Project Progress
The vision for DL&W project has evolved over many years, guided by community input, community impact, market research, and feasibility analysis..
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) issued a public solicitation to select a developer and development plan for the empty second story of the DL&W terminal. Savarino Companies was selected to lead the project, proposing a plan combining public and private uses to support NFTA’s broader goal: a dynamic, transit-oriented redevelopment that brings new life to the site while expanding Buffalo’s Metro Rail system.
To begin the process, Savarino Companies brought in Project for Public Spaces, a nationally recognized placemaking firm, to lead community outreach and site analysis. The resulting vision and development outline reflected what the public wanted most and what would have the greatest prospects of success: a welcoming, flexible, everyday space that supports connection, culture, and commerce.
Since then, a team of expert consultants — including transportation planners, cultural strategists, public market advisors, entertainment experts, food and beverage consultants, financial consultants, and architects — have fine-tuned the plan for terminal’s re-development.
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.
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Responses to an RFP posted by the NFTA for the development of the DL&W terminal’s second floor are due in January 2019.
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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.
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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.”
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A PDA, or Pre-Development Agreement,, is executed between NFTA and Savarino DL&W Development LLC. It includes a summary of terms:
Exclusive development rights to Savarino DL&W Development LLC expire two years after completion of the NFTA DL&W Terminal Metro Rail station.
Project for Public Spaces study to set forth development plan.
Developer to assist NFTA in securing funding for Owner Improvements to support the uses identified in the final PPS report.
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Project for Public Spaces completes a full study with recommendations, a report that is linked below.
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Project for Public Space’s study is accepted.
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Owner Improvements are scoped and budgeted.
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Savarino retains legal consultants Cannon, Heyman, and Weiss and historic preservation consultants KTA Preservation Specialists.
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$30M in ESD grant funding is awarded to project.Item description
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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
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Part I application for historic designation submitted by Savarino DL&W Development LLC.
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Savarino’s application for Historic Tax Credits Part 1 is approved by National Park Service.
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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.
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Local Projects submits its feasibility experiential study.
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Part II application for historic designation submitted by Savarino DL&W Development LLC.
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Eimer Design submits v1 of its preliminary design work.
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Eimer Design submits v2 of its preliminary design work.
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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.
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Eimer Design submits v3 of its preliminary design work.
Key planning documents to date
Planning Strategy 3.0
In late May, Eimer Design returned with an updated planning strategy, which is currently undergoing a last round of revisions before moving to the “test-fit” stage of design
Project Summary
SB Clark Companies’ project summary of the DL&W project.
Planning Strategy 2.0
Eimer Design’s updated planning strategy is updated in early May after a first review round with the Savarino DL&W Development team and its other consultants.
Preliminary Planning Strategy
Eimer Design’s initial planning strategy was shared with the Savarino DL&W Development team in late April of 2025 .
Multi-Modal Transportation Study
An overview of how the DL&W terminal connects to Metro Rail, trail networks, and future transit plans.
Executive Summary: Community Outreach
A summary of the early placemaking and public engagement work led by Project for Public Spaces.
The DL&W project by the numbers*
▪︎ $12M+
The DL&W project is slated to generate $12 million in annual sales.
▪︎ $1M+
The DL&W project is slated to generate over $1 million in state and county sales tax revenue annually.
▪︎ 600,000+
The average number of visitors anticipated to visit the DL&W project in its first full year of operation is over 600,000.
▪︎ 30–52*
The average number of ticketed performances held at the DL&W project’s outdoor venue annually. (*Potential fluctuation predicated on weather.)
▪︎ 300
Over 300 free community events will be hosted and/or produced by the DL&W project each year.
▪︎ 2,200
2,200 parking spaces are available within proximity of the DL&W terminal.
▪︎ 120
The number of sporting and concert events hosted by KeyBank Center each year, located adjacent to the DL&W terminal.
▪︎ 60+
The DL&W project will create over 60 full-time jobs, an estimated 125 part-time jobs, and over 1,000 construction jobs.
▪︎ 503
Around 503 times each week, the Metro Rail will run, delivering passengers to the first-floor rail station inside the DL&W. Annually, this equals over 26,000 trains visiting the terminal.
▪︎ 273
The average number of ticketed performances and private events held at the DL&W project’s indoor venue annually is estimated at over 250.
▪︎ 14*
In our current model, fourteen entrepreneurs will have opportunities on the second floor of the DL&W project, which also offers countless other pop-up and shorter-term vending opportunities throughout the year. (*Refining of the model continues.)
*At this phase, while the project is underway, these numbers are subject to change.
Support for the project
“The old DL&W, let’s get that done once and for all. I think that has such potential to be another anchor down on our beautiful waterfront.” — Governor Kathy Hochul
“It will be tricky, but when done, this waterfront complex will have 75,000 square feet of indoor space and 55,000 square feet of outdoor space devoted to public amenities.
Savarino, the only developer to respond to the NFTA's request for proposals, has hung in there for years now. He knows the challenges.
It is every Buffalonian's right to complain about the delays that bedevil big projects like this. With that right should come appreciation for those brave souls who take them on and applause when they approach completion.” — Buffalo News Editorial Board
“Bringing more people into lower Main Street works well for us and all the businesses there." — Ron Raccuia, VP, Pegula Sports and Entertainment
“If this was easy to do and develop, we would have had proposals years ago,” she said. “This developer has a track record of success, particularly within this neighborhood. So we’re confident we have the right partner to help it advance.” — Kimberley A. Minkel, Executive Director of Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
“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. Historic designation will make planned private sector development of the second floor eligible for federal and state Historic Tax Credits. I urge the National Park Service to support the submission of the DL&W Terminal, advancing a critical lynchpin to the revitalization of Buffalo’s downtown waterfront.’””— former Congressman Brian Higgins
“Sam’s project is about more than just the DL&W Terminal,” Ranalli said. “It can play a key role in connecting Canalside with the Cobblestone District and, by further extension, Buffalo Riverworks and Kelly Island and Ohio Street. As Canalside continues to build out, we will need different venues and destinations that attract people. The concert venue is a part of that equation.” — Steve Ranalli, President, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp.