The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. board of directors approved a $1.56 million contract with Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects LLP (TWLA) for architectural and engineer services on the Outer Harbor designed to enhance access and facilitate greater public use and enjoyment of Buffalo’s waterfront.

TWLA, a New York state-certified women-owned business enterprise, will complete detailed environmental studies, structural and building surveys, and architectural and engineering design services in order to prepare a construction bid package that is expected in 2017.

The goals of the project are directly connected with ECHDC’s guiding principles, including improving seasonal, recreational and tourist access, use and enjoyment of the Outer Harbor; enhancing pedestrian and bicycle access along the Outer Harbor, as well as connecting segments of the existing regional trails network along the Lake Erie waterfront; and minimize adverse impacts on communities and the environment by avoiding an inequitable distribution of impacts and maintaining neighborhood and community cohesion.

The project is funded with $5 million from the “Buffalo Billion” initiative. It will consist of several capital improvements and investments, which will allow for increased public access and activation of the Outer Harbor:
Improvement 1: Create visitor center/hub at bell slip with a modular installation, including pedestrian and bicycle amenities to take advantage of the existing parking lot and views. Install electric service and/or renewable energy source for power requirements.
Improvement 2: Complete bike path, including railing, pedestrian and bicycle amenities along terminals A and B property, thereby completing the southern end of the greenbelt loop. The northern end of the “greenbelt” loop was completed in July 2015.
Improvement 3: Redevelop the Michigan Pier into a multi-use flex space and build on the success of Wilkeson Pointe.
Improvement 4: Develop two “overlook” locations adjacent to the bell slip.
Improvement 5: Install comprehensive signage package from Gallagher Beach to lighthouse based on the Erie County Shoreline Standards, including ancillary pedestrian and bicycle amenities and landscaping features.
Improvement 6: Develop a mountain bike course(s) within a six-acre area bounded by the bell slip, Lake Erie and Fuhrman Boulevard.

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