Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - There is no denying that New York State is looking at Buffalo for investments, especially the coveted and expansive Lake Erie waterfront.
Plans are starting to turn into action at Canalside and the Outer Harbor where Western New Yorkers will soon start to see the vision develop into a reality.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul came to Buffalo's waterfront in August and announced investments that total $300 million.
"Thousands, hundreds of thousands, of people come here every year now and we want to have the amenities to meet the demand that is now there," Hochul said. "It's a great day for Western New York."
Now, there is some definition to some of the development as projects totaling about $160 million dollars will be coming to the North Aud Block of Buffalo's Canalside. Four of the five multi-story buildings announced will be used for commercial, residential and retail space.
Erie County Harbor Development Corporation President Steven Ranalli says we won't see construction start on the mixed use buildings until 2025 with roll-outs of the buildings estimated in the year 2027.
However, we will be seeing construction start in less than a months time for one of the five buildings coming to the North Aud Block, the 4-story Canalside Gateway, a building that will serve as the headquarters of the development that will include public restrooms, commercial space and ECHDC offices, among other various uses.
The construction of this $14.25 million state-funded building is expected to be complete in February of 2025.
Gateway Building RenderingErie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
Ranalli spoke to the work currently being done right now, particularly in the South Aud portion of Canalside, "We built out the Aud Block canals. We brought the Children's Museum down to the waterfront, we've got the South Aud block going with Heritage Point and the Sinatra development, and finally, the last piece of the puzzle, (North Aud buildings)."
Ranalli paints the picture of what's to come in the Canalside district, saying, "The next thing you're going to see when you come down this year, you're going to see the Sinatra building this Heritage Point, we're pouring concrete now, steel is going to go up soon, that building is going to move forward. On the North Aud, same thing, you're gonna start to see construction out there in a little over a year, year and a half. It's going to completely transform what's going on in this area."
The Heritage Pointe project commenced construction in March of 2021 and is expected to be completed sometime next year in 2024.
Projects are also being done in the Outer Harbor area, more details including construction photos are available in the article below:
"Over the years we've seen the growth of Canalside as a destination. With the increased public traffic comes a demand for more amenities. The build-out of the North Aud Block is welcome action that provides more reason for people to stay at Canalside - to shop, work, live or grab a bite to eat. Continued momentum on the waterfront improves the quality of life for residents and creates new economic opportunities for the Buffalo-Niagara region," said Congressman Brian Higgins following the recent approvals to the North Aud Block.
