Inner Harbor Redevelopment

Vision

The Buffalo Niagara Inner Harbor will be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use urban waterfront that seamlessly blends high-density development, historic restoration, and a post-industrial aesthetic. By redeveloping Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) lands, restoring the historic Ohio Street alignment, and creating a historically styled street grid at Silo City, the Inner Harbor will become a dynamic hub of residential, commercial, and cultural activity, enhancing public access to the Buffalo River and celebrating the region’s industrial heritage.

Strategic Objectives

  1. Redevelop BURA Lands for Mixed-Use Development: Utilize BURA-owned properties, including the Erie Basin Marina, to create high-density, mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
  2. Restore the Historic Ohio Street Alignment: Relocate the NFTA metro train rail yard to improve public access to the Buffalo River and reconnect the city with its waterfront through a restored historic corridor.
  3. Develop a Historically Styled Street Grid at Silo City: Establish a street grid with a post-industrial aesthetic to support complementary mixed-use development, preserving and celebrating the area’s industrial legacy.

Key Strategies

1. Redevelop BURA Lands for Mixed-Use Development

  • High-Density Development at Erie Basin Marina: Transform BURA-owned parcels, including the Erie Basin Marina, into a mixed-use district featuring 2,000 residential units (20% affordable), retail spaces, restaurants, and public amenities, with a focus on waterfront views and connectivity.
  • Public-Private Partnerships (P3s): Partner with private developers to fund and construct mixed-use projects, offering tax incentives and expedited permitting for developments that include affordable housing and sustainable design.
  • Sustainable Design Standards: Mandate LEED certification or equivalent for new buildings, incorporating green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems to align with Buffalo Niagara’s sustainability goals.
  • Public Space Integration: Incorporate public plazas, boardwalks, and recreational spaces within developments to enhance community access to the waterfront and foster year-round activity.

2. Restore the Historic Ohio Street Alignment

  • NFTA Rail Yard Relocation: Relocate the NFTA metro train rail yard to a site outside the Inner Harbor, such as an underutilized industrial area, to free up land for public access and development.
  • Ohio Street Restoration: Reconstruct the historic Ohio Street alignment as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly corridor with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and native landscaping, connecting downtown Buffalo to the Buffalo River.
  • Improved River Access: Develop public access points along Ohio Street, including kayak launches, fishing piers, and riverfront trails, to enhance recreational opportunities and community engagement with the waterfront.
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Upgrade utilities and stormwater systems along Ohio Street to support new development and ensure climate resilience, incorporating green infrastructure like bioswales.

3. Develop a Historically Styled Street Grid at Silo City

  • Post-Industrial Street Grid: Design a street grid at Silo City that reflects the area’s industrial heritage, using materials like cobblestone, exposed steel, and reclaimed brick to create a historically inspired aesthetic.
  • Complementary Mixed-Use Development: Support the development of 1,000 residential units, artisan workshops, cultural venues, and small-scale retail at Silo City, preserving existing grain silos as focal points for adaptive reuse.
  • Cultural and Artistic Hub: Encourage adaptive reuse of silos for cultural spaces like museums, galleries, or event venues, fostering a creative district that attracts artists, entrepreneurs, and visitors.
  • Connectivity to Regional Networks: Link the Silo City street grid to regional trails, such as the Niagara River Greenway, and ensure seamless integration with Ohio Street and downtown Buffalo via pedestrian and bike pathways.

Implementation Plan

  • Short-Term (1-2 Years):
    • Complete a master plan for BURA-owned lands, including Erie Basin Marina, with stakeholder input to prioritize mixed-use development.
    • Identify a new site for the NFTA rail yard and begin feasibility studies for relocation.
    • Design the historically styled street grid for Silo City, with initial infrastructure improvements for one block.
    • Launch a pilot project for 200 residential units and retail spaces at Erie Basin Marina.
  • Medium-Term (3-5 Years):
    • Complete relocation of the NFTA rail yard and begin restoration of the Ohio Street alignment, including two public access points to the Buffalo River.
    • Develop 1,000 residential units and 50,000 square feet of commercial space on BURA lands, with 25% affordable housing.
    • Construct 50% of the Silo City street grid, supporting 500 residential units and two cultural venues in repurposed silos.
    • Host 20 community events at new Inner Harbor public spaces to drive engagement.
  • Long-Term (5-10 Years):
    • Complete 2,000 residential units and 100,000 square feet of commercial space on BURA lands, achieving a resident population of 5,000 in the Inner Harbor by 2035.
    • Fully restore the Ohio Street alignment as a pedestrian-friendly corridor with seamless river access and regional trail connections.
    • Complete the Silo City street grid, supporting 1,000 residential units and a vibrant cultural district attracting 500,000 annual visitors.
    • Position the Inner Harbor as a top 10 North American waterfront redevelopment project by 2035.

Metrics for Success

  • Residential Growth: Achieve a resident population of 5,000 in the Inner Harbor by 2035, with 20% in affordable housing units.
  • Public Access: Ensure 90% of Inner Harbor residents and visitors have access to the Buffalo River within a 5-minute walk by 2035.
  • Economic Impact: Generate $200 million in private investment through BURA land redevelopment and Silo City projects by 2035.
  • Cultural and Tourism Activity: Attract 1 million annual visitors to Silo City’s cultural and commercial spaces by 2035.

Conclusion

The Inner Harbor Redevelopment Strategy will transform Buffalo Niagara’s waterfront into a dynamic, mixed-use destination that honors its industrial heritage while embracing modern urban living. By redeveloping BURA lands, restoring the Ohio Street alignment, and creating a historically styled street grid at Silo City, this plan will enhance public access, drive economic growth, and establish the Inner Harbor as a global model for waterfront revitalization.