Orchestra/band rehearsal space with acoustic ceiling tiles on the third floor of the Canisius High School Center for the Arts that opened for students in January. (Ginger Geoffery)

When students returned to school this moth, the Canisius High School campus looked at bit different than it did last fall. Back then, the former Conners mansion at 1140 Delaware Ave., was a construction zone. Canisius purchased the vacant building in May 2017 and spent several months renovating it into rehearsal spaces for music ensembles, individual practice rooms, and architecture, ceramics and art classrooms.

The 13,000-square-foot Center for the Arts opened to students in January 2018. It's on the same side of Delaware Avenue as the main Canisius campus, and students must make the short walk across West Ferry Street to access the new space. Students say the short walk is a positive because it gives them an opportunity to get into a creative mindset.

"It is remarkable how a simple walk down Delaware Avenue is capable of improving a student's in-class experience," said rising junior Daniel Sippel.
Students also have high praise for the interior renovations.

"One of the things I like most is the huge space we have to work on projects and display final pieces," said rising senior Aidan Doyle. "Whether I'm working on a sculpture for class, a project for Art Club or studying, the Center for the Arts is one of the best places to hang out."