Canalside

Buffalo continues to move backwards

Chris OstranderLeave a comment

In 2013 HSBC’s lease will run out at the HSBC Tower in downtown Buffalo. The corporation is looking at numerous options in and around the city in addition to remaining in the tower.

The tower is the tallest building in the city and dominates the skyline. It isn’t pretty but, its tall and is a valuable commodity to the city. One prospect that seems to be high on the bank’s list is a new build near the existing Atrium building across the street from HSBC Arena.

This choice is apparently contingent upon the city deeding a piece of property on the Webster block to the Erie Canal Development Corporation. They, in turn, would sell/lease/whatever the land to HSBC for the new build. I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure the parking lot across from the Arena is involved in all of this too. Continue reading →

This is why we should hate preservationists

Chris OstranderLeave a comment

Read this story from Buffalo Rising – and please come back to my site to read my post too.

I would like to extend a warm thank you to Mark Goldman, Scot D. Fisher, Bruce L. Fisher, Susan M. Davis, Stephen C. Halpern, and Elizabeth P. Stanton for taking steps to block the only potential development occurring downtown.

I know there are numerous revitalization projects but, this Canal Side project was going to create a major destination for people coming to Buffalo. I have written previously that Bass Pro is not the silver bullet some people think it is. It doesn’t have to be. It should be one brick of many that goes towards rebuilding Buffalo. Continue reading →