Projects Transformed Historic Riviera Theatre & Rebuilt Allan Herschell Company Complex Music Hall
View Photos of the Projects Here
During the World Canals Conference, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of two Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) projects in the City of North Tonawanda - the expanded historic Riviera Theatre and the restored Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Music Hall. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Erie Canal,” North Tonawanda is being featured as a field session destination at this year’s World Canals Conference. The City is hosting visitors from all over the country and the world to show how adaptive reuse, historic preservation and waterfront revitalization projects have synergistically spurred growth, community pride and tourism in this community.
“New York’s canal system has long been a source of pride, prosperity and economic development, and today they continue to drive growth and opportunity in canal communities like North Tonawanda,” Governor Hochul said. “With the completion of these DRI projects, we are strengthening the downtown, supporting local businesses and ensuring this community remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. As the world looks to Western New York during the World Canals Conference, North Tonawanda is showing how smart investments can honor our history while building a stronger future.”
The Riviera Theatre
The Riviera Theatre project transformed and modernized the nearly 100-year-old theater, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, by renovating and expanding into an adjacent commercial building. The more than 6,000 square-foot expansion includes new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restrooms, concession area, box office and artist merchandise area. This project received $1.2 million through the DRI, as well as $500,000 from the State Legislature.
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum project restored the facility’s Music Hall, a portion of the facility that collapsed in 1995. The Music Hall, which connects to the rest of the complex, has temperature and humidity-controlled exhibit space for the museum’s band organ collection and the Wurlitzer Perforation Department exhibit. The exhibit is the only place in the world where band organ rolls are still produced using all historically correct equipment and methods.
The project received $210,000 from the DRI, as well as $446,000 from Empire State Development and grants from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, New York State Parks and the New York Power Authority.
The City of North Tonawanda was named the Western New York Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner for Round 5. Other Western New York DRI winners include Jamestown, Olean, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Dunkirk, Buffalo, Tonawanda and Cattaraugus.
In addition to these two completed projects, 12 other projects were awarded DRI funding, including:
- Remediating a brownfield site before constructing an office building at 211 Main Street that will serve as an incubator for architecture, landscape architecture, engineering and other construction-related businesses seeking a collaborative work environment
- Constructing an apartment complex on Goundry Street
- Developing a two-story mixed-use building with apartments on Webster Street
- Creating a public river walk at 624 River Road
- Rehabilitating the Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier
- Streetscape and placemaking improvements on Oliver and Webster streets
- Creating public access to the waterfront on Tonawanda Island
- Establishing a Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program
- Renovating 27 Main Street, converting a vacant former furniture store into a commercial prep kitchen, seasonal restaurant, and multitenant space
- Rehabilitating a historic commercial building at 230 Oliver Street to house a mix of commercial and residential units
- Upgrading 235 and 239 Oliver Street to continue providing affordable housing
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “The DRI is transforming communities across the state, and this announcement is another powerful example of what is possible when we invest in our downtowns. By completing these projects, North Tonawanda is not only enhancing its waterfront and historic character, but also creating new opportunities for economic development, recreation and community life. Thanks to Governor Hochul for championing the future of New York’s downtowns and for the continued support of this flagship economic development program.”
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The historic Riviera Theatre has become a beacon for new businesses in North Tonawanda and a regional destination. The revitalization of this historic showplace has resulted in a resurgence of economic development activity over the past several years with many new restaurants, businesses and living space opening in and around the Webster Street Canal Corridor. It is good to see the Riviera and the restored Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Music Hall both contributing to the resurrection of the community."
Read the full press release here.