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For Immediate Release:
June 13, 2012
Contact:
Laura Magee (ECHDC) |
lmagee@esd.ny.gov | 716.846.8239
ECHDC Selects Public Space Consultant
Biederman Redevelopment Ventures to development a vision and
action plan for Aud Block; Board approves Gallagher Beach Sand
Sustainability Study The Erie Canal Harbor Development
Corporation (ECHDC) met today and approved the selection of
Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (BRV) as its public space
consultant. With a contract not to exceed $253,455, the consultant
will expand the Canalside vision and activation plan from the
Central Wharf area to the former Memorial Auditorium block. The
purpose is to further enhance Canalside as a regional destination,
attract a diverse and growing audience, and support the public
amenities currently under construction.
“I am pleased that Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, an
internationally recognized leader for its innovative work in public
spaces, will partner with ECHDC to transform the Aud Block and
surrounding area into a vibrant public space that appeals to a wide
demographic and enhances the important link between the people of
Buffalo and our waterfront,” said ESD Regional President and ECHDC
Interim Chair Sam Hoyt. “It is crucial that the area be developed in
a visually appealing fashion that activates the space and creates an
opportunity for mixed-use development. BRV has the experience to
accomplish that.”
BRV was selected based on its knowledge of how to successfully
activate public spaces, its experience with similar projects and its
ability to translate ideas and public participation into sustainable
projects. BRV has extensive experience operating public spaces,
including Bryant Park since 1990, Herald and Greeley Square Parks
since 1997, and the Boston Commons since 2007. It has been using
innovative management techniques and private funding to redevelop
parks, streets and neighborhoods in major cities throughout the
country for more than two decades.
BRV’s scope of work will include leading a public workshop to
solicit ideas from the general public; identifying key issues,
opportunities, partners, audiences and technical items (such as
availability of power, lighting, ADA access); developing principles
and themes that describe each environment, their
inter-relationships, as well as the former Aud Block’s connection to
Canalside; developing a program plan of activities for Canalside on
the Aud Block for 2013; and developing two signature Canalside ideas
(e.g., physical amenities, events, festivals, programs) for summer
2013 and winter 2013, among other tasks.
The “Canals and Public Environments” (CPE), a $20 million investment
in public space on the former Aud Block, is an interpretive
landscape of water features and site amenities that will help
visitors understand the history and character of the former canal
district and its significance to the City of Buffalo, New York State
and the nation. The CPE contract was awarded by ECHDC on January 9,
2012, with an opening targeted for May 20, 2013. The CPE will
provide water features, towpaths, three bridges, and steps that
reflect the mid-19th century elements of the site, while gravel
paths will invoke the former street pattern through the southern end
of the site. These “environments,” along with the lawn areas of
future development parcels, are considered the locations to be
developed under BR’s project.
“ECHDC has made a commitment to attracting residents and tourists
alike to Buffalo’s waterfront,” said ECHDC President Thomas Dee.
“Working with BRV, we will revitalize the space to create a welcome
environment and sense of place that we all can enjoy. As our city’s
greatest asset—the waterfront— is developed, it will continue to
attract private investment.”
The board also authorized ECHDC to implement the Gallagher Beach
Sand Sustainability Study (GBSSS) on the City of Buffalo’s Outer
Harbor. The GBSSS will involve placing sand in three test locations
to determine if they become compromised by currents, seiche action
(periodic localized water level fluctuations on the Great Lakes) and
weather activity. The results of the field test will be used to help
determine the next steps in the beach development process. The cost
of implementing the study is expected to be approximately $300,000
and will be paid from proceeds from the New York Power Authority (NYPA)
Relicensing Settlement Agreement.
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is a subsidiary agency of
Empire State Development, whose vision is to revitalize Western New
York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on
the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty. |
