NIAGARA FALLS, NY-- Redevelopment plans are in place now for the nearly vacant Rainbow Centre Mall in Niagara Falls.
Uniland has been selected to redevelop the mall. Expected plans for the mall, which will be called 'Wonderfalls" include: a 15-story hotel, spa, daredevil adventure park, and retail and food venues. Michael Montante Vice President of Uniland calls the plan "a game changer".
"We believe that this project has the potential to be a catalyst for the revitalization of Niagara Falls. We have a track record of successful, transformative projects in the Central Business District of Buffalo and look forward to achieving those results in Niagara Falls," says Montante.
"This is the next big step in the transformation of not only the former Rainbow Centre Mall, but Niagara Falls as a whole," Governor Cuomo said. "The Falls are one of our State's most valuable tourism assets, drawing visitors from around the globe with unparalleled views, and a revitalized downtown will help the city build on this strength to not only attract more visitors, but visitors who stay longer and do more in the area. Our administration made a commitment to rebuilding Western New York's economy through the Buffalo Billion, and this announcement is another example of how that approach is creating jobs and bringing investments back to communities that had been stagnant for too long. Today, it cannot be denied – Niagara Falls is on the move."
Two-thirds of the Rainbow Centre Mall has been vacant for more than 10 years. One-third of the mall is now the home of the Niagara Falls Culinary school, which opened last year.
The governor says the $150 million dollar investment will create 1,500 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs with the renovation. Part of the funding for the redevelopment project will come from the Billion for Buffalo.
