|
|
 |
|
|
New Hotel
A new high-rise hotel coupled with existing hotels could provide accommodations for the influx of tourists generated by the new waterfront attractions. The upper floors would have a premium view of the waterfront.
Existing Business
The existing masons sand business located here could be relocated to farther down the Buffalo River to make better use of this piece of property
Private Housing
Over 416 Private housing with 376 boat slips could be built along the existing City Ship Canal. This would provide a community oriented place for those to desiring this type of housing This housing community would have boat docks available for summer use. The community would also help the promenade flourish between events and festivals.
Parkland
The public parkland is the #1 desire of the people surveyed. It would have curvilinear paths, park shelters, pavilions, rest rooms, playgrounds, amphitheaters, privately rented concession stands, and a large multipurpose area providing flexibility for many different types of events. The parkland would also host events such as festivals, carnivals, concerts, flea markets, car shows, equine and dog shows, snow sculpture contests, buggy / sleigh rides, cross county skiing, etc. Our imagination is the only restraint to the events able to be held in this area.
Route 5
At first route 5 could remain as the main way to get to the waterfront. Minor changes such as signage at the Church street exit and at the beginning of the skyway down town and the closure of the entrance / exit ramps at the bottom of the skyway could make this route easy to use. The transition of Ohio Street and Furnham Boulevard into two-way streets would also aid in the ease of travel. After the attractions are firmly in place the skyway could be removed and a Tunnel / Bridge could be installed to handle traffic to waterfront from Buffalo. The route 5 area could them be turned into a low speed boulevard and possibility expansion of the housing area.
Cultural Districts and Shops
The cultural districts should include restaurants, retails shops, a deli market, and a cultural center/museum. Each district would look, smell, and sound like the area they represent. They would also sell goods and food unique to that culture. These districts would be the center of festivals and events of their culture and a spot where visitors would learn about the cultures history through interactive displays in the Cultural center/Museum. Services and deliveries to these districts would be through secure areas behind the shops. This would be the main tourist attraction and would host events like cultural festivals, outdoor markets, and a Christmas around the world event where a visitor could shop for gifts while they see how each culture celebrates Christmas differently. This would be like Epcot Center and Buffalo’s Pan American Exposition combined. Direct access to the parkland would be provided through the ends of the districts through a gated entrance structure.
Floating Concert Platform
A floating concert platform could be anchored just off shore and handle major Concert venues. The Parkland would be secured for only ticket holders and act as a gathering area where concert goers could camp overnight and then have unparalleled viewing of the concert from the stepped shoreline protection.
Access and Parking
Access would not only be available through the public metro rail line located on the promenade but would also be accomplished by a low speed two way traffic boulevard located between the cultural districts and the park land. Parking for approximately 750 passenger vehicles and 81 Bus/Truck/RV’s would be provided. The low speed boulevard would also have vehicle control devices to allow safe passage for pedestrians between the parkland and the Cultural Districts.
The Bell Slip
The Bell Slip would be restored to its natural state with only small non-motorized watercraft access. This would preserve the fragile fish breeding area that currently exists there.
The Promenade
The promenade serves multiple functions. It ties all of the districts together creating a melting pot area similar to our countries heritage. It provides access via the metro rail line and transportation between the district by Rickshaws, gondolas on the canal, and pedestrian foot traffic. It also affords cultural festivals the space to spill out of their districts as they grow each year. The promenade, as well as the cultural districts, is to be covered with a retractable fabric structure so that during the winter and on inclement days it can be covered allowing it to function all year round. The promenade walkway will also feature low grade geothermal heating to make sure that no ice or snow will build up as well as temper the air under the fabric structure making it more usable during the winter months. A shallow canal located next to route 5 will enhance the atmosphere, provide for small non-motorized watercraft travel and cooling during the summer and provide ice skating during the winter.
Sports Area
This area is dedicated to one of the major pastimes of Buffalonians, Sports. It should include most of the major sports fields and courts which would be available for pick-up games, reserved for special games, or host championships. This area would also include restrooms, pavilions, portable seating areas, and concession stands. Also included in this area would be other activity areas such as a skateboard park, go-kart track, or other up and coming sports.
Boat Docking
Currently there is no major access to this area for transient boater access. The new shoreline protection would allow boaters to dock and access the attractions. It would consist of a 12 foot wide walkway at water level and stepped seating up to the parkland. There would be stairways and handicapped ramps to allow people to get to and from it from the parkland. The stepped seating would also serve those whom would like to view the lake comfortably, rest during a walk, or attend a concert on the floating concert platform. Transient boaters desiring to stay for a longer period of time could use the new public marina located near the reopened Pier Restaurant.
Indoor Sports Complex
The existing Terminal A building first floor would be turned into a public small fee indoor sports complex and a possible private health club/sports complex on the second floor. This would allow the games to played during bad weather and provide for those sporting activities that cannot take place outside.
High Rise Apartments
New high rise apartments with underground secured parking would enable additional housing on the waterfront. The lower floors would be for lower income residents. The higher the floor the higher rent creating a mixed income residential community. There would be a common area on each floor facing the lake allowing all residents the luxury of a lake view living experience.
The Pier Restaurant
The existing Pier Restaurant should reopen. This restaurant has survived many years on a barren Outer Harbor, which gives testimony on its viability as an attraction and landmark. The new development should embrace is existence ensure its continued service to the waterfront.
Public Marina
A new public marina with 360+ boat slips ranging from small watercraft to 60+ foot yachts would be constructed at north of the Pier Restaurant. This would allow visitor docking even during rougher water conditions. These boat slips would provide a minimum of 100 slips reserved for single day visitors with other slips for extended stays. This would enable visitors from other cities traveling by boat to enjoy their experience of visiting Buffalo and allow local boaters to dock for dinner.
|
|
