Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) approved two contracts that will move forward and start construction on a permanent lighting installation at the Connecting Terminal grain elevator. General and electrical construction will start in September with project completion in June 2015. Plans for lighting the skyway and nearby lift bridges has been put off for now.
“Lighting Buffalo’s grain elevators, which have such a rich history, has long been part of Governor Cuomo and ECHDC’s larger vision for the redevelopment of Buffalo’s waterfront and I am happy we are one step closer to adding such a visually interesting component to Canalside and the Outer Harbor,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. “The evolving light show on the Connecting Terminal will transform the structure into a contemplative artistic lighting installation and keep visitors coming back to the site to share the experience with friends and family while enjoying their time on the waterfront.”
The Connecting Terminal grain elevator presents the ideal urban situation to receive a significant visual intervention. Its location and position provides a direct visual link to Canalside across the water. It anchors one of the water gateways into the Buffalo River and will act as a luminous beacon fronting Lake Erie.
The lighting installation will operate year round from dusk until 11 pm is to be permanently installed on the grain elevator. Multiple schemes based on a narrative theme will be programmed and displayed.
ECHDC will enter into a contract with Hohl Industrial Services for the general construction of the Connecting Terminal Grain Elevator at a contract amount not to exceed $1,167,710. ECHDC will also enter into a contract with Frey Electric Construction Co. for the electrical construction of the Connecting Terminal Grain Elevator at a contract amount not to exceed $1,759,500. The funding source for the contracts is proceeds payable to ECHDC pursuant to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Relicensing Agreement.
The permanent lighting installation will be displayed through kinetic lighting comprised of five specific light layers. Each proposed light layer involves a different kind of light fixture and system for attachment. Construction and installation of the light fixtures’ infrastructure is planned on and around the Connecting Terminal grain elevator and site, which is located at the First Buffalo River Marina, as well as on Kelly Island, which is located across the Buffalo River at General Mills. The infrastructure completed at these two sites is intended to accommodate five types of light fixtures, which will be commissioned and programmed to create a dynamic light display on the grain elevator facade.
