Erie Canal Harbor Master Plan (2004)

ERIE CANAL HARBOR PROJECT
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
DRAFT MASTER PLAN
M A RC H 2 0 0 4
Flynn Battaglia Architects, P.C. Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P.C. John Milner Associates, Inc. Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc Baer & Associates
Cover and inside leaf
View of proposed Commercial Slip and proposed Bow String Bridge from Steamship Hotel Ruins
Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C.
ERIE CANAL HARBOR PROJECT
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
DRAFT MASTER PLAN
Project Sponsors
Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC)
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA)
New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA)
County of Erie
City of Buffalo
Buffalo Sewer Authority
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
M A RC H 2 0 0 4
Flynn Battaglia Architects, P.C. Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P.C. John Milner Associates, Inc. Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc Baer & Associates
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many people and organizations were central to the development of this Master Plan. Special thanks are extended to the following people for their involvement
and support as this Master Plan unfolded.
City of Buffalo: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:

Anthony Masiello, Mayor Gerald Mikol, Regional Director, Region 9
Joseph N. Giambra, Commissioner, Department of Public Works Gerard Palumbo, Regional Water Engineer, Region 9
Daniel E. Kreuz, P.E., City Engineer
David Stebbins, Waterfront Projects Coordinator New York State Department of Transportation:
Gary V. Gottlieb, P.E., Acting Planning & Program Manager
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park:
Col. Patrick Cunningham, Executive Director New York State Transportation Authority:
Donald Hutton, Director, Dept of Operations-Executive Staff
Buffalo Place: Paul F. Parker, P.E. Construction Supervisor - Buffalo Division
Michael Schmand, Executive Director
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority:
Buffalo Sewer Authority: Vito Sportelli, Manager, Capital Grants
Anthony Hazan, General Manager John Mecca, Senior Grants Specialist
Frank DiMascio, P.E., Principal Sanitary Engineer
Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc.:
Congressman Quinn's Office: John Hubert, P.E., Project Manager
Jack Quinn, U.S. House of Representatives, District 27 Paul J. Tronolone, P.P., AICP, Advisor
Ron Hayes, Director, Community Development
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
County of Erie: Christine M. Brayman, Chief, Planning Branch
Joel A. Giambra, County Executive Michael C. Smith, Project Manager
Laurence Rubin, Commissioner, Department of Environment & Planning Thomas C. Switala, Chief, Regulatory Branch
Andrew Eszak, Deputy Comissioner, Department of Environment &
Planning United States Coast Guard:
Paul M. Gugg, Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Office
Federal Transit Administration:
Letitia A. Thompson, Regional Administrator
Anthony G. Carr, Deputy Regional Administrator
Nancy Danzig, Community Planner
Irwin B. Kessman, Director, Office of Program Development
Larry Penner, Director, Office of Operations and Project Management
DESIGN TEAM
Flynn Battaglia Architects, PC John Milner Associates, Inc.
Peter T. Flynn, AIA, Principal-in-Charge/Project Director Peter Benton, AIA, Prinicipal/Project Manager
Sarah Reid, AIA, Project Manager Matthew Roberson, Project Planner
David I. Carli, AIA, Architect
Blythe T. Merrill, Preservation Planner Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc.
Keith Helmetag, Principal/Project Manager
Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, PC
Kim Mathews, ASLA, Principal/Project Director Baer & Associates
Runit Chhaya, Project Manager/Project Designer Richard Baer, Chairman
View of proposed Naval Museum from the Crossroads Plaza near Scott Street Denise Hoffman, Landscape Architect Kevin M. Mahoney, Vice President
Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C. Joanne Davis Rose, Landscape Designer
The Commercial Slip Bridge, circa 1870 Source: Collection of Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Erie Canal - one of the greatest interim waterways Source: Collection of Henry Baxter Canal District
6 ERIE CANAL HARBOR PROJECT DRAFT MASTER PLAN BUFFALO NEW YORK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 9
Overall Vision, Goals, and Objectives 10
Site Opportunities and Constraints 12
Heritage Planning 13
Historic Significance
Historic Preservation Approach
Guiding Principles
Interpretive Structure
Preferred Alternative 15
Site and Programmatic Elements
Significance, Interpretation, and Historic Preservation
Harbor
Circulation
Buildings
Development Parcels
Source: Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Commercial Slip, 1914 Source: Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Erie Canal Collection Open Space
Hamburg Drain
Interpretation
Appendix (available under separate cover) Urban Connections 28
• Heritage Planning Project Approach 30
• Public Comment Forms (distributed at public meetings) Project Leadership and Sponsorship
• Meeting Notes on Buffalo and Erie County Military and Naval Park
• Urban Design Guidelines
• Budget Detail Alternative Concept Plans 33
Review and Evaluation
Additional Resources (available for viewing at ESDC)
• Photo Book
Plan Implementation 39
• Erie Canal Harbor Project - Hamburg Drain - Pre-Preliminary Design Report (October 2003; Phase One Elements
prepared by R&D for ESDC) Phase Two Elements
• Inner Harbor Development Project - Feasibility Study - Draft Report - Relocation of the Hamburg Later Phases
Drain (June 25, 2001; prepared by PB for ESDC) Roles and Responsibilities
• Combined Sewer Overflow Study - Draft Long Term Control Plan - South Central District
(December 6, 2002; prepared by URS for BSA)
Project Budget
• Hamburg Drain CSO and Buffalo Inner Harbor - Water and Sediment Quality - A Preliminary Conclusion 43
Assessment (January 2003; prepared by URS for ESDC)
• Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS), Erie Canal Harbor Project
• Phase I Construction Documents
• SEIS Process and Schedule
Flynn Battaglia Architects P.C. Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects P.C. John Milner Associates, Inc. Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc, Baer & Associates 7
View of proposed Central Wharf from Buffalo River
INTRODUCTION
Like many American cities, Buffalo's waterfront was significant to its historic development and
has an important story to tell. This Master Plan for the Erie Canal Harbor brings renewed
energy and attention to the waterfront as the place of the city's birth and as the historic western
terminus of the Erie Canal, one of our country's greatest engineering achievements. Public
appreciation for preservation and Buffalo heritage as well as a commitment by Project sponsors
to focus future development for this site around heritage elements directed this planning and
design process.
The Master Plan's evolution stems from a 1999 Plan for the site, managed by ESDC and
financed by a combination of federal, state, and local transportation funds administered by
FTA, NFTA, NYSTA, Erie County, City of Buffalo, and the Buffalo Sewer Authority. This
Plan was intended to facilitate both on-site and surrounding development activities by making
infrastructure investments to improve multi-modal access connections (i.e. transit, marine,
vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities) to and along the water's edge. A portion of this
Plan has already been completed in accordance with a June 2002 Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU), involving relocation of three Naval vessel exhibits to a new basin
within Veterans Park, as well as an overall landscape design program for that park (referred to
as Phase One of the Project).
The overall intent of the 1999 Plan has not changed. This effort is focused on achieving these
goals in the context of better interpreting the site's rich history and importance to the
development of the region and the nation as a whole. Additional public funds were
programmed to overcome certain major site constraints that impeded undertaking such a
program in 1999.
Public involvement was critical to this and has resulted in a revised Master Plan that
significantly reflects the aspirations of Buffalo's citizenry. Through almost universal public
sentiment, Buffalo's Erie Canal era became the focus of the Master Plan and the resulting
shared vision for Buffalo's waterfront. Throughout the design process, hundreds of
participants attended public meetings and design sessions and nearly 200 written comments
and evaluation sheets were received from different organizations and Buffalo citizens. These
comments were critical to the design effort and informed the design team throughout the
creation of this Master Plan.
Public Workshop
Photograph: Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc.
The Master Plan is organized to first highlight the components and layout of the Preferred
Alternative. This design was developed by the design team after numerous meetings with
heritage-related interest groups, sponsoring organizations, the public, and careful review and
consideration of the comments received and heard at these meetings. A deliberate process
helped to define and determine the final preferred outcome. This document outlines this
process, the issues that influenced the design process and discusses the steps taken to arrive at
the Preferred Alternative. Specific steps are outlined that discuss the implementation of the
Preferred Alternative as recommended in the Master Plan.
A separate Appendix includes more-detailed documents that were critical to the overall design
and planning process. While many of these documents are referred to within the body of the
Master Plan, the full text of these materials is provided in the Master Plan Appendix along with
the additional resources listed. The Appendix is available to the public, interest groups, and
scholars for viewing at ESDC.
OVERALL VISION, GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The following vision, goals, and objectives take into account the specific directives the team developed in relationship to historic preservation and
interpretation which served to guide the Master Planning effort.
VISION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Erie Canal Harbor will be a dynamic year-round Specific goals and objectives informed the patterns including the Commercial Slip,
site that celebrates Buffalo's local history and creation of this Master Plan. Many of the goals historic building foundations, the Central
role in our nation's growth and development. and objectives were derived from the 1999 Plan. Wharf, and street patterns.
Erie Canal Harbor will be a central feature in the They were amended as a result of a June 2002 • Encourage immediate and long-term use
city of Buffalo. Through the quality of its design Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that
and execution, it will occupy a place of pride placed an increased emphasis on incorporating Economic Development Goals
among the city's collection of world-class historic interpretation into site planning and • Create opportunities for inviting and
architecture and parks, commercial development. As a result of this MOU and authentic activities.
neighborhood centers, and recreational areas. subsequent public input, the following list of • Create a western destination for the Erie
This site will be a central location for learning refined goals and objectives was established. Canalway Recreation Corridor and National
about and experiencing the city's history, Heritage Corridor.
character, and significance. Erie Canal Harbor Heritage Preservation and Interpretation Goals • Support regional goals of developing cultural
will serve as a hub of activity, with a wide range • Fully incorporate the importance of this site and heritage tourism industry and regional
of uses including interpretive activities, to Buffalo and the nation's growth and visitor attraction.
recreational uses, and festival gatherings that will development, including its importance • Enhance and support existing uses, e.g.
ensure its active use by residents and visitors related to commerce, transportation, and Marine Drive Apartments, HSBC
alike. While embracing the city's past, the Erie immigration, by developing and Arena, Waterfront Village, Erie Basin, and the
Canal Harbor will symbolize Buffalo's future as implementing an appropriate interpretive Cobblestone District.
a thriving and vital community. theme, including plans and exhibits. • Encourage development opportunity of
• Develop a navigable commercial slip within surrounding areas and downtown.
This vision is consistent with the vision the boundaries of the original, historically • Encourage community-scale economic
expressed in the Queen City Hub (Buffalo's significant Commercial Slip. opportunities.
Downtown Master Plan) It is one of five • Incorporate the historic street patterns of the • Encourage small-and large-scale
Strategic Investment Areas for Downtown. site into the new development. development.
• Develop a new wharf and pedestrian
esplanade that evokes the historical attributes Public Access and Transportation Goals
of the original Central Wharf on the site of • Provide year-round public access.
the original Central Wharf running from the • Promote inter-modal circulation and
east side of the re-watered Commercial Slip to connectivity.
the new South Basin. • Establish unrestricted access to the water.
• Re-image and re-design the proposed new • Establish a continuous waterfront
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military esplanade.
Museum so that it is more sensitive to its • Integrate existing city-wide planning efforts
context in an historic site. • Orient transit stations towards the waterfront.
• Make preliminary recommendations • Enhance maritime access to the land.
regarding the appropriate location and role of • Enhance visual access to the water.
an Erie Canal Heritage museum. • Enhance connections to downtown.
• Preserve the potential for a future bridge to
Activity and Land Use Goals the Outer Harbor..
• Establish a public space for community • Enhance Greenway Trail access.
interaction. • Provide site access for Great Lakes passenger
• Create a variety of maritime activities. cruise ships.
• Prioritize water-related activities at the These refined goals and objectives provided a
water's edge. road map for each element incorporated into the
• Encourage year-round use. Preferred Alternative site design. Throughout
• Encourage an appreciation for Buffalo history the planning and design process, each element
and heritage to maximize heritage tourism incorporated into the final design was measured
through preservation and interpretation of against these requirements.
historic site elements including the
Commercial Slip, historic building
foundations, the Central Wharf, and street
View of proposed Prime Street from South Basin looking towards Commercial Bridge
SITE OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS
As the western terminus of the Erie Canal and the site of the birth of the City, the 10.9-acre Erie Canal Harbor site presents unparalleled
potential for historic interpretation and economic development. The site also includes other key opportunities for a broad diversity of year-round
activities and transportation connections.
OPPORTUNTIES
The roughly triangular shaped site is The site's most important feature is its in-place concrete on steel sheet piles) are
centrally located at the foot of Buffalo's waterfront location on the Buffalo River located on the site and will require
Main Street, offering immediate access to and Inner Harbor, which provides a unique perimeter access of 15-feet for regular
the light rail transit system (LRRT) and a opportunity for modern maritime access maintenance. The pier locations impact
future connection to the planned Buffalo (recreational and commercial boating, the configuration of development parcels
Intermodal Transportation Center (BITC). visiting ships, and cruise ship docking) at and site circulation. NYSDOT
The 19,000 seat HSBC Arena, the area's the site of Buffalo's historic canal district. guidelines for construction within the
premier indoor sports stadium; the The site's river frontage is approximately Skyway footprint must also be followed.
Memorial Auditorium, a 400,000+ gross s.f. 1,300 linear feet, or a total of 2,300 linear • The Buffalo Skyway (NYS Route 5)
facility slated for redevelopment; a new feet when combined with the Veterans Park transverses the existing site 100 feet above
parking garage, initially designed to esplanade. street level. Eight supporting piers (cast-
accommodate approximately 875 cars and A rich trove of archeological remnants from in-place concrete on steel sheet piles) are
to be shared with the Marine Drive Buffalo's past exists just below the surface of located on the site and will require
Apartment complex, is scheduled for the site. Many of the most significant areas perimeter access of 15-feet for regular
completion in 2006; the historic DL&W have been investigated by the Project maintenance. The pier locations impact
Terminal, part of a larger 8.1-acre site also archeologists, documented and the negative the configuration of development parcels
under consideration for redevelopment; the impacts mitigated. The design and and site circulation. NYSDOT
recently completed Wilkinson Plaza and construction of new features will require guidelines for construction within the
river's edge promenade; and the Webster continued care, documentation and Skyway footprint must also be followed.
Block, a key development opportunity are protection so that the history of the site will • The Kelly Island Sewer Pump Station, a
all within a ¼-mile radius of the site. The be available to future generations. sewerage lift station, owned and operated
Cobblestone District, a locally designated by the Buffalo Sewer Authority, will
historic district recalling Buffalo's maritime- remain on the site and is serviced daily.
related industry, is located just east of the Currently the pump station is not
HSBC Arena. This historic district, in ventilated adequately and discharges an
addition to the existing and proposed CONSTRAINTS unpleasant odor that periodically
developments adjacent to the site, will As in most Master Planning efforts, issues of permeates the southern end of the site.
support and enhance the goals of the Master infrastructure, circulation, and phasing • Weather at the site is both an opportunity
Plan by providing key destinations and present some of the key site development and a constraint. Buffalo's beautiful, long
constraints. At the Erie Canal Harbor site, Site conditions - 2003
year-round usage. summer days are a well-known attraction, Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
there will also be critically important issues bringing families to the waterfront edges.
Veterans Park, a new two-acre landscaped related to the recovery, protection, and The winter months offer their own
park with a 1,000-foot-length waterfront preservation of historic fabric. This will beauty, but can be extreme in
esplanade and a promenade of monuments include fabric which is already documented temperature and winds. Design measures
in honor of war veterans known as Hero's and that which may be discovered during must take Buffalo's weather into account
Walk, is located immediately to the west of construction phases. Additional site -providing protection from the hot sun
the site. The park and esplanade (Phase constraints are summarized below: during summer months and from cold
One of the Master Plan) offer a direct wind and snow during winter months.
connection to the Buffalo Riverwalk and • The re-engineering of the Hamburg
the Erie Basin Marina, located just west of Drain, an underground combined sewer
the park. overflow (CSO) conduit with an opening
size of 16 feet wide and 13 feet high, is a
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and major item impacting budget, phasing,
Military Museum, a recognized tourist and site configuration. Water quality
attraction in the area, will be relocated on issues that must be addressed include
the site. The Museum's three naval vessels, floatables and dissolved oxygen. During
the USS Little Rock, The USS Sullivans construction, the operation of the
(National Register of Historic Places) and Hamburg Drain must be maintained
Lloyd Street Cobbles & Buffalo Skyway - 2003 Veterans Park - 2003
the USS Croaker submarine are moored in • The Buffalo Skyway (NYS Route 5) Steamship Hotel Ruins - 2003 Photograph: Mathews Nielsen Photograph: Max Donoso
a new Naval Basin, alongside the Veterans traverses the existing site 100 feet above Photograph: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
Park esplanade. street level. Eight supporting piers (cast- Landscape Architects, P. C.
HERITAGE PLANNING
Public interest in the Erie Canal provided the impetus for this revised Master Plan. First and foremost, the heritage of the site informed the
design process and the development of a Preferred Plan oriented around the Erie Canal era. Particular care was taken to develop a strategy that
would respect the history of the site and relate it to the public in a meaningful and exciting manner.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GUIDING PRINCIPLES INTERPRETIVE STRUCTURE

