Plans to restore and return an old rail car to the city are in motion as part of a redevelopment project for the historic DL&W Terminal on Buffalo's waterfront.

The face of the city is about to change, again. The transformation of the seemingly dormant DL&W Terminal along the Buffalo River is finally upon us, thanks to a huge new venture by the likes of developer Sam Savarino (Savarino DL&W Development LLC).

Almost time to say "All aboard!" at the old DL&W. Activation of the long-dormant Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Terminal train shed is finally becoming a reality. It will still be a few years before the entire complex comes into use, but given decades of dormancy, it's fair to commend this much progress.

There has been talk for years of opening the cavernous Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad train shed, with little to date to show for it. That is expected to change in the coming months. 

Higgins expressed his support of historic status for DL&W in remarks on the House floor, saying in part, “Positioned along the Buffalo River at the foot of Main Street in Downtown Buffalo, the massive structure is undergoing a transformation, including construction of a new metro rail station on the ground floor.

It's going to get a little narrower to drive on South Park Avenue near the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Terminal at the foot of Main Street.

In preparation for an $87 million redevelopment of the two-story building into a new Metro Rail station and upper-level entertainment venue, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority wants to build a glass-and-metal stair and elevator tower on the side of the structure facing South Park at Illinois Street, in front of the brick façade, balcony and railings.

Patrick Kaler, who heads Visit Buffalo Niagara, is enthusiastic about the possibility and hopes to see cruise ships in Buffalo by 2026.

Currently, Savarino is hoping that all concerned entities understand the historic importance of this train shed – a significant (and rare) early example of the use of reinforced concrete thanks to DL&W Railroad’s chief engineer, Lincoln Bush* (hence its name – The Bush Train Shed).

A new downtown music and entertainment venue inside the DL&W Terminal is expected to have a spinoff impact on neighboring bars, restaurants and other Canalside or downtown destinations.

Developer Sam Savarino plans to turn the second floor of the DL&W Terminal into a waterfront music venue a stone’s throw from where Canalside Live ended its annual summer concert series in 2019.