Pegula reveals vision for Harbor Center

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula is rolling out a new blueprint that's sure to strike gold for job-seekers and hockey fans.

When the plans were revealed almost two weeks ago, Pegula was watching his daughter compete in the U.S. Tennis Open. Now he's ready to tell western New York just what he has in store for the Webster Block.

MORE | See rendering of what the completed Harbor Center will look like

The billionaire joined Mayor Byron Brown Monday, walking the Webster Block together for the first time. The community leaders are celebrating the special partnership that will lead to the new $123 million Harbor Center, to be built right in front of the Sabres' home, First Niagara Center.

"Certainly Mr. Pegula being here today is further evidence that this significant project is moving forward," Brown said.

Construction, which beings in the spring, will include two ice rinks that will sit on top of a 965-car parking ramp, retail stores, a sports bar, and about 200 hotel rooms. All but the hotel should be completed by the opening of the hockey season in 2014.

"Obviously this is going to add to the "aura" of coming here to play if you're a professional player," Pegula said.

Harbor Center is one of two goals set by the Sabres owner for Buffalo. The other is to bring home a Stanley Cup.

Pegula said, "We'll start down that road."

While Harbor Center is great news for Buffalo, Pegula had no news to report about the potential NHL lockout that now threatens the hockey season. But he did comment on whether a lockout would potential damage relations between himself and the Sabres players. He said a lockout would not have a lasting impact.

"Oh, that's just a temporary thing. We all know that," Pegula assured. "If anything happens, they'll be no lasting effects."

Terry Pegula believes the Harbor Center will make Buffalo a destination for up and coming hockey players.