Interesting read on the findings of a $150k study on what to do with the Buffalo Convention Center.
https://buffalonews.com/2018/09/20/t...ention-center/
Summary:
Option 1: Expand the current over multiple blocks. Cost > $350 million to $429 million.
Option 2: Build a new center at the HSBC site between Washington Street and Michigan Avenue. Cost > $329 million to $368 million.
Notable comments:
Highlights of the study were shared with Howard Zemsky, commissioner of Empire State Development, the state's economic development arm. Also briefed were Mayor Byron Brown,
Bills and Sabres owners Terry and Kim Pegula and key members of the state delegation in Albany.
Local officials say they believe they stand a better chance of gaining assistance from the state for a new facility. Kaler, of Visit Buffalo Niagara, noted the state has committed money for new convention centers in
Albany and Rochester in addition to its $1 billion commitment to expand the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
I can't seem to locate the article but a few years ago Jeremy Jacobs said he was willing to be a part of the solution for a new stadium. This was a very interesting comment at the time because he has no connection to the teams in Buffalo but his company does have their hands in tourism and hospitality.
I am going to call it now that this study is just one step in the process of building a new stadium/convention center hybrid project in the cobblestone district. I think what the players are doing is pooling funding for these various projects and will eventually consolidate them into a single public/private venture between Buffalo, Erie County and New York State on one side and Pegula Sports and Delaware North on the other side. The product would be a new stadium, convention center and hotel in the cobblestone. This would connect of course to HarborCenter and the Arena to create one massive complex that's serviced by the new train station. I also expect Seneca Buffalo Creek to announce a hotel tower on their campus.