Vision of inner harbor takes shape

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - If you've been trying to picture what Buffalo's inner harbor will look like when it's up and running here's the vision.

It's a vision that connects downtown Buffalo to its waterfront. A waterfront filled with activities for all seasons, using more than a million square feet on 20 acres known as Canal Side.

"People are going to have their mouths wide open and they're going to be in awe of understanding the history of this region and how we've basically brought it back for this community to enjoy," said Erie Canal Harbor Development Chairman Jordan Levy.

>> See the ECHDC's plans for the Inner Harbor here

With Bass Pro still the anchor, and rewatered canals and beautiful vistas defining the Canal Side District residents and visitors will experience all angles of a the Bass Pro Aquarium even below ground in a "Water Tube" connecting the Bass Pro atrium and parking garage to a new Canal Side Hall featuring culinary delights from Buffalo area restaurants.

"We could have something like a permanent Taste of Buffalo, possibly, with local vendors. I mean we would love to have people, local, local. This is about what we can do for Buffalo," said Harbor Development President Thomas Dee.

Canal Side will have special features to sheld visitors from Buffalo's harsh winter, and even warm them up on the spot, as they enjoy all sorts of outdoor attractions.

"Massive outdoor fireplaces, to heated walkways, the design of the project is to minimize the effect of the wind," said Levy.

A six story parking garage across from the Commercial Slip has caused some controversy. It would be placed near the Marine Drive Apartments and some tenants object.

But overall, the inner harbor layout will allow for a "bustling" district recalling the era of the Erie Canal.

Dee continued, "You can walk these tow paths. It gives you the feeling of what it was like originally. It creates neighborhoods, and it really gives you a better opportunity where you can function, and everything can be outside."

One inside attraction features a bowling alley in the Bass Pro complex.
All the plans will be revealed first hand at a public hearing tomorrow night at 6 p.m at the Albright Knox Art Gallery.