Ever since the last intercity passenger train left the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Terminal in 1962, Buffalo seems to have wondered what to do with the cavernous train shed at the foot of Main Street.

Slowly but surely, the community aim of restoring the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Terminal to its former grandeur is beginning to take shape.

Two years after the NFTA awarded Savarino Companies pre-development rights to redevelop the second floor of the DL&W terminal along Buffalo's waterfront, owner Sam Savarino had a vision - to bring life back to this historic landmark.

For 103 years, the hulking Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Terminal has anchored the foot of Main Street, these days as host to the busy yard and shops of Metro Rail.

Some colorful creations will soon grace the walls of Buffalo's DL&W Terminal downtown

New York State Sen. Chris Jacobs announced he has secured $1 million in state funding to support the redevelopment of Buffalo’s Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Terminal Railroad station on the city’s waterfront.

Project for Public Spaces’ plans with developer Savarino Companies for repurposing the D&LW Terminal into a public market space. 

Project for Public Spaces’ plans with developer Savarino Companies for repurposing the D&LW Terminal into a public market space. 

Buffalo’s Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad terminal project got a refreshing jolt of good news last week when transit authority commissioners awarded “predevelopment rights” to the Savarino Cos. of Buffalo for redeveloping the second floor.

Buffalo’s Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Terminal is on the way toward reclaiming its legacy as a bustling center of waterfront activity.