Construction of the Erie Canal in 1825 APPROACH • Authentic historic resources and features The following themes will shape the
established an all-water passage from the will be preserved to the maximum extent development of interpretation of the site. A
Erie Canal Harbor and the development
Great Lakes through Buffalo to the port of possible. complete discussion of the proposed
that follows will be an interpretive landscape
New York City and the world, transforming • The history and significance of the canal interpretive structure for Erie Canal Harbor
that conveys the historical significance of the
Buffalo from a frontier village into a district will be interpreted in a lively and can be found in an appendix to the master
canal district and provides an impression of
thriving commercial and industrial engaging manner that is conveyed in plan.
its physical character. To the extent possible,
metropolis. At the canal's western terminus, large measure through the character and • Commercial Slip: Portal to the World -
surviving historic fabric will be preserved
Buffalo grew as the portal of transshipment experience of the place. As the western terminus of the Erie
and, where appropriate, will be incorporated
to and from the American Midwest, • New buildings and site features will be Canal, a world of people, goods, ideas,
into the new urban infrastructure. New
transferring goods and passengers between designed and constructed in a manner and attitudes passed through the canal
construction will be evocative of the historic
canal boats and lake ships. At the eastern that is sympathetic to the historic district.
canal district but will not presume to re-
end New York grew to become the character of the site and integral to the • Transportation and Transshipment -
create it. The interpretive landscape will
continent's financial and commercial interpretive program. Connected to Lake Erie, an extensive A hand-painted photograph that was used for a postcard
Ellicott's 1804 map of the village of Buffalo, shows a convey the dynamic nature of the canal
center. On opening day, then Governor tightly parceled community focused on the natural • The development of Erie Canal Harbor network of canals, slips, railroad lines, provides a view up Main Street from a location near the
district, simultaneously presenting its many steamboat landing. The buildings on the right are on the
DeWitt Clinton collected water at the harbor formed by the mouth of the Buffalo River. This will be guided by the input of residents, and highways developed, fostering the
harbor later became the terminus of the Erie Canal.
facets and changes over time. All work will Long Wharf.
confluence of the Buffalo River and community groups, nonprofit growth of Buffalo as a gateway for Source: Western New York Heritage Magazine
Source: Municipality of Buffalo, New York :a history, be in conformance with The Secretary of the
Commercial Slip (a feeder canal connecting 1720-1923. organizations, private enterprise, public commerce and an industrial powerhouse.
Interior's Standards for the Treatment of
the Erie Canal with the Buffalo Harbor) officials, and government staff. The canal district stood at the hub of
Historic Properties.
that he later poured into New York Harbor these transcontinental shipping routes.
in the famous "Wedding of the Water's" The interpretive program for the site will: • A Center for Trade and Commerce -
ceremony. Buffalo grew as the portal of • Provide visitors to the site with an Much of the trading and deal making that
transshipment to and from the American understanding of the historical made transcontinental shipping and the
Midwest, transferring goods and passengers significance of the canal district and the growth of Buffalo possible took place in
between canal boats and lake ships. changes that occurred within the district the buildings of Central Wharf and the
in commerce, use, technologies, lifestyles, canal district.
For most of the 1800s, Buffalo's canal culture, folkways, and human • Cultural Crossroads - From the
district stood at the center of the city's relationships. entrepreneurs and heads of industry to
growth and development, the fulcrum • Be integrated into the overall site the hotel keepers, dock workers, and
between canal and lake. Commercial Slip development, intertwining interpretive canal men, the canal district served as a
and Central Wharf were key locations and educational uses with commercial, crossroads of cultural, economic, and
within the canal district. Influenced by the "Commercial Street at the Terminus of the Erie Canal"
entertainment, and recreational uses. ethnic diversity. (painting by Robert Averil, ASMA, 2002) depicts an
Thirty years after the canal was constructed Buffalo By the early 1900s, many of the earlier buildings of
flow of goods, people, and ideas, a port • Be designed to appeal to a wide cross • Life on the Waterfront - Life on the animated scene at the head of Commercial Slip where it
was growing into a small metropolis with the canal as Central Wharf were demolished and replaced with
culture emerged among the Slips, wharves, its lifeline. Main Street is to the right, and Central railroad-related structures section of people, employing a variety of waterfront was a sensational experience of met the Erie Canal. The Coit and Union Blocks are shown
grain elevators, warehouses, businesses, at the far left.
Wharf stretches along the river to the left. Source: Library of Congress viewpoints and perspectives. sights, sounds, smells, people, cultures, Painting: Robert Averill, ASMA
saloons, shops, residences, and hotels of the Image:
and activities.
Source: National Archives of Canada, Illustration by John
canal district. This port culture was William Hill, C-046096 The enhancement of historic resources will: • The Dynamic Canal District - From early
instrumental in shaping the character of • Preserve and enhance the surviving settlement to the present, the landscape
Buffalo. In the late nineteenth century, historic resources and features of the site. of the district has been marked by an
railroads became increasingly dominant, • Develop new uses and structures for the incessant need to build, rebuild, modify,
supplanting the canal in their economic site that respect the historic character of alter, improve, and adapt.
importance to the city. the site and are sympathetic to
contemporary resource preservation and
interpretation.
• Be designed to support the interpretation
of the site.
This bird’s eye view shows the waterfront shortly The canal district has, for most of its history, been a In this hand-painted photograph that was used for a
before railroads were constructed across the site, place of intense activity. "The Central Wharf, 1858" postcard, a throng of people await to embark for a lake
(painting by Robert Averill, ASMA) depicts the cruise. Main Street is at the right, and the railroad buildings
eventually changing the use of the waterfront and the
competition for space between freight and passenger along the former Central Wharf border the river. The
entire city economy.
vessels, and the transition from sail power to steam photograph was possibly taken from another cruise ship
Source: Library of Congress
docked at Long Wharf.
Painting: Collection of Robert Averill, ASMA
Source: Western New York Heritage Magazine
Preferred Master Plan
Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE
The design team developed the Preferred commercial areas. Many program elements
Alternative with consideration for the from the three alternative designs were
importance of the historic location of the incorporated into one final design SITE AND PROGRAMMATIC ELEMENTS
site, responsiveness to program alternative that reflects public input and
requirements and public comments, as well sponsor requirements. The following site
as the need to develop a renewed focus for and programmatic elements make up the
the vitality and dynamic energy evident in Preferred Alternative site design.
the original Buffalo Harbor and adjacent
Naval Museum - A key design element for establishing the site plan
Programmatic Elements
Site and programmatic elements include both Additional elements will be added to the site as
historic and newly planned elements. As per the new construction, including the South Basin
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the and a new museum building for the Buffalo and
Treatment of Historic Properties care has been Erie County Naval and Military Park. The Prime Street - A key design element for establishing the site plan
taken to incorporate as much historic fabric as Cruise Ship Administration Building will be Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
possible, including canal stones, historic streets, built when additional funds are made available.
and building foundation ruins. Prerequisite Each of these new elements will be designed in
program elements from the initial Project such a way as to add to the overall character and
including the Commercial Slip and Central feel of the Erie Canal Harbor site.
Wharf will be interpreted in such a manner as
to evoke the Erie Canal era and experience.
Historic Streets/Circulation - A key design element for establishing the site plan
SIGNIFICANCE, INTERPRETATION, AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Interpretation Commercial Slip
Erie Canal Harbor is intended to be a place paving at Lloyd Street provides a rich spatial The re-watered Commercial Slip will be a
where people will come to experience the relationship that will be used to centerpiece of the Project's historic
history and heritage of Buffalo and the Erie interpretively link the canal and the Slip interpretation program, given its
Canal. The site will serve as a hub, linking with uses in adjacent buildings and the importance as the location of the original
to other interpretive venues within the city. activity in the streets of the canal district. western terminus of the Erie Canal system.
A substantial amount of research will need The Slip itself will be fully navigable--
to be undertaken in support of the At Commercial Slip and historic Hanover designed to accommodate commercial canal
development of interpretation. A primary and Perry Streets, remnant historic fabric boats, future water taxi service, as well as
goal is that Erie Canal Harbor becomes a has been found that will be incorporated transient mooring for private recreational
gateway to the future Erie Canalway into new construction evoking the character boats.
National Heritage Corridor. Interpretation of those historic resources. Remaining The newly constructed Commercial Slip
at Erie Canal Harbor will be conveyed in stones from the Slip will be incorporated will be designed to evoke the character of
four primary ways as outlined below. into the new stone walls of the reconstructed the historic Commercial Slip and will be
Slip and will be distinguishable from the sited on a portion of the south end of the
Preservation of Historic Fabric newer contemporary materials. Remnant historic Slip. Stones from the walls of the
In several key areas where remnant historic paving stones from historic Hanover and historic Slip will be salvaged and
fabric from the canal district has been Perry Streets will be reset in the incorporated into the walls of the new Slip
found, it will be exposed and preserved. reconstruction of those historic streets. in their approximate original locations.
Access to remnant historic fabric will Other opportunities to reuse historic fabric Additional new construction will use
provide visitors a tangible experience with that is uncovered will be assessed during the historically appropriate materials but will be
and relationship to real structures and design of Erie Canal Harbor. differentiated from the authentic historic
materials from the past. The ruin of the fabric. The appropriate alignment and
former Steamship Hotel is the primary Where it is not necessary, possible, or width of the Slip will be based upon an
feature that will be exposed, preserved, and desirable to expose other historic fabric that engineering survey prepared in 1910. Stone
interpreted. The proximity of the ruin to may remain at the site, that fabric will be This stereo-scope view of the mouth of Commercial Slip shows a heavily laden canal boat beginning its journey east. and stabilized earth towpaths will be
the towpath of Commercial Slip, historic preserved underground as much as possible The Coit-McCutcheon Block is on the right with its wooden boardwalk and stone canal walls below constructed along each side of the Slip
Source: Collection of Henry Baxter
Lloyd Street and the remnant of historic as archeological resources. based upon information provided in the
survey, historic photographs, and recent
archeological investigations. The Slip will
extend inland from the river to the vicinity
of Scott Street where a pedestrian plaza will
be constructed, cantilevering over the head
of the Slip and giving the impression that
the Slip continues north beyond the street.
Interpretation will focus on the theme
Commercial Slip: Portal to the World. In the
full Master Plan, interpretive exhibits will
include a historic or reconstructed canal
boat loaded with inland goods
Surviving historic fabric, such as Llyod Street will be

