News Release
The Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) in partnership with the City of Buffalo has released Request for Proposals (RFP) for a temporary intersection redesign at Commercial Street and Marine Drive, and the surrounding area. The intersection is a major gateway to Buffalo’s Canalside District. BUDC is looking for a partner to assist in designing and implementing improvements to this intersection through low-cost interventions that incorporate public art, improved walkability, wayfinding and traffic calming and highlight waterfront area attractions.
City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “As a father of three, I know how important it is to have vibrant, welcoming spaces where families can explore, play, and make memories together. With Explore & More just steps away, and thousands of residents and visitors coming downtown each year for Canalside, our waterfront, and major events, this area has become one of the most visited destinations in our city and downtown neighborhood. We are committed to making sure it continues to thrive as a dynamic, safe, and accessible place for everyone."
“Downtown’s waterfront is a destination for our city and the Region. We are looking to partner with a firm to help us deliver a vibrant and creative placemaking project that will help ensure it remains an engaging and accessible place where residents and visitors can enjoy while exciting development projects continue,” said Brandye Merriweather, BUDC President.
“This is a necessary project for the safety of our visitors and for drivers who may not be familiar with the traffic patterns of Canalside. Having colorful and creative crosswalks will increase the visibility of the walkways outside of Explore & More that thousands of families cross each year while also making the neighborhood much more vibrant. We’re grateful for this partnership with BUDC and the City of Buffalo to make this project a reality,” said Michelle Urbanczyk, President and CEO of Explore & More Children’s Museum.
The project will be managed by BUDC and the City of Buffalo’s Department of Public Works and Office of Strategic Planning. The RFP can be found on BUDC’s website www.buffalourbandevelopment.com and copies are also available at BUDC’s offices located at 95 Perry Street, Suite 404, Buffalo, N.Y. 14203.
The deadline for proposals is Monday, May 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. BUDC will also host a pre-proposal meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 1:00pm via Zoom.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Brandye Merriweather, BUDC President bmerriweather@buffalourbandevelopment.com 716-856-6525, ext. 131