Hochul announces launch of 'Canalside: The Next Wave' to develop strategic vision for Buffalo's waterfront

Community survey launched to collect public input on priorities for expanded Canalside District; available here

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the selection of urban planning and design firm MKSK to lead the development of “Canalside: The Next Wave,” a strategic vision for the future of Buffalo’s Waterfront District. MKSK will conduct comprehensive market and urban design analyses, lead public engagement, and establish an overarching development strategy. The firm will evaluate new development sites to expand Canalside and leverage the three-quarters of a billion dollars in previous state investments to unlock opportunities for mixed-use growth, commerce and housing over the coming years.

“Today marks the start of a bold new chapter in the transformation of Buffalo’s waterfront and the expansion of the Canalside District,” Hochul said. “This study, in partnership with MKSK, will lay the groundwork for a vibrant, year-round community that drives sustainable growth, increases neighborhood density, and seamlessly connects the Erie Basin Marina to the Cobblestone District. Buffalo, get ready for ‘Canalside: The Next Wave.’ ”

“Canalside: The Next Wave” will shape the next decade of growth, investment and transformation at Canalside, KeyBank Center, the Cobblestone District, and along the Buffalo River waterfront. Led by Empire State Development, the strategy will deliver specific development recommendations for a targeted zone spanning from the Erie Basin Marina to Michigan Avenue, bounded by the Buffalo River and the I-190, and including Sahlen Field.

MKSK will provide ESD, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp., Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and other public and private stakeholders with data-driven insights to prioritize financial feasibility, market demand, and seamless integration with ongoing local developments.

This strategy arrives at a critical juncture as several major neighborhood investments take shape, including:

•The start of construction of Pennrose’s mixed-use North Aud development;

•The resumption of construction at Heritage Point on the South Aud Block by Sinatra Development Co.;

•The completion of The Chandlery on the North Aud Block by ECHDC;

•The evolution of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship;

•The grand opening of the NFTA’s DL&W Terminal facility; and

•The redevelopment of affordable housing at the Perry Homes and Marine Drive Apartments by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority.

To capitalize on this momentum, the study will evaluate potential development sites, integrating residential units, hotels, dining, retail and experiential public spaces to promote year-round vibrancy. The new developments will be selected to unlock long-term economic opportunities that align with existing stakeholder investments and needs expressed by the public.

Gathering public input will be a cornerstone of the planning process. Residents, local businesses, and visitors are encouraged to share their feedback and participate in upcoming public pop-up events:

√ Erie Basin Marina at The Hatch: Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

√ Canalside Fall Fest: Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

√ Seneca One: Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The online community survey is available now at buffalowaterfront.com and will remain open through early November.

MKSK is a collective of planners, urban designers and landscape architects, founded in 1990, who focus on addressing urban and community challenges and creating desirable places to live and thrive. They work to build consensus around a shared vision and solve complex problems with integrated planning, design and execution strategies that generate lasting economic, social and environmental benefits. MKSK has extensive experience addressing key themes such as downtown revitalization, waterfront redevelopment, street and transportation networks, parks and trails, public spaces, sports and entertainment districts, tourism, and neighborhood investment.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, significant state resources have successfully catalyzed a remarkable waterfront revival in Buffalo. This new strategic planning initiative allows us to take a market-ready, data-driven approach to the next phase of development, maximizing previous investments to spur sustained economic growth and job creation.”

ECHDC Chairperson Joan Kesner said, “A dynamic waterfront is central to the economic health of our city, and Gov. Hochul’s continued commitment provides the framework to sustain this momentum. ECHDC is eager to collaborate with the City of Buffalo and local stakeholders to build a seamlessly connected, vibrant destination that serves the community year-round.”

MKSK Principal Jeffrey Pongonis said, “MKSK is honored to partner with Gov. Hochul, Empire State Development and local stakeholders to shape the next generation of investment at Canalside. We are fortunate to build upon an extraordinary foundation created through nearly three decades of investment that has transformed Buffalo’s waterfront into a dynamic destination. Waterfront and entertainment districts like Canalside offer a unique opportunity to become both a vibrant neighborhood for local residents and a destination that welcomes visitors from across the region and beyond. We look forward to helping create a district that is uniquely Buffalo, better connected, rich with memorable experiences, and filled with reasons for people to return again and again.”

State Sen. April N.M. Baskin said, “As we look toward the next chapter of Canalside, it is critical that the residents and small businesses who have lived, worked and invested in this community for years have a meaningful voice in shaping its future. Their experiences and needs should help guide this planning process so that new development strengthens the existing community and creates opportunities that benefit the people who already call this area home. I appreciate that public engagement will be a central part of this process, and I look forward to seeing that input reflected in the vision for Canalside’s future.”

Assembly member Jonathan Rivera said, “Canalside’s transformation has been one of Buffalo’s greatest success stories, turning long-underutilized waterfront property into a destination that draws residents and visitors from across Western New York and beyond. As we look to the future, we have an opportunity to build on that success by creating a vibrant, year-round neighborhood that strengthens our economy, expands housing opportunities, supports local businesses, and better connects key destinations throughout downtown. We, as state leaders, must ensure that the next phase of Canalside’s growth reflects the needs and aspirations of Buffalo’s residents. The future of our waterfront is bright, and I look forward to helping shape what comes next.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “The development of our waterfront continues to be a work in progress – and it’s always encouraging to see the process continue with investments made based on strategic planning that helps improve access for Erie County residents and visitors to our region. I thank Gov. Hochul for her continuous efforts in advocating for funding and the interest and involvement of our other government partners who join us in supporting this important study. I hope residents will take the time to share their opinion on how to improve and transform Buffalo’s Waterfront District.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan said, “Buffalo’s waterfront has come a long way, but there is still tremendous opportunity to make Canalside a stronger, more connected neighborhood that is active year-round. This process gives us an opportunity to build on the investments already underway, bring more housing and economic activity to the waterfront, and strengthen the connections between Canalside, downtown and our surrounding neighborhoods. I’m grateful to Gov. Hochul for continuing to invest in Buffalo, and I encourage residents to make their voices heard as we work together to shape what comes next.”