This past Saturday, after a full excursion exploring the length of Main Street in Downtown Buffalo, I was greeted with a completely unexpected surprise. As I walked up towards Canalside I noticed that the canals had been watered. I wasn’t the only one standing along the perimeter fencing, as there were others who found the site refreshing and inspiring.
“The water seen in the historically aligned canals is a quality control measure and a big step forward on this important Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) project on the South Aud Block,” said Jill A. Clark, Assistant Project Manager Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. “Now that the weather has broken with temperatures above freezing, crews were able to fill the basin with water, which will sit for 72 hours, to insure water tightness. The test and results will be evaluated by the design team for compliance purposes and upon approval will be drained so additional work can continue – a waterproof membrane will be applied, followed by canal stones and ice making materials (for skating in the wintertime). The project will be substantially complete by fall 2014.”
The canal project has been sobering due to its stagnant appearance as of late. Thankfully the coming of spring, albeit late, marks a new day and a re-energized effort to this site at the Inner Harbor. Up next will be the addition of other amenities seen in the renderings below, including historic style bridges that will traverse the canal. Many of the bordering concrete walkways, stairways and observation features are already in place. As for the buildings featured in the renderings, you can learn more about that progress here. You can also check out an initial glimpse of the Explore & More children’s museum here.