Project Progress

Responses to an RFP posted by the NFTA for the development of the DL&W’s second floor are due in March 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 the 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 retains Projects for Public Spaces (PPS) for the collaborative placemaking process and final report.

“For uses consistent with Developer’s proposal of March 12, 2019, as such uses may be adjusted based upon PPS report.”

Savarino’s DL&W Redevelopment Proposal is presented to the NFTA.

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

Savarino’s team presents a PowerPoint outlining its project goals to the NFTA.

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.

Click here to view the document.

Project for Public Space’s study is completed and accepted.

On November 30, 2021, following discussions with NFTA, Savarino provides NFTA with its itemization, scope, and estimated cost of Landlord (aka Owner) Improvements for the purpose of applying for RECAP funding, as set forth in the Pre-Development Agreement. Click to view that document here.

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

On August 22, 2022, the NFTA submits an application to ESD for $30mm in NYS funding for Owner Improvements as set forth in the Pre-Development Agreement between Savarino and the NFTA. The stated results of receipt of funding as stated in the application:

“Describe the measurable results and economic impact the company expects to achieve through this project. Examples may include changes in profitability, sales, market share, productivity and sales per employee, cycle time reduction, quality, cost saving, etc.

The project will revitalize the over 100-year-old DL&W Train Shed, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to support additional public access to the second floor of the train shed and private-sector development in that space. The 2nd floor of the trainshed is currently inaccessible to the public, and there is no private-sector activity within the structure. Public access to the space and private-sector activity will support economic development in the area, which will be tied to a new NFTA-Metro Rail Station. This activity will occur along the Buffalo River adjacent to Canalside, the Cobblestone District, and support access to new economic activity along Ohio Street, Ganson Street, and the Outer Harbor.

On February 6, 2023, the Part I application for historic designation is submitted by Savarino DL&W Development LLC.

On March 13, 2023, Savarino’s application for Historic Tax Credits Part 1 is approved by the National Park Service.

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

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

2. Repair of structural deficiencies.

CEPA, or the Center for Exploratory and Perceptual Arts, signs a Letter of Intent with the hopes of relocating to Savarino’s second-floor project at the DL&W.

On October 18, 2023, NFTA learns it will receive a RECAP grant of $30mm from Empire State Development for improvements to facilitate the second-floor activation of the DL&W. “REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CAPITAL GRANT PROJECT 137,458 - AMOUNT $30M: Reimbursement of a portion of the design/construction of core and shell improvements targeted at the upper level and selected ground level spaces of the former DL&W Terminal (as described in the Project Description), and design/construction of pedestrian bridges connecting to KeyBank Center.”

On December 21, 2023, NFTA and Savarino are notified that Savarino’s portion of the DL&W project may receive $30M in RECAP funding if it can complete a Request for Findings and Determinations.

Savarino formally hires Plante Moran, an accounting firm and management consulting company, as well as KTA Preservation Specialists.

Savarino provides the NFTA with its initial Sources & Uses.

On August 19, 2024, Savarino provides NFTA with the following:

1. Copies of its agreements and scopes of work with its third-party consultants, SB Clark, KTA Preservation Consultants, Cannon Heyman Weiss, Plante Moran, Colicchio Consulting, and architect Eimer Design.

2. Tabulation and summary of Savarino’s expected developer costs and developer spending draw schedule.

Copies of these documents and related correspondence with the NFTA are included in the Investor Portal.

On September 9, 2024, the Savarino team—including SB Clark, Cannon Heyman, and Weiss—meets with NFTA, its consultants, and its counsel to discuss developer funding, schedule, and next steps. Click here to view the agenda.

Savarino attends the New Market Tax Credit conference with its tax credit consultant SB Clark. The project summary provided to potential investors is also provided to the NFTA.

On October 4, 2024, Savarino shared an updated Project Summary provided to NFTA.

Click here to view the document.

Foss & Co., a tax credit specialist, sends a term sheet and Letter of Intent for Savarino’s DL&W project with SB Clark and Savarino.

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.

Savarino provides a draft amendment of the PDA to NFTA representatives.

Empire State Development confirms the RECAP grant will be provided to complete the Landlord Improvements necessary for Savarino to begin construction on the DLW’s second-floor project.

Cannon Heyman and Weiss’ proposed transaction structure is presented to the NFTA.

Local Projects submits its feasibility study and recommendations.

On January 21, 2025, following meetings and discussions, Savarino provides a draft lease agreement between Savarino DL&W Development and the NFTA, along with attendant documents. 

These documents are available in the Investor Portal.

On March 13, 2025, Savarino DL&W Development LLC submitted the Part II application for historic designation..

Eimer Design completes its preliminary Planning Strategy for the project.

Colicchio submits its first round of key operational revenue generation and operating expenses for the project's day-to-day business functions, including the business’s food, beverage, entertainment, and experiential categories.

Eimer Design submits its now revised Planning Strategy as well as its initial Program of Spaces.

Colicchio Consulting provides its initial projections and estimates for the project food/beverage program. This is followed by its feasibility study and projections for the Entertainment portion of the project.

SB Clark prepares another project summary to be presented to potential tax credit investors at the New Market Tax Credit Conference.

Eimer submits v1.0 of his Test Fit Package, including some early-stage renderings.

Plante Moran completes its first version of the Master Tenant Mini Model with Forecasts.

SB Clark creates a presentation titled A Way Forward to illustrate to NYS how the Savarino DL&W project can proceed despite recently revealed setbacks on the NFTA’s part.

Eimer submits a revised Test Fit with some adjustments to 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.

Updated test-fits from Eimer show a relocation of the proposed sit-down restaurant, an update to the performance venue’s amenities, and the future home of Buffalo Electric Glass.

Buffalo Electric Glass announces its intentions to operate from Savarino’s second-floor development of the DL&W. Led by former executives from the Corning Museum of Glass and a board of talented WNYers, the project uses hydroelectric power to tell the story of the City of Light.

The Program of Spaces is published online upon receipt of Eimer’s design illustrating the DL&W’s PoS zones.

Revised Draft Lease Terms and Exhibits are submitted to NFTA.

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

DL&W public market (Floor Two) activation.