Outreach.

The first step to any project of this size begins by sparking conversations with the community.

Our vision begins by reintroducing the public to the terminal through implementing best practices of placemaking - a multi-faceted approach to planning and design that capitalizes on community assets, inspiration, and potential, to create quality public spaces that promote health, happiness, and wellbeing.

Inspiration.

In addition to outreach, sites that have been successful in implementing similar projects and ideas were complied.

Cherry Street Pier | Philadelphia, PA
Adaptive reuse of a former municipal pier. Very diverse mix of uses and highly adaptable and modifiable space. Artist studio spaces, market space, event space, food and beverage vendors, and communal gathering/lounging spaces.

Mercato Metropolitano | London, UK
Adaptive reuse of an abandoned paper factory. Diverse mix of uses, market stalls, community table for eating and drinking, startup incubator for food businesses, and cooking classes. A “sustainable community market".

Cobblestone Live | Buffalo, NY
Small/medium-scale music event, with multiple stages. Enlivens, activates and highlights the cobblestone neighborhood

Vision.

These initial renderings give a general idea of the activation and ideas that will be implemented at the DL&W Terminal.

The vision that has come from the initial public outreach includes: activation of the outdoor spaces including landscaping and greenery; flexible event spaces; bike repair and rental facilities; market stalls; food and beverage options; shared work space for arts and exhibitions; indoor and outdoor communal spaces; game and sports spaces; and welcome center.

A bird's eye view of the DL&W terminal, located on Buffalo, NY's waterfront, is fully activated and full of people.

Once the terminal is reactivated, focus will shift to creating an estuary for commerce and culture - expanding public amenities, programming, and cultural offerings, growing community partnerships, and fostering equitable economic opportunities.

History.

The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western (DL&W) Terminal, built in 1917 during Buffalo’s industrial peak, was a vital hub for passenger and freight rail services. Its grand Beaux-Arts architecture and advanced infrastructure symbolize Buffalo’s prominence during the Golden Age of Rail Travel. Shared with the “Nickel Plate Road” (New York, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad), the terminal connected Buffalo to leading cosmopolitan cities. Strategically positioned at the waterfront and eastern terminus of the Great Lakes, the terminal provided an advantageous site for east/west and north/south commerce, shaping the city’s layout around railroads.

As rail travel declined mid-century, the terminal's bustling activity diminished, leaving it largely underutilized for decades. Today, it stands as a historic landmark with immense potential for reinvention, poised to reconnect Buffalo to its waterfront and celebrate the city’s industrial heritage.

Historical train yard map of Buffalo's DL&W train terminal showing track layout and infrastructure, including passenger station, viaduct, and freight house; labeled streets and landmarks include Main Street, Elk Street, and Ohio Street.

The terminal served as union passenger station for several railroad companies, cementing Buffalo’s role as a critical transportation pivot in New York state:

New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (Nickel Plate Road)

Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway (Acquired by Baltimore & Ohio in 1932)
Pere Marquette Railway (only until 1932)
Wabash Railroad
Norfolk & Western extensions:
City of Chicago (westbound, picking up carriages from Phoebe Snow for Hoboken-Buffalo-Chicago service)
City of Cleveland (eastbound, connecting with the New York Mail for Chicago-Buffalo-Hoboken service)

A large ship named "South American" docked next to Buffalo's DL&W train terminal building.

Vintage advertisement for Lackawanna Railroad featuring Phoebe Snow and a poem about the railroad's reliable service.

Historical Buffalo DL&W train terminal passenger area with arched windows and benches

Historic photograph of Lackawanna Railroad station under construction in the early 20th century.

Logos of Lackawanna Railroad, Erie Railroad, and Nickel Plate Road.

Vintage DL&W advertisement featuring Phoebe Snow and a railroad engineer, promoting the Lackawanna Railroad with a poem about the road of anthracite.

Buffalo's DL&W train station platform features a double deck train shed.

Postcard illustration of DL&W terminal in Buffalo, New York, featuring its Head House and train sheds. It's located on Buffalo's waterfront, with boats and people nearby.

Vintage train station with platforms and arched roof

Vintage Nickel Plate Road train advertisement featuring an image of a steam locomotive and text highlighting service to cities including Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, New York, and St. Louis, promoting "Air-Conditioned Trains."

Historic train terminal with curved tracks and arched roof, labeled "Lackawanna Railroad, Buffalo Terminal."

Vintage advertisement for Lackawanna Railroad promoting travel to Buffalo. Features Phoebe Snow, a woman in a white dress.

Historic image of a boat docked at Buffalo's DL&W terminal with a large group of people gathered nearby.

Painting of a large steamship docked at DL&W's train terminal, with smoke coming from its stacks, and a harbor scene at night.

Interior of Lackawanna Railroad passenger terminal in Buffalo featuring a grand marble staircase and spacious rotunda; labeled "Entrance Rotunda - The Marble Staircase Leading to Main Waiting Room."

The Terminal’s Timeline

Timeline of Buffalo's DL&W Terminal from 1917 to 2018, highlighting its history from construction, thriving transportation hub status, decline due to automobiles and air travel, transition to freight, disrepair, NFTA's limited use, and redevelopment plans.

A summary of some key milestones in the history of the DL&W Terminal in Buffalo

A historic, eye-level view of a train/locomotive queued on the double-deck train shed of Buffalo's DL&W train terminal.

