Proposals for the redevelopment of prime downtown property between First, Second, Niagara and Main streets is due December 18
See renderings of potential development on the site here and maps here
USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) today announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of prime property in the heart of downtown Niagara Falls, New York. The property is located between First, Second, Niagara and Main streets, just blocks from the entrances to the Rainbow Bridge and to Niagara Falls State Park, which attracts more than 9 million annual visitors. The redevelopment of this property represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of a historic commercial district in an iconic American city. Totaling 3.1 acres, with an appraised value of $5.6 to $6.05 million, the site was acquired by the state in March 2019 through a strategic land acquisition program intended to support significant new mixed-use development.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, Niagara Falls is in the midst of a powerful transformation,” said USAN President Anthony Vilardo. “With almost $600 million in recent and ongoing public and private investment, we are building on our city’s extraordinary legacy to create a vibrant, walkable, and welcoming downtown where people want to live, work and play. The Hydraulic Canal Site, which will be anchored by a public plaza that celebrates our industrial heritage, will serve as both a public landmark and a catalyst for private sector investment. USA Niagara is excited to partner with the private sector development community to write the next chapter for Downtown Niagara Falls.”
“The acquisition of properties, catalyzing these mixed-use development plans, demonstrates USAN’s firm commitment to transforming our downtown and tourism core,” said City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino. “This is a vital step toward increasing the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of downtown Niagara Falls, and the city looks forward to what the RFP will bring.”
The Hydraulic Power Plaza, a prominent placemaking project, is currently being built on a portion of the site (read more here). The approximately 1.4-acre plaza will follow the alignment of the historic hydraulic canal that once ran through the site to provide a power source for early industry and subsequent large-scale electricity generation. The plaza will include landscaping, seating areas, a small play structure and an array of lights supported by steel structures, inspired by historic transmission towers. The site will also feature a 105-foot-long misting fountain that invokes the former waterway. The plaza’s design also incorporates space for the installation of a temporary ice rink during the winter months. See rendering of the Hydraulic Power Plaza here.
Upon completion of the Hydraulic Power Plaza, the site will be divided into several distinct properties of record. For the purposes of this RFP, the property fronting Second and Main streets will be referred to as “Parcel C,” and the Property fronting on First Street and Niagara streets will be referred to as “Parcel D.” Respondents may propose a development on the entire site (i.e. Parcels C and D), or on any portion of the site.
While open to any/all permitted uses, proposals for this RFP are intended to focus on a series of newly constructed, mixed-use buildings featuring ground floor commercial or retail. A healthy mix of hotel, office and residential uses—reminiscent of what once comprised the downtown Niagara Falls landscape—are strongly encouraged. Due to the location of the property, and USAN’s desire to add density to the site, proposed principal buildings must meet a 4-story minimum. Proposals should include at least 10 market-rate housing units to support the burgeoning downtown housing market.
Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and the Niagara Aerospace Museum have expressed interest in tenanting future space that would be created through development occurring in response to this solicitation and would be interested in partnering with an experienced developer team. USA Niagara Development Corporation is also open to considering, but not obligated to, tenanting space in a mixed-use development that may arise from this solicitation.
The RFP is available here and proposals are due no later than 2 p.m. on December 18.
In 2018, USAN began purchasing parcels near Niagara Falls State Park to return long-dormant properties to productive use. In total, USAN acquired seven buildings, and more than 8 acres of vacant land, through its Strategic Land Acquisition Program. Shortly after the acquisition, USAN began to focus its attention on strategies that will reactivate these properties. The first step in this process was the creation of a formal strategy to ensure that any new development is done in a thoughtful manner that responds to the character of downtown. The resulting “Downtown Niagara Falls Development Strategy” (read the Executive Summary and full report) illustrated a range of interim interventions and attainable development guidelines to reimagine a more vibrant downtown in the near-term while building momentum and continuing to promote sustainable dynamic growth over time. Implementation of the Development Strategy includes the construction of several mixed-use buildings on USAN’s acquired land to restore its productive use, promote new year-round activity and support new economic opportunities.
About USA Niagara Development Corporation
USAN, a subsidiary of Empire State Development, is solely dedicated to the support and promotion of economic development initiatives in Niagara Falls by leveraging private investment and encouraging growth and renewal of the tourism industry in the City of Niagara Falls. More information is available here.
Contact:
Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313