New sites proposed to replace Buffalo's 'obsolete' convention center

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

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.

[WNYresident]

An over head

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

That is the mistake location. That is the location that is used when people give and take bribes.

[WNYresident]

I thought that was current. IF they are going to do a convention center I don't think that is the best spot.

Are there spots in Cheektowaga a new convention center can go? Like the nature preserve area or near the airport? We can use eminent domain to tear down any homes or buildings that are in the way. We would be able offer a strip of restaurants and close by shopping at the mall.

[WNYresident]

Interactive map of proposed convention center sites

This interactive map shows exactly where HVS Consulting recommends a new Buffalo convention center be located.

https://buffalonews.com/2018/09/20/i...box=1537440188

[steven]

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.

I think you are right

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

I think you are right

So right after running the convention center story, the BN ran the following:

Potential downtown stadium didn't affect convention center talks, Poloncarz says (https://buffalonews.com/2018/09/20/p...ter-prospects/)

How much do you want to bet that anyone with a bit of common sense started to add 1 + 1 and arrive at the stadium and that some of those were 'progressive' supporters of Colonparts? I bet he took a bunch of calls on this and felt the need to try and get out in front of this. After all, he's up for election next year...

But this quote was pretty amusing:

"The Pegulas have invested $18 million in the stadium this past year, and my understanding is they're going to put another $18 million in the stadium next year," Poloncarz said a news conference Thursday as he officially unveiled the convention center study recommendations. "They're wise business people. I don't think they're going to be putting $36 million in a two-year period and leave in three years."

Unsure if he is this dumb or just dishonest. It would take at least 5 years for a stadium to be delivered and Pegula is spending $50m right now paying for players, not on the team. $36mis insignificant in the long-term picture.

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

I thought that was current. IF they are going to do a convention center I don't think that is the best spot.

Are there spots in Cheektowaga a new convention center can go? Like the nature preserve area or near the airport? We can use eminent domain to tear down any homes or buildings that are in the way. We would be able offer a strip of restaurants and close by shopping at the mall.

Sorry. Nobody wants to go to a convention in Cheektowaga. lol

[grump]

Nice to see that ESDC already has its fingers in this particular pie. Not that any of the millions of taxpayer dollars to be pee’d away on another convention center we don’t need would ever find their way into the hands of major contributors to you know who. If they’re going to tie it into the new train station, better hope no one from the west plans on taking the train home from any of the hundreds of conventions we’ll be hosting every year. Remember, trains can’t go west from the proposed train terminal. As for Poloncarz, just strike a deal that gives him and the Dems a booth peddle opioids to opioid addicts and he’ll support anything.

[WNYresident]

I think we need this in Cheektowaga. There are many areas this will fit

If you use google maps you can see one area they are thinking is about 370 feet X 500 and the main convention center is about 440 X 240 feet.

We can do something very cool around the Aero Drive and Transit area. Exit right off the 90, next to the airport, close to the golf course and we have the one thing Buffalo don't have. A hovercraft entertainment area. Yep, let see them top that.

Right in that area is a gorgeous lake. ( maybe a polluted pond but a lake sounds better)

From this point forward it will be known as Flamigo Bay...

It looks about 1300 feet across by 1000.....


The idea should be entertained if county or state money is going to be used.

Anyway to look up how much revenue the current convention center generated last year?

And I want a Town owned Casino so that we can directly compete with the Casino in Buffalo. I want the profits to go directly into the general fund and they are only use for infrastructure improvement and repairs.

I want it modeled after this

https://www.caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas



I always thought the Vancouver Convention Center was very cool...



https://www.vancouverconventioncentre.com/

[WNYresident]

We can fit one right there.

[gorja]

Really how many people are dying to go to a convention in WNY?
They should put these convention center plans in the same drawer as the new Peace Bridge, IMHO

[WNYresident]

Really how many people are dying to go to a convention in WNY?
They should put these convention center plans in the same drawer as the new Peace Bridge, IMHO

Valid point.

But if state money is going to flow each suburb should go for it. Look how Buffalo and crew spent 100,000,000's so far. Solar city. That money could have been an awesome convention center.

[leftWNYbecauseofBS]

Really how many people are dying to go to a convention in WNY?

Only a small % of conventions are public and need to leverage a location to drive sales. Most conventions are private or organization based. For these conventions, location is pretty far down the list. Of course, they want a nice place with things to do...Buffalo has this (especially in the summer), but mostly they look at costs. They want people to have the ability to drive, and Buffalo is ~6hrs away from 10s of millions of people. They want a lower hotel cost and lower food cost. Buffalo has this. They want put on the best conference for the least amount of money. Buffalo (especially in the summer) offers this.

Buffalo is never going to compete with San Diego for a 15,000 member convention for doctors. Buffalo is never going to compete with some 40,000 person trade show that goes to Vegas. But can land the hundreds of smaller conventions that are 2000 to 3000 attendees like the American Folklore Society or private company events like employee summits. When you're driving from Altoona or Youngstown...Buffalo is a pretty cool spot for a trip.

[WNYresident]

Lefty's post helps make the case for the convention center to be in Cheektowaga


Only a small % of conventions are public and need to leverage a location to drive sales. Most conventions are private or organization based. For these conventions, location is pretty far down the list. Of course, they want a nice place with things to do...Cheektowaga has this (especially in the summer), but mostly they look at costs.

They want people to have the ability to drive, and Cheektowaga is ~6hrs away from 10s of millions of people. We have an international airport and train station. They want a lower hotel cost and lower food cost. Cheektowaga has this. We have many of the national food chains minutes from the Airport and the Aero/Transit area.

They want put on the best conference for the least amount of money. Cheektowaga (especially in the summer) offers this. As a bonus we are no more than 15 minutes away from attractions in the city and various attractions in the suburbs.

Cheektowaga is never going to compete with San Diego for a 15,000 member convention for doctors. Cheektowaga is never going to compete with some 40,000 person trade show that goes to Vegas. But can land the hundreds of smaller conventions that are 2000 to 3000 attendees like the Flamingo Society or private company events like employee summits. When you're driving from Altoona or Youngstown.. Cheektowaga is a pretty cool spot for a trip.

In closing. I believe you also have less chance of being shot if it's weekend convention.



My statement is as valid as Lefty's.