Baird Point is one of UB's most iconic and unexpected sights-an outdoor, Greek-style amphitheater overlooking Lake LaSalle. With this backdrop, Baird Point is an attractive staging area for the Student Association's annual Springfest and Fallfest celebrations. Its historic marble columns were once part of the old Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Buffalo.

Lake LaSalle, a 60-acre manmade lake at the edge of the campus, is a popular spot for watching wild ducks, herons and geese. Built in 1970 to provide flood control and water runoff, it has an average depth of 10 feet; maximum depth is 25 feet.

Namesake

Frank Burkett Baird (1852-1939) was a philanthropist and successful industrialist. He came to Buffalo in 1888, built the Tonawanda Iron & Steel Company, developed the Hanna Furnace Company, and served on the board of the Pan American Exposition in 1901. He was "Father of the Peace Bridge" and a proponent of the construction that opened vehicular traffic between the U.S. and Canada in 1927. He chaired the UB Council and was a member of the board of the University Foundation. Mr. Baird served as trustee of Forest Lawn Cemetery and is buried there.

Historical research and photographs provided by University Archives.

Building Facts

Architect: Peter Castle

Completion date: 1978

Gross square feet: 3,400