By Ashley Hassett & Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-978311.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Plans will finally move forward for redevelopment of the former Donovan State Office building in downtown Buffalo.
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Benderson Development to refurbished the former state office building.
Benderson's building plan includes creating, retail stores, restaurants and offices to the waters edge.
Benderson Development said they will be investing $30-million into a complete makeover of the Donovan building.
Board chairman Jordan Levy said when complete, it will draw people from all over to visit Buffalo's waterfront.
"180,000 people so far this year have come down to enjoy the water and enjoy the activities. This year we expect as many as 400,000 people, we will begin to see stuff come above ground that will be permanent part of Buffalos' waterfront. It's an exciting day for all of us that have been involved," said Levy.
Mayor Byron Brown said the development project will create jobs and bring visitors into the city.
"Progress continuing to be made on Buffalos' waterfront. There will be hundreds of workers that will be working in that building adding more excitement, energy, vibrancy to the waterfront and to downtown," said Mayor Brown.
The Buffalo law firm Phillips Lytle will be the anchor tenant of the new office space.
Construction will begin this December.