preserved and, where feasible, incorporated into new
construction.
Courtesy: John Milner Associates, Inc.
This view shows the plate-girder railroad bridge across the Commercial Slip with a lattice-truss bridge for vehicles
behind. The former Steamship Hotel is on the left. At right, a wooden boardwalk stands over the stone towpath.
Source: Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Erie Canal Collection
Commercial Slip Bridge Union Block
A new pedestrian bridge over Commercial On the west side of Commercial Slip, the
Slip will be constructed, linking Commercial historic footprint of the Union Block will be
and Prime Streets. In its design and location, marked with an interpretive lawn sloping
the new bridge and its stone abutments will from Commercial Street toward the Slip. If
evoke the appearance and character of the possible, the remnants of the building's
historic bowstring arch-truss bridge as historic walls will be made visible at grade,
evident in photographs and drawings from either by exposing the tops of the remaining
the 1870s. Interpretation focusing on the walls or by installation of new stone markers
theme Cultural Crossroads will be along the alignment of the walls.
incorporated into the design of the bridge. Archeological remains will be preserved
The remnants of the existing concrete below grade. Interpretation of the Union
railroad abutments will be documented and Block will be installed and focus on the
removed. theme Cultural Crossroads. In the future,
possible additional interpretive elements will This contemporary painting depicts the
explain how the building was used and northern elevation of the Union Block
constructed. building.
Painting: Raymond Massey
The new bowstring arch truss bridge carrying Prime Street over Commercial Slip will recall the appearance of the historic
bridge that stood in that location. These bridges were important, character-defining features of the historic canal district. Coit-McCutcheon Block
The Union Block and the adjacent stone towpath are visible on the left. South of the Union Block site, the new
Source: Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military
Park will be constructed in the footprint of a
portion of the historic Coit-McCutcheon
Block. The historic facades of the building
Ruins of the Steamship Hotel along Commercial Slip and the bridge
The historic brick masonry walls of the extension of Prime Street will be recalled
former Steamship Hotel will be exposed to using new masonry construction and
view and preserved. An engaging punched window openings. The museum
interpretive experience will be offered in an facades facing Commercial Street will have a
outdoor-museum setting within the spaces contemporary treatment. Interpretive
created by the walls of the ruin. The billboards as visible in photographs from the As shown in this 1923 image of the Coit-McCutcheon Block, billboards and painted advertisements were placed
masonry walls of the ruin will be stabilized World War I period may be used to enliven on many buildings in the canal district. New billboards, replicating historic versions, will be installed to help evoke
and conserved in an appropriate manner for the façade and announce the military theme the character of the district.
their long-term preservation. A walking of the museum. Source: Collection of Ronald R. Dukarm
surface of stabilized earth will be provided at
the former basement level of the building.
Access from the ruins to the towpath along
the Slip will be provided. An earthen berm
will be built adjacent to a section of the ruins
and will be planted with earthen grasses.
This berm slopes up from the basement level
to Lloyd Street. The ruins will be accessed
by a stairway at the intersection of Lloyd and
Scott Streets and a ramp from the
intersection of Lloyd and Prime Streets.
Interpretative elements will be installed and
will focus upon the themes Life on the Surviving remnants of the foundation walls of the Steamship Hotel were uncovered during archeological investigations. The
Waterfront and The Dynamic Canal District. collection of ruins will be used to create a unique interpretive experience
Photograph: John Milner Associates, Inc.
The Coit-McCutcheon Block stood at the mouth of Commercial Slip. This 1922 image provides useful
information about the construction of this portion of the canal walls.
Source: Collection of Ronald R. Dukarm
Central Wharf Prime Slip
The historic Central Wharf is located in a this corner. The structure may be an open The historic location of Prime Slip between
key location on the site where land, canal, pavilion with interpretive elements, though Scott and Prime Streets will be revealed
and lake traffic converged. It is important a small, fully enclosed museum is envisioned through construction of a pedestrian walk
that the sense of place that existed at this over the long term. Interpretation will focus and bikeway between the development
site be re-established in this Project. As on the themes Transshipment and parcels. Unlike the historic streets, Prime
such, historic Central Wharf will be Transportation, Center of Trade and Slip will not be paved with cobbles. Low
represented through a variety of paving Commerce, and Cultural Crossroads. vegetation, artwork, and interpretive
materials and constructed site features. A elements will be used to enliven the walkway
new wooden boardwalk will recall the On the east side of Lloyd Street, the full- and suggest the water of the historic Slip.
historic character and location of the wood scaled brick facade of the Union Steamship
wharf. The corner where Central Wharf building will be re-created, providing
and Commercial Slip meet is a significant enclosure to the Lloyd Street/Central Wharf This view provides some of the best evidence for designing
interpretive location. This corner is visible intersection. A two-story balcony structure the pavilion, the canopy structure, and the balcony structure
in several historic photographs, apparently is proposed for construction along a portion to evoke the character of the corner between Commercial
dating from the 1870s. A goal of the Master Slip and Central Wharf.
of the wharf, recalling the historic balconies Source: Collection of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library
Plan design is to re-create the feel of the of the buildings that were located there. The
canal district as strongly as possible in this balcony structure will include some sort of
area. transparent panels that will provide
opportunity for interpretation, visibility to
An objective at this location is to provide the water, and serve as a windbreak. A low,
low-level access for pedestrians and shore open, shed roof over the west end of the
access for recreational boat users. A second wharf will link the balcony structure with
objective at the Central Wharf location is to the end of the Union Steamship facade and
accommodate visiting tall sailing ships. the pavilion/museum noted above. Such a
Several alternatives are being evaluated to shed structure is visible in a number of
meet these objectives. One involves the use historic photographs and will provide shade
of floating docks in front of the existing and a location for interpretive elements and
bulkhead. Another alternative involves other public gatherings.
lowering the existing bulkhead to about
four feet above mean lake level. This would Between Central Wharf and Prime Street,
require removal of most or all of the existing the locations of historic buildings will be This view shows the central portion of Central Wharf. The Prime Slip, identified on the 1872 map as "Terra Firma,"
concrete railroad structure. A retaining wall continuous balcony structure from Prime Slip to Main was open for a short time before it was refilled.
indicated through paving materials, changes Street dominated the waterfront facade of the wharf. Source: Western New York Heritage Magazine
would be provided inland of the lowered in grade, and other site features. The east Source: Western New York Heritage Magazine
bulkhead to prevent inland flooding. As the face of the Union Steamship facade will
design of Phase Two and future phases serve as a backdrop for a concert stage. The
evolves, a third alternative might be location of historic Prime Slip will be
possible. This alternative would allow a marked with a water feature, a shallow pool
portion of the bulkhead to be cut away to that will be appropriate for model boats
develop interpretive exhibits such as the during the summer and skating during the
cutaway lake freighter. Under any of these winter. Other three-dimensional site
alternatives, new anchorage for the existing features may be constructed as well, such as
bulkhead wall would likely be required and additional ghosting and interpretive
the outer face of the bulkhead or retaining elements.
wall would receive historic treatment.
As noted previously, Lloyd Street will be

