BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation approved the next big project at Canalside.
ECHDC approved a large retail and residential complex Tuesday called Heritage Point, which will be located in with South Aud Block.
The $30 million private development project by Sinatra and Company includes two, six-story mixed-use buildings separated by a walkway.
"They're brick buildings. There's sort of a contemporary take on history but I think they're gonna blend in really well with what's already built down there and really help further the Canalside neighborhood." Steve Ranalli, the ECHDC President.
Heritage Point is expected to have restaurants, retail space and apartments.
"The key to an entertainment district like Canalside, like anywhere else in the country, is that there's always something going on and people will mill around and stay around and I think you'll start to see that excitement," said Robert Gioia, the ECHDC Chairman.
There's an aggressive timeline to get the job done, with a goal of opening the doors in the summer of 2021.
The board also approved the design for this roundhouse building that will house the Buffalo Heritage Carousel.
"A gorgeous building, wooden frame design enclosed in glass. It'll be lit from the inside so it will glow at night. It's just gonna be fantastic," Ranalli explained.
The carousel will be near the corner of Prime and Perry Streets and the groundbreaking is scheduled for Wednesday.
"The good news is there's gonna be a lot of activity. It will be a little bit confusing for the next year or so with all the construction fences. We just hope people and the public will understand that but it's all about progress," Gioia added.
But the long term development of Canalside is far from over.
Board members tell us they're getting more and more interest from developers who want to be a part of the momentum, especially when it comes to the North Aud Block.
Click here for renderings and construction drawings of Heritage point.
Click here for renderings and construction drawings of the building that will house the Buffalo Heritage Carousel.