chosen to submit their final designs with considerations for the actual site conditions and professional cost estimates.

Submissions will be accepted starting November 1st through December 1st, 2023. The Part 1 submissions will be reviewed, and the individuals shortlisted to participate under Part 2 of the process will be selected by January 23, 2024. The Request for Submissions can be viewed here.

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul, Mayor Brown and the 5/14 Memorial Commission announced the start of the public engagement campaign, which included public meetings and a community survey. The 5/14 Memorial community survey is still open and gives the public a chance to share their thoughts and feelings about the characteristics and elements included in the 5/14 Memorial. It will be open until November 1st. For more information about the 5/14 Memorial Commission and the 5/14 survey visit www.514memorial.com.

53-year-old Andre Mackniel was visiting family in Buffalo and was buying his three-year-old son a birthday cake when he was gunned down.