extended to meet the wooden wharf at this
location. A new structure will be created to This detail of the Central Wharf balcony, located to the
evoke the 1870s building that existed on west of the Hazard Block, conveys the character and
use of the structure.
Source: Collection of Harvey Holzworth
HARBOR
South Basin
The proposed South Basin will provide
mooring for commercial tour vessels such as
the Miss Buffalo II and the Niagara Clipper.
Other vessels that will be potentially moored
in the South Basin include: the Edward M.
Cotter, a historic fire boat operated by the
City of Buffalo Fire Department; the
Excalibur, a not-for-profit boat that provides
water access for disadvantaged and disabled
individuals; and an Erie County Sheriff Boat.
Like other locations along the water's edge at
the Project site, walkways (roughly 3- 4 feet
above mean lake level) will be provided for
pedestrian access to the water and to ease
shore access for transient boaters using this
Basin. A fixed pier planned to segregate the
South Basin into two parts will have a similar
elevation to the pedestrian access walkways.
The South Basin will be designed and built
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The
walls will be constructed using steel sheet pile
with a concrete cap.
South Basin
Model: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C.
View of proposed Prime Slip Greenway Trail from Scott Street

Birds eye view of South Basin Environs
CIRCULATION
Circulation
The Preferred Alternative is organized
around themes of transportation, past and
present. The site's rich history of
transshipment, from the canal period to the
railroad era, is layered on the riverfront's
present-day circulation fabric. These
elements include: the NFTA's Light Rail
Rapid Transit system on Main Street, bus
service on Scott Street and other streets in This view from 1922 of Commercial Street, looking
Historically the canal district was a gritty, industrial and
the area, vehicular traffic along Scott and commercial area. Images such as this historic north, provides additional evidence of the historic
Main Streets and Marine Drive, as well as photograph of the eastern end of Prime Street character of the canal district. The Coit-McCutcheon
pedestrian and bicycle access via the provide evidence that informs the possible design of Block stands at right with the lattice-truss bridge for
Lake Street spanning the Commercial Slip in the
Greenway and Industrial Heritage Trails new infrastructure and interpretive elements.
background
and maritime access along the waterfront Source: Collection of Ronald R. Dukarm
Source: Collection of Ronald R. Dukarm
edge. Passing above the site is the Buffalo
Skyway, a high level bridge carrying NYS focus on the themes Transportation and Military Park, across from a planned 875
Route 5. Transshipment and The Dynamic Canal car parking structure. Crossroads Plaza is
District. located next to on-street handicapped-
Five historic streets (Commercial, Lloyd, accessible parking and will provide direct
Hanover, Prime, and Perry Streets) will be West of Commercial Slip, a portion of a views across Commercial Slip to the Lloyd
rebuilt utilizing sandstone sidewalks and new Commercial Street will be Street preservation area.
curbs, and restored/replicated cobblestone reconstructed using historically appropriate
routes. A new one-way vehicular loop along materials linking Scott Street, the Bicycle access into the site is made available
Hanover-Prime-and a Prime Street Commercial Slip Bridge, Veterans Park, and from Scott Street down an alignment
extension will afford vehicular access to the waterfront Esplanade. The east side of interpreting the historic location of the
Central Wharf and the South Basin. Lloyd the street will follow its historic alignment, historic Prime Slip, an earlier feeder canal
and Commercial Streets will become though the street width of the new that once crossed the site. The center bike
pedestrian rights-of-ways, with Commercial Commercial Street will be narrower. lane is separated from pedestrian ways by
Street also providing emergency and service planted medians. Bicycle storage will be Existing Circulation Diagram
access to the Buffalo and Erie County Naval The Skyway footprint, associated with a line located on site. The bike trail continues Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
and Military Park. At Lloyd Street, the of large supporting piers that cuts through through the site along Prime Street, joining
historic remnant of cobble paving will be the entire site on a diagonal, is planned as a Buffalo's Greenway Trail to the east.
preserved and exposed to view and transitional area designed to provide an
expanded through the use of interpretive open-space plaza and service access for The Erie Canal Harbor will be the hub of a
elements. New cobblestone paving and adjacent development parcels, with 15 foot regional waterfront trail system that will
sandstone sidewalks will complete the NYSDOT maintenance easements extend upriver along the Buffalo River and
missing portions of the street from Scott preserved at each pier location. Parcels to and along Lake Erie (as well as the
Street to Central Wharf for contemporary adjacent to the transitional area may be Riverwalk extending along the Niagara
use. utilized by a single owner who would need River). A continuous waterfront esplanade
to refer to the full design guidelines and begins at Veterans Park and travels north on
At Hanover and Perry Streets, significant details to understand how to best use them. Commercial Street where it crosses the
original sections of historic paving appear to bowstring bridge over the Commercial Slip.
remain below contemporary grade. In the Pedestrians will arrive at the Erie Canal At historic Lloyd Street, pedestrians can
Preferred Alternative, the historic grade will Harbor at two primary locations along Scott turn south to the wooden wharf along the
be re-established. Historic stone pavers will Street: via the light rail system and bus at historic alignment of Central Wharf. This
be lifted and reset on a contemporary base, the Main Street Transit Plaza and from upper level access continues around the
allowing for the installation of below adjacent parking areas near Crossroads Plaza South Basin where it joins the riverfront
ground utilities. A new Prime Street will at Commercial Street. The Transit Plaza esplanade at the cruise ship docking area.
also be constructed at historic grade, linking will serve as an intermodal hub, providing a At this point the esplanade is reconstructed
the bridge across Commercial Slip on the gateway to the site at the head of historic around the southernmost Skyway pier,
west with Main Street on the east. The Hanover Street. This space will welcome providing the opportunity for a continuous
canal-era width of Prime Street will be used travelers arriving by local bus, from the Erie waterfront walkway to Wilkinson Plaza and
(before widening for the railroad), creating a Canal Harbor and Special Events Stations the historic DL&W Terminal building.
tighter, more intimate street design and (light rail), through vehicular drop-off, and
enlarged development area. A single in the future via intercity rail from the Pedestrian access is also provided at water
railroad line will be laid along the cobble planned Buffalo Intermodal Transportation level. Permanent tow-paths along the
paving of Prime Street in the alignment of Center and by foot from Main Street and Commercial Slip, floating docks at Central
the first railroad tracks installed on the site points east. Crossroads Plaza is Wharf, and basin walkways are provided at
in the 1880s. Other interpretation will conveniently situated at the entrance to the elevation 575, approximately three feet Proposed Connection Diagram
new Buffalo and Erie County Naval and above the current mean lake level (572). Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
BUILDINGS
Museums
While the interpretive landscape is a central Evocative New Construction
concept of Erie Canal Harbor, the prior to the 1880s. It is visible in several New construction will provide interpretation bollards, poles, etc.) will be designed with
development of housed museum experiences historic photographs from that period. The of the historic canal district in two ways. inspiration from the site features visible in
is also encouraged and expected. Four design of the structure will evoke the First, new features that are constructed will historic photographs and drawings. New
museum concepts are currently proposed as character of that building, though it is not accurately mark the location of lost historic buildings and site features such as the
possible venues in the Master Plan. Others expected to replicate it exactly. It will be features throughout the site. The new ghosted balcony at Central Wharf will be
may be possible and may be considered over connected to the Union Steamship façade Commercial Slip, historic roads, Central contemporary in design but will evoke the
time. The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and ghosted balcony of Central Wharf with Wharf, Naval Museum, development character of the canal district that they are
and Military Museum is planned in the next a low shed that is also visible in the historic parcels, and other features to be constructed intended to help interpret.
phase of design and the Commercial Slip photographs. will mark the locations of their historic
Pavilion is the next highest priority in predecessors. Additional research needs to Erie Canal Harbor will not be an exact re-
relation to the overall Plans for Erie Canalway Visitors Center: A visitors' be undertaken during the design phase of the creation of the historic canal district.
interpretation. The schedule for these other center and museum has been proposed on Project to accurately confirm the locations of Because of the lack of detailed original
museums is subject to site location and the site by both heritage interest groups and many of the historic features. construction information and the dynamic
funding availability. the public. The Master Plan supports this nature of the district, with a great deal of
development and can accommodate it. This Second, new features will evoke the character change over time, an accurate re-creation of
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military visitors' center is proposed in conjunction of the historic canal district through the use the district is not possible. Rather, Erie
Park: A new facility for the Buffalo and Erie with the site's role in relationship to the Erie of historically appropriate materials. These Canal Harbor will be an interpretive
County Naval and Military Museum is Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The materials range from the stones to be used in landscape that helps visitors understand the
included in the Phase Two of visitors' center will serve as a visitor contact the construction of new Commercial Slip; to history and character of the canal district and
implementation of Erie Canal Harbor and point, providing information and facilities the pavers, curbs, and sidewalks to be used in its significance to the city and the nation.
will be located in a portion of the footprint including a theater, gift shop and toilet the construction of new roads; to the bricks
of the former Coit-McCutcheon Block on rooms. Interpretively, it will provide a broad New streetscape elements and construction can provide interpretation and evoke the historic character of the site. The to be used in the construction of new
the west side of Commercial Slip. The Naval overview of the history and significance of redevelopment of the Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn, New York, provides an example.
buildings such as the Buffalo and Erie
the Erie Canal and the canal district. An Photograph: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
Museum is discussed in more detail in other County Naval and Military Park and the
portions of this Master Plan. The museum, exact location has not been chosen but buildings in the development parcels. Site
including Veterans Park, is an integral part of several parcels on the site are potentially furnishings (railings, benches, light fixtures,
the overall Project and of the anticipated suitable and have a prominent location,
visitor experience of the site. The quality of adequate size, adjacency to historic areas and
exterior and interior exhibits at the Buffalo infrastructure to support such a center.
and Erie County Naval and Military
Museum should be of the highest quality D L & W Museum: The Buffalo and Erie
consistent with other exhibits at Erie Canal County Historical Society has proposed a
Harbor. To the maximum extent possible, major new museum on Buffalo history. The
the character and presentation of preferred site is the upper level of the
interpretation on both sides of Commercial existing DL&W Terminal adjacent to the
Slip should be integrated and coordinated. east of the Erie Canal site. The site would be
an excellent venue for a museum
Commercial Slip Pavilion: A new structure thematically and physically consistent with
is proposed for construction at the southwest the Erie Canal Harbor Master Plan. It could
corner of Prime and Lloyd Streets. This further enrich the tourism and heritage
structure will feature sheltered exhibits objectives of the downtown waterfront and
focusing upon the relationship and interplay canal district. The Master Plan proposes a
between Commercial Slip and Central strong pedestrian link between the two sites,
Wharf, focusing on the themes, Commercial along the river walk and along Main Street.
Slip: Portal to the World, Transshipment and Interpretation between the two sites should
be closely linked, with Erie Canal Harbor New construction in the development parcels is intended to evoke the density of the historic buildings such as these along
Transportation, and Center of Trade and Prime Street. This photograph is from the railroad era, after Prime Street was widened. The buildings to the right, however,
Commerce. Located at the vital corner focusing upon the canal and canal district, appear to remain from Central Wharf.
connecting the slip to Central Wharf, it will and the larger DL&W museum expanding Source: Ronald R. Dukarm from the Collection of Syracuse University
be the central focus of interpretation at Erie upon larger and broader themes of Buffalo
Canal Harbor. and western New York heritage.
The Commercial Slip Pavilion will be

