History of Buffalo’s DL&W

Industrial innovation at its best

The departure concourse of the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western (DL&W) terminal remains largely intact on the waterfront in downtown Buffalo, New York.

Built in 1917 by the DL&W Railroad, it served as a major intermodal link, moving anthracite coal from Pennsylvania mines to points north, east, and west and providing luxury passenger service between New York City, Buffalo, and points west. Train passengers could transfer from the terminal to awaiting passenger ships to Great Lakes ports or for further travel West and South via the Nickel Plate Railroad, which also serviced the DL&W terminal.

For decades, the building was central to Buffalo’s movement of people and goods. While the western half of the original complex was demolished in the late twentieth century, the remaining structure, including its pioneering and historic train shed, is not done playing its part in the city’s history.

Architectural drawing of Lackawanna Terminal train shed in Buffalo, New York, showing reinforced concrete flat slab structure with detailed measurements and support columns.

Cutting-edge form and function

The DL&W terminal was designed by architect Kenneth M. Murchison, best known for his Beaux-Arts public transportation structures. Perhaps the most unique feature of the terminal came from DL&W’s head engineer, Lincoln Bush. His patented design for the train shed, now known as the Bush-style shed, increased passenger comfort and safety. Skylights brightened the platforms, and vents above the tracks funneled out steam and smoke. Large exterior windows introduced plentiful natural light. The DL&W’s elevated double-deck train shed was constructed of reinforced concrete, which was still new to the industry.

While second-story train sheds weren’t unheard of then, they were uncommon. Buffalo’s DL&W double deck train sheds remain a standout. Bush’s modular design allowed for efficient construction, and in Buffalo, the terminal’s location allowed passengers to connect with lake ships and trains in the same place.

Black and white photo of a damaged bridge with broken concrete and debris on the ground.

Photo by Bruce Jackson

Decline, dormancy, and transformation

Passenger service at the DL&W terminal ended when the Erie and Lackawanna railroads merged in 1963. As highway and air travel grew, passenger rail service declined. In 1979, the grand staircase and Headhouse were demolished by the NFTA in order to facilitate the use of the terminal’s first floor for Buffalo’s then-new Metro Rail project, serving as its head end maintenance facility. Though the original elegance of the train terminal was lost, its structure was preserved.

People socializing and walking in a festive outdoor winter market with string lights, holiday decorations, snowmen, and a modern building in the background during evening.

A foundation for what’s next

Today, the 120,000-square-foot second-story train shed is being returned to public use. The NFTA is constructing a Metro passenger station on the first floor of the structure and providing a direct link to public transportation. It can be said that the new DL&W project is building upon the original purpose and the legacy of Buffalo’s original DL&W terminal. Its scale, location, utility, and ability to connect passengers and visitors have evolved to serve the way we live and gather today.

A storied past and unfolding future

Explore a historic timeline of Buffalo’s DL&W terminal below. Visit the Terminal Bulletin for more historical insight.

Terminal Timeline

Project milestones

This timeline offers a look at key moments in the planning and development of the DL&W project, a rehabilitation project designed to turn the long-vacant second floor of Buffalo’s waterfront DL&W terminal into a mixed-use public space.

From early visioning and public feedback to approvals and updates, each step represents collaboration, due diligence, and a shared belief in the project’s potential. While not exhaustive, this summary reflects major milestones to date and will be updated as the project advances.

  • Responses to an RFP posted by the NFTA for the development of the DL&W terminal’s second floor are due in January 2019.

  • Developer Sam Savarino submits proposal to NFTA:

    Development team includes Foit-Albert Architects and Engineers and placemaking consultant Project for Public Spaces.

    NFTA to provide “Required infrastructure and public improvements” to terminal including:

    • Stabilization of all structural deficiencies

    • Existing passenger platforms

    • Installation of fire suppression and life safety systems

    • Installation of public restrooms

    • Base systems for electric, lighting, and HVAC

    • Access/egress, including elevators and truck lift

    Developer responsible for its additional improvements.

    NFTA to lease premises to developer for $1/year.

  • Developer to retain Projects for Public Spaces (PPS) for collaborative placemaking process and final report.

    “For uses consistent with Developer’s proposal of 3.12.19 as such uses may be adjusted based upon PPS report.”

  • The NFTA and Savarino Companies execute a term sheet for redevelopment of the DL&W terminal’s second floor.

  • The NFTA and Savarino enter into a Pre-Development Agreement (PDA). The agreement outlines the following:

    • Savarino holds exclusive development rights to approximately 6,500 square feet on the first floor and 130,000 square feet on the second floor of the terminal.

    • A Final Development Agreement will be negotiated based on the terms established in the PDA.

    • The agreement remains in effect for one year following the completion of NFTA’s new Metro Rail station at the DL&W Terminal, with an option for a one-year extension.

    • A study by Project for Public Spaces (PPS) will help shape the development plan, ensuring the project reflects community needs and best practices in public-space design. (Completed in 2021)

    • NFTA will undertake a series of Owner Improvements, with both NFTA and the Developer working together to secure approximately $30 million in funding for this work.

    • Savarino will be responsible for securing approvals and completing additional interior improvements to bring the space into active use.

  • Project for Public Spaces completes a full study with recommendations, a report that is linked below.

  • Project for Public Space’s study is accepted.

  • Owner Improvements are scoped and budgeted.

  • Savarino retains legal consultants Cannon, Heyman, and Weiss and historic preservation consultants KTA Preservation Specialists.

  • $30M in ESD grant funding is awarded to project.Item description

  • NFTA retains Azar Design (formerly known as Foit Albert Associates) to prepare design and engineering documents for:

    • Core and Shell Improvements, including the Owner Improvements set for in the Pre-Development Agreement between Savarino DL&W Development LLC and NFTA.

    • Repair of structural deficiencies

  • Part I application for historic designation submitted by Savarino DL&W Development LLC.

  • Savarino’s application for Historic Tax Credits Part 1 is approved by National Park Service.

  • Savarino retains global feasibility consultants Colicchio Consulting, immersive experience designers Local Projects, accountant Plante Moran, HTC/NMTC consultant SB Clarke, entertainment advisors Twenty6 Productions, and Eimer Design, project architect.

  • Local Projects submits its feasibility experiential study.

  • Part II application for historic designation submitted by Savarino DL&W Development LLC.

  • Eimer Design submits v1 of its preliminary design work.

  • Eimer Design submits v2 of its preliminary design work.

  • Colicchio first phase of key operational revenue generation and operating expenses for the project's day-to-day business functions, including food and beverage, entertainment, and experiential.

  • Eimer Design submits v3 of its preliminary design work.

  • Eimer submits v 1.0 of his Test Fit Package with some early stage renderings.

  • Eimer submits v 2.0 of his Test Fit Package with some adjusted early stage renderings.

  • The Part II application for historic designation submitted by Savarino DL&W Development LLC is approved as submitted on July 8, 2025.

  • Eimer provides another set of updated renderings and designs.

  • DL&W public market (Floor Two) test activation.

  • DL&W public market (Floor Two) activation.