Downtown Buffalo is seeing huge revitilization projects– a total of 11 projects are planned or have been completed.? The most attention has been paid to the beautiful waterfront and the medical campus, both of which aim to make Buffalo a major destination for summer trips and medical treatment, respectively.? This kind of activity hasn’t been seen in decades, and show that the city’s economy is moving away from manufacturing.
Why is all of this happening now?? A huge part comes from increased government investment, which has allowed the University at Buffalo to expand its campus reach.? Private investment and low interest rates are also playing a role, as downtown is being seen as a great place to live and work.? The increased demand for commercial and residential space means that projects that had once been left hanging are being completed and new projects are being dreamed up.
What are some of the projects going on downtown?? Here’s a few:
? The former Memorial Auditorium site is being transformed into replica canals, including a winter outdoor ice rink, retail, office and restaurant space.
? At the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, plans are moving forward on a new $375 million University at Buffalo medical school to be built above the metro station on Main Street at Allen Street.
? Roswell Park Cancer Institute is building a $50 million, 11-story clinical sciences center planned on the northwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Carlton Street, abutting the cancer center?s main hospital building.
? Kaleida Health has consolidated its skilled nursing facilities into the new Highpointe on Michigan facility.