located on the footprint of a building that
existed in this location during the canal era,
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park Cruise Ship Administration Building
The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and The recommended design approach for the The Master Plan recommends a Cruise Ship
Military Park includes two new structures Museum structures is to enhance and Administration Building located in the
and an outdoor Exhibit Yard that will contribute to the historic interpretation of southeastern corner of the Project site, east of
replace the existing Museum located architectural elements along the Commercial the South Basin. It will be built in a future
approximately in the center of the Project Slip. The Museum will feature a historic phase of the project. This location is well
Site. These buildings are referred to as the look on the three facades that will be suited to provide a high bulkhead height and
Main Museum and the Yard building. The adjacent to the Commercial Slip, and will length for the ships (reported between
new 9,000-square-foot, two-story masonry utilize brick and/or other masonry materials. approximately 125' and 480') in a manner
Main building located on the Coit- Where appropriate and practical, the exterior that avoids obstruction of the festival site
McCutcheon Block recalls the size, massing, walls of the new building should delineate area and South Basin, and is convenient to
materials, and fenestration of previous canal the historic location of the walls of the Coit- vehicular circulation. It is anticipated that
structures at this location, and contributes McCutcheon Block structures, and the an Administration Building will be required
to the desired ambience of density and incorporation of archeological remnants to meet Homeland Security needs and it
proximity to the Commercial Slip. A should be considered where possible. could potentially house the office(s) of a
separate exhibit structure across historic Facades adjacent to, and across from, commercial cruise line and support spaces
Commercial Street of approximately 4,200 Commercial Street will be of a more (toilet rooms, queuing and waiting areas,
square feet provides more exhibit space in a contemporary look and utilize glass and etc.) for passengers. Cruise ship passengers
simple hangar-like structure within the other materials to display and advertise the and/or goods from Canada will require
Exhibit Yard. This Yard building is exhibits. The New Museum will contain inspection and processing from a number of
envisioned as a high-roofed, metal structure, flexible and enlarged exhibit space. The New United States Government agencies,
with electrical systems. It may be used to Museum contains two levels of services. The including the Customs Service and
exhibit large vehicles and equipment or Main building will include heating, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
temporary exhibits. The Main Museum electrical, air conditioning, and other code Conceptually, these functions can be housed
building will contain all the public and required services. The Yard building will in an administration facility with the others
support functions of the Museum as well as include electrical for lighting and power as listed above. The issues of separation of
accommodate exhibits at the upper level. It well as other code required services. The civilian and Government operational and
will be linked by an open bridge across Museum contains approximately 35% more programmatic requirements must be
Commercial Street to a mezzanine level of space than the existing Museum building considered in greater detail during
the Yard building. The Yard building will and incorporates the Gift Shop and Cafe View of proposed Naval Museum from Crossroads Plaza near Scott Street subsequent design phases when funds
have large sliding doors facing both within a single structure. Additional Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C. become available.
Commercial Street and the Exhibit Yard that outdoor space along the recently completed
can be opened to allow events to spill into Esplanade directly adjacent to Veterans Park
the surrounding area, especially Commercial has been incorporated into the proposed new
Street. outdoor Exhibit Yard, bringing the total area
to approximately one-half acre.
Building Program (gross sf)

Main Building 9,000 sf
Yard Building 4,200 sf
Buildings Total 13,200 sf
Site Program
Veterans Park w/o esplanade 77,725 sf
Esplanade including Vet. Mem. 22,500 sf
New Veterans Park Total 100,225 sf (2.3 acres)
New Yard 19,000 sf (includes building footprin)

New Museum site footprint 9,550 sf (includes Commercial Street)
New Yard and building sub-total 28,550 sf Pre-schematic concept plan of Naval Museum
Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects , P. C.
Total Site Program Area 128,775 sf (3.0 acres)
Development Parcels
The identification of approximately use historically complementary colored A summary of bulk regulations for each parcel is as follows: Special development and design
225,000+ sq. ft of predominantly masonry and/or stone. Building designs considerations as specified in the Urban
commercial development space is a should evoke but not replicate historic Design Guidelines are required for those
Parcel Bldg. Max. Min. Max Stepback Max. FAR Max. Dev. Area Encouraged Use Open Space
programmatic requirement of the Master buildings. The Master Plan design parcels located underneath the Skyway.
Footprint Stories Stories Height @ Cornice Under skyway
Plan. In the Preferred Alternative, seven encourages the recall of historic elements and 1 3,880 sf 4 2 60' 1:1 2.75 10,670 sf Comm./Instit./housing 400 These involve additional regulations
development sites have been identified (see archeological iconography including 2 15,365 sf 4 2 60' none 2.75 42,250 sf Comm./Instit./housing 1,540 requiring consultation and approval from the
the chart to the right). While these parcels building thresholds, party walls, street signs, 3 9,408 sf 4 2 60' 1:1 2.75 25,900 sf Comm./Instit./housing 1,000 New York State Department of
are treated as green space in Phase Two of building names and historic building 4 7,630 sf 4 2 60' none 2.75 21,000 sf Commercial/housing 760 Transportation regarding proposed land uses,
the Master Plan, Urban Design Guidelines 5 29,045 sf 4 2 60' 1:1 2.75 80,000 sf Comm./Instit./housing 2,900 clearances, building size, and other
footprints. Historic elements and events can
6 11,026 sf 4 2 60' None 2.75 30,300 sf Commercial/housing 1,100
(see Appendix) have been developed to be marked using either historic or development features that could affect
7 5,653 sf 4 2 60' 1:1 2.75 15,500 sf Commercial/housing 570
provide direction on the treatment of these contemporary materials in paving or wall regular maintenance and access requirements
parcels as they mature into fully developed patterns. Facades that are not facing historic Total: 82,007 sf 225,620 sf 8,270 for the Buffalo Skyway.
sites. Development parcels ranging in size streets, such as along Scott Street and around
from 3,880 square feet to 29,045 square feet skyway piers, will also be of masonry, but can
will accommodate a variety of mixed use have a more contemporary design. S-1 7,210 sf 3 2 45’ 1.75 12,618 sf 720
developments that will complement the Erie S-2 4,238 sf 3 2 45’ 1.75 7,417 sf 420
Canal Harbor. Such uses as museum S-3 12,383 sf 3 2 45’ 1.75 21,670 sf 1,240
It is likely that archeological remains exist in
facilities, restaurants, clothing stores, bike areas of the development parcels that were Total: 23,831 sf 41,705 sf 2,380
and boat rentals, boutique shops, offices, not disturbed by construction of the Skyway.
confectioners and some upper level housing These remains are likely to include intact
will add to the character and vitality of the historic fabric particularly around building
Erie Canal Harbor. It is anticipated that the foundations that adjoined historic streets
ground floor uses will be commercial and (e.g. builders trenches), as well as former
the upper floors would allow more private privies. These may also include the
uses such as office and residential. In basement walls and floors of buildings that
addition, to complement the service once existed here, as well as construction
requirements of the Skyway, a limited debris from the demolition and infill of the
amount of open space is required as part of buildings. These archeological resources
the Plan. While potential uses are many, the should be preserved when new work is
siting and design of new development will undertaken within the development parcels.
be important and must adhere to the Urban As part of the consultation process with the
Design Guidelines that will be incorporated New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
into Buffalo's Waterfront Urban Renewal and Historic Preservation, a preservation and
Plan. monitoring protocol for archeological
resources will be prepared prior to
The buildings on the development parcels undertaking new construction work within
located throughout the site should evoke the the development parcels.
character of the historic buildings of the
canal district through the scale, massing, and The theme, Dynamic Canal District, should
materials of the new construction. Two- and be incorporated into the design of new
four-story mixed-use buildings with façade buildings. This can be accomplished
widths similar to those of the Canal period through the use of architectural motif or
are strongly encouraged throughout the site styles, authentic materials, and interpretive
in order to create a lively and pedestrian elements
friendly environment. Development is
required to follow the "build to" lines that
follow the footprint of the historic street
pattern, except allowances for recessed,
courtyard entries and service drives (see
Urban Design Guidelines). Along historic
streets, building facades will be required to
Skyway Transitional Space & Development Parcels
OPEN SPACE ELEMENTS HAMBURG DRAIN
Historic interpretation at the site recalls The Hamburg Drain is a combined sewer
commercial and transshipment themes of overflow (CSO) drain that passes through the
the canal and railroad eras. The Preferred historic right-of-way of the Commercial Slip
Plan is configured to reveal the alignment with an outfall on the Buffalo River. The
and texture of built spaces - building terminal section of the Hamburg Drain was
footprints and facades, cobble paved streets, constructed within the Commercial Slip in
cut-stone sidewalks, and wooden decking at 1927 prior to the Slip being filled. Re-
the Central Wharf. Due to the nature of the establishment of a navigable Commercial Slip
site's historic "hardscape", shade and wind requires removal of the portion of the
protection, important factors in the success Hamburg Drain that exists within the Project
of any open space, will be provided through limits. A feasibility study was conducted in
architectural elements rather than natural 2001 to evaluate relocation options for the
features. Hamburg Drain.
Streetscapes Numerous alternatives were identified and

