The public is invited to hear about the history of the Belt Line as well as strategic planning and development initiatives underway along the corridor at an Urban Land Institute event next Thursday, October 10, at the Houk Lofts, 316 Grote Street. The presentation will culminate with a tour of the Houk Lofts project, Rocco Termini’s latest development.
Opened in 1883, the 15-mile New York Central Belt Line encircled the city, serving as both a freight and passenger rail system. From 1890-1930, large employment centers developed along the Belt Line, where everything from Pierce Arrow Automobiles to Ford Model Ts to the country’s first twin-engine jet was produced. These important employment nodes provided thousands of jobs for Buffalonians and defined the subsequent development of surrounding neighborhoods.
While many of the companies disappeared and the buildings went vacant over the past half century, new planning initiatives by the City of Buffalo and entrepreneurial development activity by the private sector are once again revitalizing these areas – redefining the land use and development for the 21st century economy and setting the stage for economic and neighborhood redevelopment.
The two-hour event begins at 8 am. There is a registration fee. See the ULI website for more information.