Governor Andrew Cuomo announced 10 transformational projects for Niagara Falls as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award.
The investments will strengthen small business, support private investment in underutilized buildings, and bring new residential units, commercial space, and a hotel to the historic Bridge District.
Niagara Falls was named a DRI Round 4 winner in August 2019.The Bridge District, formerly known as North Main Street or The North End historically served as the downtown shopping district for Niagara Falls.
The projects to be funded through the Niagara Falls DRI include:
Establish Academic Innovation Hub – $1,100,000: Development of an academic and community space for Niagara University. The facility will include professional workforce training, job promotion services, English as a second language programs, urban development and planning, small business development, early childhood care, and an eSports lab.
Transform 1810 +1812 Main St. into Boutique Hotel – $700,000: Renovation of two vacant buildings on Main Street into a mixed-use development with retail space and boutique hotel rooms.
Implement a small project grant fund – $620,000: Establish and implement a capital improvement grant program for small-scale building improvements throughout the DRI area.
Renovate 2025 Main St. into mixed- use development – $500,000: Renovation of the existing 9,900 sq. ft. building to enhance the convenience store, add one retail storefront on Niagara Street on the first floor and create apartments on the two upper stories.
Redevelop 2002 Main St. into retail and office space – $400,000: Renovation of 2002 Main Street into a mixed-use building with first floor retail and community space as well as modern office space. The first-floor community space is available for community gatherings.
Create an outdoor eating space and museum at DiCamillo Bakery – $250,000: Creation of a small museum and gallery space, an outdoor dining area, sidewalk and landscaping improvements at DiCamillo Bakery. Includes purchase of state-of-the-art equipment to expand production.
Implement streetscape enhancements on Main Street – $3,720,000: Streetscape enhancements along Main Street including sidewalk improvements, replacement of street trees and street furniture, as well as the conversion and replacement of light poles on Main Street to LED.
Complete implementation of the Freedom Plaza and overlook – $1,500,000: Site improvements adjacent to the Suspension Bridge to create a plaza/event space and an overlook to the Niagara River connecting to the trail system and Whirlpool Street. The plan also includes an 18-space parking area for visitors and interpretive artwork and signage.
Launch Public Art and Placemaking Initiative – $615,000: Public art mural installations on seven properties within the DRI area to enhance placemaking and the public realm.
Create a public plaza on Main Street at Cleveland Ave. – $295,000: Create a plaza and event space, inclusive of public art, movable furniture, special paving, and landscaping in front of the Public Safety Building.