Streetscape construction and site amenities View of proposed Prime Street from South Basin looking towards Commercial Slip Bridge evaluated, ultimately refined to two that were
such as lighting and railings will be Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C. further evaluated under this Project. The first
patterned after, be sympathetic to, or have alternative involves termination of the drain
incorporated within, specific evocative at the head of the Commercial Slip. Water
historic elements that are evident in historic quality issues associated with CSO in the Slip
photographs of the street fabric once after storm events are addressed through the
present at the site. Original cobbles found pumping of aerated water into the Slip. In
on-site will be reset where feasible, in their addition, control of floatable materials is to be Alternative One - Recirculation - RECOMMENDED
original location at historic grade. The handled by a collection system within the Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
street paving will be completed using remaining drain section. It will be housed
additional cobbles salvaged from Buffalo's within a subsurface structure located at the
waterfront district and from other areas of head of the Slip along Scott Street. The
the City where possible. New stone curbs second alternative involves the relocation of
will be set and new cut stone sidewalks will the drain to the east to a new outfall in the
be constructed along each historic street. vicinity of the Central Wharf. This
The City of Buffalo Department of Public alternative is significantly more costly, and
Works will maintain streets and walkways given the size of the drain, impacts areas of
established within public rights-of-way. All archaeological resources to be used in the
other areas will be managed under a New Prime Street would include stone side walks, cobble streets, granite curb and embedded railroad to evoke historic interpretation program. Because of
maintenance agreement with a local the historic character of site. these limitations, the alternative involving
organization such as Buffalo Place. Above is a historic street in Scotland termination of the Hamburg Drain is
Photograph: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
recommended in the Plan pending regulatory
Green Spaces approval and the environmental review
Green spaces on the site are limited to open process. An on-going maintenance program
lawns and the planted medians along the for the Slip will also be necessary, similar to
Prime Slip bikeway. These linear beds are other marina facilities along the river and
envisioned as seasonal landscapes utilizing lakefront, to remove floatables that enter the
hardy shrubs and ornamental grasses. slip from the Buffalo River and in the event
Gently sloping lawns will be provided at the that some floatable materials escape the
Union Block interpretive site overlooking planned collection system. The proposed
the Commercial Slip, as a backdrop to the approach under the recommended alternative
Steamship Hotel ruins, and as a sloping addresses water quality issues as they relate to
Alternative Two - Re-location - NOT RECOMMENDED
overlook at the South Basin. Street trees are the Commercial Slip and the adjacent project Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
provided along Main Street and are used as area. Regulatory requirements associated
buffer elements at the fenced pump station with the Hamburg Drain and numerous
and at the cruise ship parking lot. other CSO's along the Buffalo River are being
Development parcels also require addressed through BSA's Long Term Control
consideration of open and green space in Plan, which is still under development.
their design (See Urban Design Guidelines Model showing the proposed Ghosted Structure
Several stages of improvements are proposed
in the Appendix). Model: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C. under that plan. Some specific improvements
under the plan include floatables control,
volume reduction, and storage.
INTERPRETATION
Interpretive Exhibits Archeological Resources
Interpretive exhibits will be incorporated During the course of the Erie Canal Harbor
into the landscape of Erie Canal Harbor Project, several archeological investigations
throughout the site. Exhibits will be have been undertaken, including several
representational and experiential to the large excavation blocks taken in the vicinity
of the former Coit Block/McCutcheon
maximum extent possible. That is,
Building; in areas of former buildings along
representational features such as replica
Lloyd Street; and in the vicinity of the
canal boats, bronze figures, loaded
former location of the Prime Slip. In
handcarts, found objects, structures, and addition, other excavations have been
other exhibits will be favored over undertaken to help inform this Master Plan
informational signage. Exhibits will be and site design process, including a full
tangible and touchable. Their mere excavation of the both the western and
presence will enliven the landscape and eastern edges of the Commercial Slip to
provide immediate visual communication. identifying the extent of stone wall remnants A survey of the site undertaken in 1910 is overlain
Waysides and interpretive signage, that still exist, as well as undertaking a series with the areas where archeological evidence has been
addressing topics such as the Underground of units to identify the nature, extent, and found. Compared to the dense construction that
formerly occupied the site, a small portion of the
Railroad, will provide a rich complement to condition of former Medina Sandstone archeological record has survived.
the representational exhibits. paved streets (commonly referred to as Source: City Survey Office, City of Buffalo
Exhibits, such as this system of signs, markers, and cobblestone) to identify the potential for
brochures for downtown Manhattan, provide direct
Interpretive items will be woven into the reconstruction/reuse as part of the system of
interpretation for visitors.
fabric of new construction. Bronze Photograph: Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc. pedestrian and vehicular routes.
medallions, wood planks, railings, brick
walls, the ghosted structure, and other These investigations have yielded a number
designed items will provide opportunities to of archeological features associated with the
design interpretive messages, images, and site's former urban fabric that has been
information directly into the fabric of new incorporated into the interpretative program
construction on the site. of the Master Plan, as well as a vast amount
of artifacts that have been curated for
inclusion in the University of Buffalo's
Above all, the interpretive experience at Erie
(UB's) repository in the Department of
Canal Harbor must be of high quality. The
Anthropology. It is anticipated that UB will
visitor experience must be visceral,
establish a local repository for these artifacts,
immediate, powerful, and fun. The design and those recovered at the HSBC Arena site,
and execution must live up to the high New streetscape elements can provide interpretation at a location in the Niagara Insulations During the 1940s almost all of the canal district
standards of architecture, art, and landscape and evoke the historic character of the site. The buildings were demolished resulting from the
Building in the Cobblestone Historic construction of the Memorial Auditorium and later the
design in Buffalo. redevelopment of the Fulton Ferry Landing in
Brooklyn, New York, provides an example. District. skyway.
Source: Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, Fitzgerald
Photograph: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C
Collection
The features, artifacts, analysis, and
conclusions/recommendation associated
with all of the prior investigations conducted
are documented in the Phase II/Phase III
Investigation and Data Recovery Report for
the Erie Canal Harbor Project, prepared by
Panamerican Consultants. Based upon this
report, it is anticipated that the long-term
management of archeological resources (both
those already uncovered and potential
resources that would be uncovered in
subsequent phases of the Project) will be
conducted via a Programmatic Agreement
(PA) among the agencies responsible for
implementation the current and future
phases of the project. The PA will set the With the construction of the Buffalo & Erie County
protocol for future investigations; Naval and Military Park and its parking lot, a new era
monitoring; curation of artifacts; and if began for the former canal district. By the 1990s, plans
necessary, mitigation of resources on or to move the museum and redevelop the site were
Preservation of of ruin at Pointe-a-calliere in Montreal underway
eligible for inclusion on the National Source: Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas, Inc
Photograph: Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc.
Register of Historic Places.
Interpretive Concepts
Inspiration for new interpretive elements came from historic documentation and
photographs of the canal district and contemporary examples of engaging interpretation.
The following vignettes are representative of a series of interpretive devices developed by the
Design Team. These and other yet to be developed devices are recommended in designing
the site interpretation.
Crossroads Adventure: Meet at Buffalo’s Commercial Slip & Central Wharf Intersection
Illustrations: Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc.
Interpretive Recommendations
The following sketches reveal how historic themes and events can inspire interpretive
elements to be installed on the site. Each element is designed to convey the historic character
of the site and encourage visitors to explore the history of the canal district
Crossroads Adventure: Meet at Buffalo’s Commercial Slip & Central Wharf Intersection
Illustrations: Chermayeff & Geismar, Inc.
URBAN CONNECTIONS
The Erie Canal Harbor is located at the base of Buffalo's Main Street and offers immediate
connections to downtown and to the nearby Cobblestone Preservation District. The site
offers significant opportunities to draw people from downtown to the Canal district as well
as connect visitors to the site back to downtown and other locations in Buffalo and beyond.
CONNECTION TO CITY AND DOWNTOWN

One of the main objectives in developing With the Cobblestone District adjacent to
the Erie Canal Harbor is to create a vibrant this site, links must be made to this
site that is tied into the city and downtown. neighborhood so that the vitality of the Erie
A key component of the Erie Canal Harbor Canal Harbor site extends out to the
Project is its ability to enhance and facilitate Cobblestone district.
public access to the waterfront via existing
modes of transportation. Recently, the Discussions remain underway regarding the
Auditorium stop on the LRRT was development of the Memorial Auditorium.
renamed the Erie Canal Harbor stop Formal and informal connections with the
providing a better link to the Erie Canal Erie Canal Harbor site will allow for shared
Harbor site. synergy. Every effort should be made to
make thematic links and easy physical access
between the two sites a priority.
CONNECTION TO OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

The Erie Canal Harbor must take regarding siting, massing, and materials used
advantage of the surrounding area context, in the design of new buildings. The Urban
including the HSBC Arena, the HSBC Design Guidelines provide a useful tool for
Atrium Building, and the proposed parking the design of parcels located within the Erie
lot just northwest of the site. Employees of Canal Harbor site, in addition to their
area businesses offer an immediate incorporation into the Urban Renewal laws
constituency to this site and should be of the city.
encouraged to visit and enjoy the Erie
Canal Harbor via access and amenities on The Buffalo and Erie County Historical
the site (i.e., food vendors, noon time or Society is exploring the feasibility of
after work concerts and events). renovating the upper level of NFTA's
DL&W Terminal (which lies immediately to
Diagram showing proposed Urban Connections New development should be designed in the southeast of the Erie Canal Harbor site)
Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C. such a way that it supports the thematic as a possible satellite site that would focus on
structure and the goals and objectives of the the broader themes of Buffalo and WNY
Erie Canal Harbor Project. Urban Design history. Should this Project proceed, strong
Guidelines for new development on the thematic connections and a clear physical
Erie Canal Harbor site (included in the link between the two sites should be
Appendix to this document) have been established.
prepared that provide recommendations
Preferred Master Plan
PROJECT APPROACH
The approach used to develop this Master key milestones in this process, opportunities
Plan was conducted in the context of an for public involvement and input were
overall Supplemental Environmental Impact provided. This included meetings and work
Statement process. The process was initiated sessions with key interest groups as well as
in May 2003 with a public scoping meeting design workshops with the general public.
that solicited public and agency comments Three meetings with heritage-related interest
on the broad scope of issues related to groups took place between May and
redesign of the Master Plan. The purpose of September of 2003. The workshops
this approach was to add heritage established heritage related goals and
interpretation and an understanding of objectives, determined the period of
available historic fabric and archeological significance and identified potential site
resources to achieve the overall goals of the themes. Following each of theses meetings,
project. This was followed by the Master workshops were held with the general public
Planning effort itself. This involved data in May, September and November that
collection, historic research, and site touched on the heritage aspects of the Plan but
analyses; formulating a series of reasonable focused primarily on the opportunities and
conceptual site alternatives; evaluation of constraints of the entire site. In addition,
these alternatives against criteria based upon several coordination meetings were held with
the refined Project goals and objectives; and regulatory agencies and sponsors of other
formulation of a Preferred Alternative. The public infrastructure projects in the vicinity of
Preferred Alternative grew out of the the Project site to ensure
components of the conceptual alternatives reasonableness/continuity with proposals
that best met the performance criteria. At being considered at the Erie Canal Harbor.
Bird’s eye view of Improved Project Area

PROJECT LEADERSHIP AND SPONSORSHIP
Throughout the development of this Master • NFTA, in its role as the designated local in the City. It has participated in
Plan, many agencies played critical roles in recipient of federal transit funds, has planning, analysis, and design activities
providing sponsorship and leadership for this provided oversight related to the related to the implications of reconfiguring
effort. Some organizations provided overall administration of FTA funds used on the the Hamburg Drain to implement the
support, while other entities were directly Project and to provide input to the reconstruction of the Commercial Slip.
involved in the unfolding of this Plan and relationship of the Master Plan to the • Erie County, a funding sponsor supporting
will continue to play essential roles in its Authority's existing bus and rail facilities. the regional implications, has participated
implementation. These include the • NYSTA, a principal funding sponsor, has in all aspects of the Plan, specifically
following: participated in providing oversight of the through the Department of Environment
Project's relationship to the overall New and Planning.
• FTA, the federal lead agency, has been York State Canal System. • Erie County Industrial Development
responsible for the provision of federal • City of Buffalo, a funding sponsor and the Agency, which hosts the operation of the
transit funding to implement planned owner of lands comprising the Project site, City's Waterfront Development
multi-modal infrastructure has been responsible for review and Coordinator's office.
improvements. adoption of regulations that will guide • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a sponsor
• ESDC, a state funding sponsor and the future development on the site. It has that is funding and constructing the South
New York State lead agency on the coordination of every aspect of the Master Basin.
Project, has served as the overall manager Plan, given that they will be ultimate
for the planning phase and will continue owner of most of the infrastructure
to manage the Phase II improvements.
design/construction of the infrastructure • Buffalo Sewer Authority, a funding
improvements proposed under the Master sponsor, is the owner/administrator of
Plan. storm-water and wastewater sewer facilities
Program and Site Operations

A. Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Pedestrian Mall, Buffalo Place may be conceptualize and organize content for
Military Park responsible for maintaining the landside of ongoing heritage interpretation activities
Presently the Buffalo and Erie County the site, including snow and garbage on the Erie Canal Harbor site. In
Naval and Military Park draws people to removal as well as grass cutting. A addition, BECHS would like to be
the Erie Canal Harbor and provides visual management plan is forthcoming which designated as the lead agency to develop
and programmatic purpose to the Erie will identify operating expenses for the and manage the Erie Canal Interpretive
View of proposed Commercial Slip and proposed Bow String Bridge from Steamship Hotel Ruins
Canal Harbor site. Once the Museum site, roles and responsibilities, as well as a Center for Buffalo that has been proposed
relocates to its expanded site, it will play funding source. by the Federal Erie Canalway National
an even more critical role in how people Heritage Corridor Commission. BECHS
make use of this area. To enhance its C. City of Buffalo is ideally positioned to assume these roles.
current visitation and to take advantage of The City of Buffalo (or its designate) will BECHS offers knowledge and experience
the cross over with the Erie Canal Harbor be responsible for marine facilities on the with historic artifacts and interpretation
the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and site including administration of and would be a logical entity to oversee the
Military Park needs to evaluate its current commercial boat use and visiting ongoing interpretation of the site.
exhibition Plans with an eye toward recreational users; regular maintenance
enhancing the visitor experience and and debris removal in the Commercial
broadening their audience. Slip, South Basin and along the water's
edge; general upkeep of signage and other
B. Buffalo Place marine facilities; and seasonal
As the maintenance and program manager installation/removal of the Central Wharf
of the Main Street Pedestrian Mall and as floating dock.
the organizer of the "Thursdays in the
Square" concert series Buffalo Place has D.Buffalo and Erie County Historical
expressed interest in playing a similar role Society
in overseeing similar aspects of this site by The Buffalo and Erie County Historical
managing public gatherings at the site Society (BECHS) has expressed interest in
including festivals and concerts. Similar to being the local interpretive entity to
its role as manager of the Main Street
ALTERNATIVE CONCEPT PLAN
As part of the Master Plan process, three full
build out design alternatives were created that
reflected input from the general public and
heritage-related interest groups. The three
alternatives share common elements required
by the refined goals and objectives. The
common elements include the Central
Wharf, Commercial Slip, South Basin, Naval
and Military Museum, historic street pattern,
Hamburg Drain, circulation system, cruise
ship docking, development parcels, transit
plaza, historic/archeological interpretive
elements, and boat access. However, each of
the three alternatives has particular
characteristics that makes each unique.
Phase Two - Alternative One Alternative One
Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C. Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C.
Phase Two - Alternative Two Alternative Two

Phase Two - Alternative Three Alternative Three

ALTERNATE ONE
• Covers a broad period of significance -
early 19th century through early 20th
century railroad era.
• Site surface is primarily hardscape with
trees along outer street edge only and
around development parcels six and
seven.
• Vehicular circulation occurs one-way off
of Scott Street via Hanover, Prime and
Perry Streets to Main Street. Prime Street
is wide as in railroad era with multiple
railroad tracks. Limited access on
Commercial Street and a portion of
Prime Street.
• Use of two railroad era bridges (lattice
truss and box truss).
• Commercial Slip is re-watered with
towpath and wood wharf north of bridge
and contemporary elevation and cut-
down bulkhead with wood wharf south
of bridges.
• Steamship Hotel ruins are conserved with
paving and stabilized earth used as
basement surfaces. Access via ramp at
north end and stairs at south end.
• Naval Museum building (s) located on
canal at Union and McCutcheon blocks
with second floor exhibit space bridging
between McCutcheon and Union Blocks
and over the bridge ramp.
• Central Wharf interpreted with 2-story
ghosted structure; low building at west
end. West face to have a cut-down
bulkhead to accommodate recreational
boaters.
• Lloyd Street remnant preserved and
Lloyd Street extended onto wharf and out
to Scott Street (same throughout all
alternatives).
• South Basin constructed at east end of
Central Wharf in reduced size and
relocated position to create historic wharf
and to allow for cruise ships at south end
Concept Master Plan - Alternative One of site.
Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C. • Seven development parcels pulled back
from the street edge, and laid out per
original parcels with building façade
locations demarcated. Access to skyway
piers occurs via paved brick alleyways.
• Cruise ship docking site and
Administration building at east end of
site (same throughout all alternatives).
• Interpretive elements incorporated into
design including bridges, Central Wharf,
Steamship Hotel and Prime Street.
ALTERNATE TWO
• Covers a broad period of significance -
early 19th century through 20th century
railroad era.
• Creates a somewhat more park-like feel -
trees on perimeter, portion of Prime
Street has raised planting beds, and east
side of Central Wharf has sloping lawn
with trees.
• Vehicular access occurs via one way new
vehicular road, Prime and Perry Streets to
Main Street.
• Use of bridge same as Alternative One.
towpath and wood wharf north of bridge,
south of bridge has cut-down bulkhead
on east side and contemporary elevation
on west side of Slip with concrete paving
on both.
• Steamship Hotel ruins conserved with
combination paving and green
landscaped areas, access to basement via
stairs at north end and ramp at south end
• Naval Museum located along canal on
McCutcheon Block with a second
building located to the west with a
connecting bridge between.
• Central Wharf same as Alternative One,
plus Prime Slip recalled as water feature
and sloping lawn with trees facing the
South Basin.
• South Basin (same as Alternative One).
• Eight development parcels same as
Alternative One except where new
vehicular road is introduced. Access to
skyway piers via paved concrete access
area ways.
Concept Master Plan - Alternative Two

