Published: February 01, 2009 09:49 pm      

USA NIAGARA: A look at the strategic plan

Plan of Action

An overview of the key areas of development listed in USA Niagara’s 2002 strategic plan:

1. Niagara Aerospace Museum: Opened in Seneca Office Building in 2002. Moved out of Falls and to Buffalo last year.

2. The United Office Building Restoration: Now known as The Giacomo, $10 million renovation project continues.

3. Key cultural attractions/Niagara Experience Center: $100 million plan still on radar.

4. Falls Street Faire reuse as Niagara Falls conference center: $20 million renovation complete. Facility opened in 2004.

5. The Turtle site: Owned by Niagara Falls Redevelopment. No announced plans for reuse.

6. Rainbow Mall reuse: Leased from city by Baltimore developer, Cordish Corp. No announced plans for reuse.

7. Wintergarden renovations: Slated for demolition as part of West Pedestrian Mall improvement.

8. Oxy building/AquaFalls site: Now One Niagara. Owned by developer Frank Parlato.

9. Temporary casino: Opened in 2002 in the old Niagara Falls Convention Center.

10. Reservoir development: Plan for improved parking in area bounded by Third Street, Rainbow Blvd. and Falls Street Faire.

11. Third Street revitalization: $3.7 million renovation completed in 2005.

12. Future development site: Area between First, Main, Ferry, Third and Niagara streets targeted for improvement.

13. Falls Street Station: Long-time home to TeleTech, houses 400-room Crowne Plaza suites.

14. Revitalization of historic district near state park: Planned development for bed and breakfast corridor along Buffalo Avenue.

15. Residential/lodging revitalization: Proposed upgrade for area bordered by state park, Robert Moses Parkway and Rainbow Blvd.

16. International Entry Corridor: Beautification plan for entrance to Canada.

17. Southern Gateway Project: Call for stone pedestrian bridge to link areas of park separated by Robert Moses Parkway.

18. Jefferson Apartment expansion: Renovated building offers apartments for rent, home to Ashker’s Third Street Cafe.

19. Downtown infill development: Reuse plan for pockets of vacant property near casino.

20. New lodging/entertainment: Property conveyed to Seneca Nation.

21. Additional lodging/entertainment: Seneca site development.

22. Seneca development: Ongoing.

23. Seneca development: Ongoing.

24. Permanent casino: Called for “Las Vegas style” casino to either replace or augment temporary facility.

25. Transportation Services Zone: Plan to accommodate bus traffic at the northeastern terminus of John Daly Blvd.

26. Hotel development between Buffalo Avenue and state park: Identifies as area for new hotel.

The complete development strategy report can be viewed at www.usaniagara.com.