Buffalo's downtown

The first wave from the Department of Government Efficiency review of all federal office space leases has found the impact on Western New York to be lesser than some other regions. But, as a cautionary note, more DOGE reviews are underway, and the complete impact of any local office space reduction could run deeper.

When it comes to downtown development, most of the major players are established names—figures like Douglas Jemal, Paul Ciminelli, Rocco Termini, and Carl Paladino. But with their recent purchases of Mohawk Place and Electric Avenue, a younger development team is stepping into the spotlight.

While much of the focus of Shea’s Performing Arts Center expansion has been on the main theater itself and its 710 Theatre, there are plans now underway for a major change to Shea’s Smith Theatre as well.

The decision made this week by Ingram officials to move their regional headquarters and operations from Wehrle Drive in Amherst to the recently rebranded Genesee Tower at 257 W. Genesee Street - and just behind Buffalo City Hall - is considered a major economic development win for downtown Buffalo.

The renovations at the four downtown ramps are part of a long-standing practice by Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps to keep the facilities in good working order. But, even with the work starting this spring, it should not negatively impact parking options at any of the four ramps, BCAR officials promise.

The projected May opening of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp.’s new Canalside Gateway Building will give Shark Girl a multi-story neighbor. But will Shark Girl have to move because of the new building?

Shea’s Performing Arts Center has announced a $5 million project to improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience at Shea’s 710 Theatre. Additions to the site include the creation of a two-story lounge and cabaret, a handicap accessible multipurpose room, and a new seasonal patio on Main Street.

After a brief adventure to Houston, Deanna Johnson has returned on a full-time basis to downtown Buffalo to re-open the Flaming Fish restaurant. The re-opening comes against the recent backdrop of downtown Buffalo seeing some restaurant closings - mainly due to fewer daily workers in the central business district.

Working off an admittedly tight and ambitious schedule, Peter Marlette remains confident that Buffalo’s USL pro soccer team may be ready to host its first downtown game by late March 2026.

At first glance, the decision by Uniland to convert 59 of its Embassy Suites hotel rooms into the Vista at Avant apartments looks like it downsizing its hospitality-related holdings in the Delaware Avenue building. But, that’s not really the case.