ALTERNATE THREE
• Narrow period of significance - focused
on 19th century Canal Era with early
railroad references in Prime Street.
• Most park-like feel with softscape
parkway under skyway including trees
and sculpture park. Sloping lawn with
trees on east side and festival garden with
trees on west side at Central Wharf and
adjacent to South Basin.
• Vehicular access off of Scott Street to
Main Street as in Alternative One with
narrower Prime Street. Limited access on
Commercial Street and the remainder of
Prime Street.
• Single Bow Truss bridge recalling original
Whipple Truss over Commercial Slip.
towpath north of bridge on east and west
sides of Slip, with earth finishes south of
the bridge; bulkheads are cut-down with
concrete and wood wharf finishes.
• Steamship Hotel ruins treatment and
access same as Alternative Two with
stabilized earth and sloped lawn infill on a
portion of area.
• Naval Museum located on Coit-
McCutcheon Block as single three story
building with a single story open-pavilion
in the yard area.
• Central Wharf softscape and hardscape
plaza without 2-story ghosted structure or
Prime Slip water feature.
• South Basin constructed as per
Alternative One and Two, with the
additional feature of viewing steps added
to the east face of the bulkhead.
• Seven development parcels laid out
adjacent to historic street pattern and
with layouts loosely based on footprint of
original parcels. Access to skyway piers
via parkway under skyway, service road
for emergency service access placed on
Concept Master Plan - Alternative Three
Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C. Prime Slip route.
REVIEW AND EVALUATION
Once the three design alternatives were This Alternative Evaluation Matrix was The shaded areas represent those program
presented to the public, a matrix was developed developed to evaluate the key components of elements that have the highest ranking based on
to evaluate the three alternatives with regards to each Alternative Plan against the goals and the stated evaluation criteria. As represented in
public and interest group comments and in objectives of the Master Plan. The goals and the Matrix on the next page, positive outcomes
relationship to fulfilling the Project goals and objectives included for the Heritage were found in all three Alternatives, although
objectives. Based on the outcomes of this Interpretation section are new to this design the majority can be found in Alternative 3.
evaluation tool, the Preferred Alternative effort and indicate the new emphasis on history Using this Matrix as a guide, the design team
presented earlier in the Master Plan was as an overall objective of this Master Plan. developed a hybrid Preferred Alternative that
designed as a hybrid of those elements from Each Alternative was ranked against detailed took these findings into account.
each of the three alternative Plans that were evaluation criteria to determine the Alternative
favored by the public and Project sponsors and that best met the overall goals and objectives for
deemed to fulfill the design objectives by the the future development of the Erie Canal
design team. Harbor site. Many of the objectives were pre-
determined by the last Master Planning effort
and were stipulated as requirements for the
final Master Plan Alternative. As a result there
is very little difference between the three
Alternatives as reflected in the Matrix on Page
37. Each element of the Plan was reviewed
according to the following Matrix ranking.
Design Evaluation of Three Naval Museum Alternatives Design Evaluation of Three Prime Street Alternatives Design Evaluation of Three Vehicular Access Alternatives Public Workshop
Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C. Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C. Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C. Photograph: Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc.
Alternative Evaluation Matrix
Prepared by: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C..
KEY:
+ Very Good
X Good
0 Poor
Preferred Master Plan - Phase Two
PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
ROLES AND
PHASE ONE ELEMENTS LATER PHASES RESPONSIBILITIES
The redevelopment of the Erie Canal Harbor Historic Streets With the understanding that it may be years ESDC has acted as the overall Project • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in addition
into a new harbor with waterside and • Street sections rebuilt at historic grade. before the Erie Canal Harbor is developed to manager - and will remain in this capacity to undertaking final design and
landside components was an outgrowth of • Lloyd, Perry and Hanover Streets for its full potential, the Master Plan provides a being responsible for the design and construction of the South Basin, will be
the Inner Harbor Development Project pedestrian and limited access vehicle use clear direction for the eventual development implementation of this Plan through Phase responsible for permitting all marine-
Master Plan completed in 1999. Those only. and build out of the 10.9 acre site. The full Two with a completion date set for 2007. related facilities under Section 10 of the
elements completed during Phase One • Prime Slip and Prime Street as build out of the site will be dependent upon Beyond the completion of Phase Two, the Harbors and Rivers Act as well as
include: contemporary materials with a new street the economic well being of Buffalo and the City of Buffalo will become the primary party continued control/maintenance of the
• Relocation and rehabilitation of the three extending Prime Street in the southwest identification of additional funds as well as responsible for the implementation of this Buffalo River channel and along the
naval vessels to a new excavated Naval corner of site for vehicular use. developers who might be interested in Master Plan and the future build-out of this bulkhead adjacent to the Esplanade, the
Basin west of their original location. • A portion of Prime Street will be re-built developing one or more of the development site. This will be regulated through the Commercial Slip, and the South Basin, in
• Relocation of memorials to a new Veterans in cobblestone following the early 19th parcels. Later phases include further site adoption of an Urban Renewal Plan their role of protecting and maintaining
Park. century narrow footprint. interpretation; upgrading of materials to Amendment embodying the currently safe navigation in the federally-designated
• Enhancement and expansion of existing • Commercial Street to be re-built and re- reflect the historic significance of the site; programmed and planned infrastructure Buffalo Harbor;
esplanade facilities to create a continuous opened as a cobblestone street. additional progress on the site including the improvements, as well as land use, urban • New York State Department of
Phase One - Completed 2003
Illustration: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P. C. walkway along the water's edge. development of identified parcels; and the design, and architectural standards included Environmental Conservation, under their
• Pedestrian connections from the Central Wharf construction of a Cruise Ship Administration in this Master Plan. In effect, upon adoption powers under Section 401 of the US Clean
waterfront esplanade to the proposed • Hardscape with interpretive elements Building. of this amendment, the components of this Waters Act, will be responsible for review
Phase Two Commercial Slip and to Scott integrated into the paving. Master Plan will have the full force and effect and issuance of Water Quality
Street. • Interpretive exhibit/structure to establish of law. As future development proposals Certification for the Project, including
• Force Main relocation. sense of place and for weather protection. evolve for the full build-out of the Master plans to reconfigure the Hamburg Drain;
• Site for a sheltered pavilion. Plan, many agencies/entities will be involved • ESDC, as the State of New York's primary
• Festival site. in review, administration, and potential economic development agency, will
• Floating steel framed wooden surfaced funding of such improvements, including the continue to be involved in economic
PHASE TWO ELEMENTS dock adjacent to original bulkhead. following: development activities at the site in terms
Phase Two of the Preferred Master Plan is • Wooden wharf at upper level with steps of administration of its ongoing programs
down to floating steel framed wooden • City of Buffalo, which will be the ultimate of development incentives for private
designed so as to provide the basic
surfaced dock. owner of most of the infrastructure development (e.g., Empire Zone Program);
infrastructure for the full Master Plan with a
improvements (with the exception of the • Erie County, as regional partner in heritage
priority of finished projects at the water's
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Hamburg Drain), will continue to be tourism and development will continue to
edge. As in all phases, the design allows for
Park responsible for administration and be involved in overall development of the
incremental development. As additional
• Two buildings with walkway over maintenance of the harbor facilities, as site through the Department of
funds are identified the site will be further
Commercial Street. well as be the approving authority for Environment and Planning;
enhanced as per the design vocabulary
• Buildings sited to have immediate private development upon the designated • Erie County Industrial Development
established in the Master Plan including
connection and open access to Exhibit development parcels, through site plan Agency; as part of the region's economic
historic finishes and interpretation.
Yard. approval by the City Planning Board and development team, will assist with project
• Exhibit building in the yard will allow for the Common Council, as well as potential coordination and potential business
Commercial Slip
flexible expanded exhibition space that review by the Buffalo Preservation Board assistance incentives for future
• A re-watered navigable Commercial Slip
will open out to Naval Yard. depending upon the nature of a development at the project site.
in alignment with original Commercial
development proposal; • Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Slip.
Open Space • Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, in their Commission is currently in the process of
• A towpath/walkway on the west and east
• Transitional greenway with pedestrian and role as administrators of land within developing a coordinated management
sides of the Commercial Slip.
service access under skyway. designated urban renewal areas, will be plan for the entire Erie Canalway Corridor
• Construction of a bowstring truss bridge.
• Development Parcels defined by historic responsible for developer designation and (extending from Albany to Buffalo). This
• Commercial Street reconstructed and
building footprints and treated as further enforcement of approved design entity will be involved in ongoing
made available for service and emergency
landscaped space. standards embodied with the Urban administration, marketing, and future
access.
• Crossroads Plaza north of Naval Yard at Renewal Plan Amendment for the site; development at the site. The Erie Canal
• Steamship Hotel and Lloyd Street ruins
Commercial Street. • Buffalo Sewer Authority, the ultimate Harbor is considered among candidate
uncovered and preserved as an
• Intermodal Transit Plaza at Main and owner of the Hamburg Drain facility, will sites for one of the Erie Canal
archeological site with a combination hard
Scott Streets. be responsible for maintenance and Interpretative Centers.
and grass surface.
floatable debris removal within the Drain
• Site of the former Union Block as an
South Basin itself, via a planned containment structure
interpreted site with a grassy, sloped lawn.
• Sloped lawn on east side of basin. at the head of the Commercial Slip;
• Pedestrian walkway around basin edge.
View of proposed Prime Slip from Scott Street View of proposed Naval Museum from Crossroads Plaza near Scott Street View of proposed Prime Street from South Basin looking towards Commercial Slip Bridge
Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C. Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C. Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C.
PROJECT BUDGET
The Project budget for the Erie Canal Harbor was established in 1997 at $27 million. This The design team prepared three alternative plans as presented earlier in this document. In order to develop a plan to stay within the budget for Phase Two of the Project, the scope of the
budget was increased to $46 million in June of 2002. Although the cost for each of the alternatives differed somewhat due to individual design Preferred Master Plan was reduced by deferring a number of the Projects to later phasing strategy. In
elements such as the amount of paving, landscape and type of bridge used over the Slip, all developing the phasing strategy, priority was given to establishing the basic infrastructure of the site
The sources of funds for the project are as follows: the plans were generally in the same order of magnitude in cost. Because of this and the fact with emphasis on the water's edge. The Sponsors and the design team hope additional funding can
that the Preferred Master Plan was most likely to be a hybrid of elements from each of the be identified to fully develop more of the Preferred Plan during the design phase of the Project. If
New York State Thruway Authority $11,700,000 alternatives, cost was not used as one of the variables in choosing between the alternatives. this is not possible, then some of these Projects can be completed in future phases. Out of necessity
Federal Transportation Administration 14,323,832 After the Preferred Alternative was designed, a detailed budget including labor and material a number of the most significant aesthetic and interpretive elements have been deferred in favor of
State of New York 10,000,000 estimates was developed for the total build out of the Plan. In addition a Phase Two scope of necessary infrastructure such as the Commercial Slip, the Hamburg Drain and the South Basin. In
County of Erie 6,000,000 work was developed for the work that could be accomplished with the monies available in order for the Project to have the maximum economic, cultural, and visual impact, the design team
City of Buffalo 300,000 Phase Two up to this point. The full text of the budgets for the Preferred Master Plan and strongly encourages the project sponsors to implement the majority of the plan elements as soon as
Buffalo Sewer Authority 2,000,000 Phase Two of that Plan is available in the appendix of the Master Plan (available through additional funds become available. This strategy will maintain momentum allowing project goals to
US Army Corps of Engineers 2,000,000 ESDC). The summary of the budget line items for the full build out of the Preferred Master be realized more quickly.
_________ Plan is as follows:
Total $46,323,832 The scope of Phase II as developed to date includes significant deferrals in three areas including
Master Plan Budget Summary Public Open Space, Historic Interpretation and Cruise Ship Infrastructure. Additional funding and
The Project team was directed to prepare a Master Plan that included the addition of the Initial Preferred alternative approaches are being pursued in a number of other program categories including City of
heritage theme including restored historic elements and interpretive exhibits, and the use of Budget Master Plan Difference Comments Buffalo ROW Paving, Waterway Infrastructure, Utilities and Soil and Sludge Disposal. The specifics
the funds was structured as follows: Phase I of the scope of these items are identified in the budget for Phase II, which appears in the appendix.
Naval Ship Basin $8,020,000 $8,020,000 0 Fixed The categories and costs of deferred items are as follows:
Phase I completed projects 2003:: Naval Vessels 2,120,000 2,120,000 0 Fixed
Naval Basin $ 8,020,000 Veteran's Park 2,020,000 2,020,000 0 Fixed Deferred Projects
Naval Vessels $ 2,120,000 Force Main Relocation 540,000 540,000 0 Fixed Open Space Infrastructure
Veterans Park $ 2,020,000 Site Utilities 956,000
Naval Museum $ 3,000,000 Phase II Site Prep/Earthwork 20,000
Force Main Relocation $ 540,000 Naval Museum 3,000,000 3,000,000 0 Allowance Paving and Surfacing 929,000
Commercial Slip 3,733,000 3,865,000 $132,000 Estimate Site Improvements 3,680,000
Phase II Proposed Projects 2004 - 2007: Hamburg Drain 3,497,000 3,497,000 0 Estimate
Commercial Slip $ 3,733,000 Public Open Space 5,425,000 11,126,000 5,701,000 Estimate Subtotal $5,585,000
Hamburg Drain (Alt. 2) $ 3,497,000 Infrastructure
Public Open Space Infrastructure $ 5,425,000 Site Utilities* 1,710,00 Interpretive Elements 2,854,000
Central Wharf Bulkhead $ 300,000 Paving and Surfacing* 2,707,00 Cruise Ship Infrastructure 1,925,000
South Basin and Pier $ 2,700,000 Site Prep/Earthwork* 731,000 Miscellaneous Items 316,000
Site Improvements* 5,920,000
Soil and Sludge Disposal $ 656,000 Pump Station Ventilation* 58,000 Alternative Funding:
Interpretive Elements 0 3,279,000 3,279,000 Estimate City of Buffalo ROW 3,553,000
Soft Costs $12,712,832 Central Wharf Bulkhead 300,000 620,000 320,000 Estimate Soil & Sludge Disposal 1,458,000
Contingency $ 1,600,000 South Basin & Pier 2,700,000 2,023,000 (677,000) Estimate
Cruise Ship Facilities 0 1,925,000 1,925,000 Estimate Total $15,691,000
Total $46,323,832 Soil & Sludge Disposal 656,000 2,114,000 1,458,000 Allowance
Soft Costs 12,712,832 12,712,832 0 Fixed Investigations are ongoing to reduce the cost of the soil disposal fees. There is also ongoing
Construction Contingency 1,600,000 1,600,000 0 Fixed investigation into additional sources of funding for a number of areas including federal funding for
the Historic Streets, and reimbursement for work on the Hamburg Drain and the Commercial Slip
Subtotal 46,323,832 58,461,832 12,138,000 bulkhead wall.
City of Buffalo ROW 1,200,000 4,753,000 3,553,000

Paving/Utilities
Totals $47,523,832 $63,214,832 $15,691,000
* Subtotals for Public Open Space Infrastructure
Source: Collection of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library Source: Collection of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society Photograph: Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects, P.C.
CONCLUSION
The Erie Canal Harbor site provides an unprecedented opportunity for Buffalo to celebrate the
birth of this great city and its role as the western terminus of the Erie Canal. By focusing on
the Canal Era, this site, like no other site in the City, commands attention and allows for the
celebration of Buffalo's waterfront.
Public sentiment helped to focus attention on the history of this site and has driven all design
solutions presented in this Master Plan. This Master Plan provides clear direction on how this
site should be interpreted and treated. While allowing for incremental development, the
individual site solutions stand independently. The Master Plan offers specific guidance and an
overall strategy regarding the development of the Erie Canal Harbor as a vital hub of activity
that embraces Buffalo's history and leads it into the future.

Erie Canal Harbor Master Plan (2004)

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Erie Canal Harbor Master Plan (2004)

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ERIE CANAL HARBOR PROJECT

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DRAFT MASTER PLAN

DRAFT MASTER PLAN

City of Buffalo: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation:

VISION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE HISTORIC PRESERVATION GUIDING PRINCIPLES INTERPRETIVE STRUCTURE

Surviving historic fabric, such as Llyod Street will be

As noted previously, Lloyd Street will be

View of proposed Prime Slip Greenway Trail from Scott Street

The Commercial Slip Pavilion will be

Building Program (gross sf)

New Yard 19,000 sf (includes building footprin)

Streetscapes Numerous alternatives were identified and

CONNECTION TO CITY AND DOWNTOWN

CONNECTION TO OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Bird’s eye view of Improved Project Area

Program and Site Operations

Phase Two - Alternative Two Alternative Two

Phase Two - Alternative Three Alternative Three

Concept Master Plan - Alternative Two

City of Buffalo ROW 1,200,000 4,753,000 3,553,000

Totals $47,523,832 $63,214,832 $15,691,000

* Subtotals for Public Open Space Infrastructure

Illustration: Flynn Battaglia Architects, P. C.

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