New York Construction Report staff writer
A ribbon cutting was held at Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls, part of a more than $20 million mixed-use development project. The seven-story hotel on Rainbow Boulevard, developed by Plati Niagara Inc., also includes three new residential guest houses on Buffalo Avenue.
“We’re thrilled to open the doors of Cambria Niagara Falls and welcome guests to experience our blend of local charm and upscale amenities,” said Plati Niagara Inc. Co-Owner Frank Strangio said. “As a family deeply rooted in the community, we take genuine pride in creating memorable experiences for each of our guests.
“This new venture represents our humble contribution to the vibrant Niagara Falls community, and we’re eager to share it with you.”
This project also included three guest houses that complement the historic character of Buffalo Avenue’s Heritage District. USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN), a subsidiary of Empire State Development (ESD), is facilitating projects that preserve sensitive infill development along Buffalo Avenue, situated on the upper Niagara River near the “Riverway” portion of the State Park.
The guest houses reestablish a residential block of Buffalo Avenue between Third and Fourth streets, where previously only a single residential structure remained. The units are also located across from 305 Buffalo Avenue, a parcel that New York State purchased as part of its Strategic Land Acquisition Program, and on which a new trail/stairway connection to the Riverway was opened in spring 2021.
USAN committed $1.7 million to this project, contingent on USAN Board of Directors approval after completion of the project.
“The continued investment in our downtown core by the state and local partners like the Strangio family is a welcomed sign of confidence in the Niagara Falls community,” said Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino. “With the opening of Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls, the city now has another upscale hotel brand to offer visitors making plans to travel to Niagara Falls and the surrounding region. We appreciate the support from Governor Hochul for this project.”
Since 2011, New York State has allocated and invested more than $385 million in the City of Niagara Falls for upgrades to Niagara Falls State Park; revitalization efforts including six new hotels and the restoration of Old Falls Street and streetscape improvements on other downtown streets.
Also, three miles of the former Robert Moses Parkway were removed to create a 140-acre unbroken, fully accessible ribbon of green space on the Upper Niagara River and Niagara Gorge. North Main Street was also named a New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner and is leveraging the removal of the Parkway and investments in the Underground Railroad Heritage Center and Niagara Falls Train Station to recreate a strong business district reconnected to the Niagara Gorge.
