Governor Hochul Announces Launch of ‘Canalside: The Next Wave’ to Develop a Strategic Vision for Buffalo’s Waterfront District

Urban Planning and Design Firm MKSK Selected To Lead Development of Framework To Strengthen the Canalside District, Unlock Future Investment and Better Connect the District to Downtown and Surrounding Neighborhoods

Community Survey Launched To Collect Public Input on Priorities for the Expanded Canalside District

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the selection of urban planning and design firm MKSK to lead the development of “Canalside: The Next Wave,” a strategic vision for the future of Buffalo’s waterfront district. MKSK will conduct comprehensive market and urban design analyses, lead public engagement, and establish an overarching development strategy. The firm will evaluate new development sites to expand Canalside and leverage the three-quarters of a billion dollars in previous state investments to unlock opportunities for mixed-use growth, commerce, and housing over the coming years.

“Today marks the start of a bold new chapter in the transformation of Buffalo’s waterfront and the expansion of the Canalside District,” Governor Hochul said. “This study, in partnership with MKSK, will lay the groundwork for a vibrant, year-round community that drives sustainable growth, increases neighborhood density, and seamlessly connects the Erie Basin Marina to the Cobblestone District. Buffalo, get ready for ‘Canalside: The Next Wave.’”

“Canalside: The Next Wave” will shape the next decade of growth, investment, and transformation at Canalside, KeyBank Center, the Cobblestone District, and along the Buffalo River waterfront. Led by Empire State Development (ESD), the strategy will deliver specific development recommendations for a targeted zone spanning from the Erie Basin Marina to Michigan Avenue, bounded by the Buffalo River and the I-190, and including Sahlen Field.

MKSK will provide ESD, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), Erie County, the City of Buffalo, and other public and private stakeholders with data-driven insights to prioritize financial feasibility, market demand, and seamless integration with ongoing local developments.

This strategy arrives at a critical juncture as several major neighborhood investments take shape, including:

• The start of construction of Pennrose’s mixed-use North Aud development;
• The resumption of construction at Heritage Point on the South Aud Block by Sinatra Development Company;
• The completion of The Chandlery on the North Aud Block by ECHDC;
• The evolution of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship;
• The grand opening of the NFTA’s DL&W Terminal facility; and
• The redevelopment of affordable housing at the Perry Homes and Marine Drive Apartments by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority.

To capitalize on this momentum, the study will evaluate potential development sites, integrating residential units, hotels, dining, retail, and experiential public spaces to promote year-round vibrancy. The new developments will be selected to unlock long-term economic opportunities that align with existing stakeholder investments and needs expressed by the public.

Gathering public input will be a cornerstone of the planning process. Residents, local businesses, and visitors are encouraged to share their feedback and participate in upcoming public pop-up events:

• Erie Basin Marina at The Hatch: Sept. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Canalside Fall Fest: Sept. 26, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Seneca One: Oct. 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The online community survey is available now at buffalowaterfront.com and will remain open through early November.

MKSK is a collective of planners, urban designers, and landscape architects, founded in 1990, who focus on addressing urban and community challenges and creating desirable places to live and thrive. They work to build consensus around a shared vision and solve complex problems with integrated planning, design, and execution strategies that generate lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits. MKSK has extensive experience addressing key themes such as downtown revitalization, waterfront redevelopment, street and transportation networks, parks and trails, public spaces, sports and entertainment districts, tourism, and neighborhood investment.