Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - For decades there has been talk of renovating and reviving the iconic Broadway Market.
But, talk is all there was - and a few false starts along the way.
The talk has ended as New York state is allocating $45 million to give the Broadway Market its long overdue renovations.
And, the work is starting this summer, said Peter Cammarata, Broadway Market Management Inc. chairman.
"It is moving forward," Cammarata said.
Much of the pre-construction design work has been completed and pending final approvals from the Buffalo Preservation Board and city Planning Board, everything is ready to go, Cammarata said.
The market will remain open and work will be done in phases, Cammarata said.
"In the end, it will have the look of a true international market," Cammarata said. "But, we aren't losing our traditional Polish base."
Work includes creating a new front facade, demolishing an aging parking ramp, interior renovations including restoring its "Art Moderne" walls and windows and adding new vendor stalls.
At the same time, the market's floor space will be cut in half from 100,000-square-feet to 50,000-square-feet.
"The market had to be right-sized," Cammarata said.
The remaining 50,000-square-feet will be used for special events and during peak seasons space for additional vendors.
The current Broadway Market building opened in 1956.
Annually, it attracts 300,000 shoppers with the bulk headed there during peak holiday seasons.