Phoebe Snow (Flagship Train)

The Twilight

The Westerner

The Owl

The Pocono Express

The New Yorker

New York Mail

Merchants Express

Vintage poster advertising Lackawanna Railroad, featuring a woman in a hat, a train labeled "Lackawanna Railroad," and promoting daylight service to Buffalo, New York via "Phoebe Snow."

The Trains.

At its peak, the terminal handled all of the DL&W’s notable intercity trains:

A moody vintage photo of the DL&W terminal in Buffalo when the train station was used by the Nickel Plate Railroad. We can see engine number 6361, a cart with luggage and packages is on the platform.

Technology.

BUSH TRAIN SHED

Built in 1915 as part of the DL&W Terminal, the Bush Train Shed stands as one of the oldest surviving examples of reinforced concrete railroad technology. Designed by DL&W's Chief Engineer Lincoln Bush, its innovative arched roof with glass panels provided natural light while protecting passengers and trains. Hailed as an engineering marvel of its era, the structure embodies Buffalo’s legacy as an industrial pioneer.

ROAD OF ANTHRACITE

The introduction of anthracite—the highest grade of coal—revolutionized railroad passenger services thanks to its cleaner burn, improving the safety, health, and efficiency of train travel. Subsequent electrification of suburban commuter routes further advanced speed, comfort, and reliability, solidifying the DL&W's leadership during the Golden Age of Rail Travel.

Today, Buffalo’s steel and coal production facilities are relics of the past. Former industrial sites, like the Bethlehem Steel plant, are being repurposed for renewable energy projects, including a wind farm, showcasing Buffalo’s adaptability and forward-thinking spirit.

Architectural drawing of the Reinforced Concrete Flat Slab Train Shed at Lackawanna Terminal, Buffalo, NY, depicting structure details and measurements designed by Lincoln Bush for the DL&W terminal.

Vintage advertisement featuring a woman named Phoebe Snow in white clothing and a miner, promoting Lackawanna Railroad with a poem about the benefits of anthracite coal.

Innovation.

CITY OF LIGHT

In 1905, Buffalo became one of the first cities in the world to be powered by long-distance transmission of hydroelectricity from the Niagara Falls. The innovation was debuted during the the 1901 Pan-American exposition, heralding Buffalo as a gateway to the new, modern 20th century to come. This form of electricity was more affordable, attracting different industries (such as steel and
aluminum manufacturing), which sparked Buffalo's industrial growth.

Today, Buffalo has emerged as a hub for technological innovation, with several initiatives contributing to its growth—such as Empire AI, TechBuffalo, or 43North—accelerating Buffalo's commitment to facilitate a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation, startups, and grassroots efforts.

Panoramic view of Buffalo's 1901 Pan American Expo, an early world's fair featuring domed buildings and a central tower at night, illuminated by lights that reveal architectural details.

Person standing in front of a large sign at the 43North competition in front of a sign that reads: "43North, 5 companies, $1M each, 5% equity."

A cheerful group of four people with children holding Microsoft-branded blue bags promoting coding initiatives. One child holds a certificate. They are indoors in a modern setting.

Location.

The DL&W Terminal is a historic transportation hub located along the Buffalo River in downtown Buffalo, strategically positioned at the intersection of the city’s waterfront and its industrial heritage.

The Neighborhood.

Cobblestone District

Cobblestone Live is an outdoor concert with a large crowd and an illuminated stage at dusk, the city skyline in the background.

Historic Buildings

Interpretive Panels

Artisans and Craft

Markets, Events, Concerts

Buffalo skyline with a ferris wheel and Labatt Blue grain silos at night.

Buffalo Waterfront

Seasonal Sports

Wellness Trails

Bike & Hiking Trails

Outdoor Sports

Community Grassroots

People gathered in a park with colorful folding chairs and blankets on a lawn, next to a large bridge in the background, during a day event.

Canalside

Nighttime ice skating rink with skaters, holiday lights, and bridge in the background.

Bike Rentals

Boat Tours

Public Art

Boardwalk

Ice Cream

Food & Beer Garden

Kayak/water Sport Rental

Ice Rink (Winter)

Buffalo Heritage Carousel

Connecting Communities.

Architectural layout showing Key Bank Center, parking garage, DL&W Terminal, and surrounding streets.

Urban street scene showcasing the soon-to-be-built pedestrian bridge spanning the roadway between Buffalo's DL&W terminal and Key Bank Center.

Taking advantage of all the benefits of this location will be important to its ultimate success, including creating:

A seamless connection between Canalside and the DL&W Terminal and new light rail station
Upgrading the Canalside/Riverline Trail entrance in the southwest corner. Currently just one set of stairs.
Integrating a new entrance to the second level from Canalside along the Shoreline Trail

A Vital Transit Hub.

The DL&W Terminal is a historic transportation hub located along the Buffalo River in downtown Buffalo, strategically positioned at the crossroads of the city’s waterfront and its rich industrial heritage. It serves as a vital link to the Metro line connecting to UB South Campus, with potential future extensions reaching further
north to UB North Campus.

Additionally, the terminal is a key connection point for several other transportation and recreational links, including the Empire Trail, which intersects with the Shoreline Trail near DL&W, the proposed Riverline elevated trail that will repurpose the former DL&W elevated track, and a probable seasonal water taxi stop providing access to Buffalo’s Outer Harbor and its vibrant recreational spaces.