Project Progress
The vision for DL&W project has evolved over many years, guided by community input, community impact, market research, and feasibility analysis..
In 2019, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) issued a public solicitation to select a developer and development plan for the empty second story of the DL&W terminal. Savarino Companies was selected to lead the project, proposing a plan combining public and private uses to support NFTA’s broader goal: a dynamic, transit-oriented redevelopment that brings new life to the site while expanding Buffalo’s Metro Rail system.
To begin the process, Savarino Companies brought in Project for Public Spaces, a nationally recognized placemaking firm, to lead community outreach and site analysis. The resulting vision and development outline reflected what the public wanted most and what would have the greatest prospects of success: a welcoming, flexible, everyday space that supports connection, culture, and commerce.
Since then, a team of expert consultants — including transportation planners, cultural strategists, public market advisors, entertainment experts, food and beverage consultants, financial consultants, and architects — have fine-tuned the plan for terminal’s re-development.
Key planning documents to date
Planning Strategy
Eimer Design’s initial planning strategy.
Project Funding Summary
A breakdown of funding sources and support behind the new DL&W project’s development.
Executive Summary: Community Outreach
A summary of the early placemaking and public engagement work led by Project for Public Spaces.
Multi-Modal Transportation Study
An overview of how the DL&W terminal connects to Metro Rail, trail networks, and future transit plans.