Buffalo, NY, could pioneer a prototype “Adaptive-Reuse” model for the future by reusing one of its most unique (like it or not) monumental structures -- an existing structure decommissioned from serving one purpose and then redesigned and developed to serve another purpose. Imagine the Buffalo Skyway creatively re-engineered and readapted to function as a signature “green” multi-use mega-structure, complete with a glass enclosed “green roof” and pedestrian pathway instead of as an overhead roadway. In addition to creating 400,000 sq. ft. of usable multi-purpose floor space, its 32,000 sq. ft. of enclosed roof would allow the people of Buffalo to walk and enjoy the elevated views year-round in a conservatory-like setting. It would also create a walkway to and from downtown and the lakefront. Buffalo would then be connected to its Outer Harbor Waterfront as desired.
Buffalo Artist/Designer, Ran Webber offers his vision SKYWAY TO THE FUTURE for consideration by the citizens and leaders of Buffalo and WNY.
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ReplyDeleteAn autoduct reused as a peopleduct; ya, das is good. How much will the apartments rent for? Can i have pets? I agree that this structure never did cut off downtown from the waterfront and could instead serve as a connector. It would be a shame to knock it down, especially after the new paint job and sound structural integrity. I have always wanted to ride my bicycle across. This idea should be looked at; consider all the money that has been spent in the past decade on the rt 219 reroute feasibility "study". A project like this could put Buffalo on the map as a forward thinkig city.
ReplyDeleteI am a great supporter of this project, as well as
ReplyDeleteseveral others who know of it. A grand idea and
proposal that is being kept under wraps. Consider the economic effect that this project could bring. Imagine the growth,
the Sabers arena, the inner harbor plans, Bass Pro,
museums, shops, restaurants, Cobblestone district,
5-star Casino and then this! Development could easily
be carried from the inner harbor all the way to the
soon to be revamped Outer Harbor.
No other city in the U.S has anything of this sort and
it is right in our grasps, right in front of us.
Imagine the tourism, the attraction to such a
structure and the development surrounding it. The
history of the Erie Canal infused with the modern
world (old and the new) a world class "green mega
structure" renovated and used for the 21st century with a great emphasis on green business; small and large.
This in reality could be done within the next 3-5 years. Imagine
the spectacular views at night, an inspirational model
to follow for not just the U.S. but the world!
Buffalo would gain national exposure for certain.
Investors would flock at the very site, imagine the
pride we as Buffaloians can take. A forward thinking city with lots of potential in a midst of a turn-around and great renaissance. Imagine what offices (engineers, designers, law firms), businesses
(Cafes, world class spas, dance studios, shops, mall),
museums, restaurants, boutique hotels, grand
ballrooms, would locate here. Even on the enclosed roof top
(parks, indoor fountains, exhibitions, lounge areas, etc.),
and this is all inside of the structure itself.
Outside of it is our water front development already
in progress. This structure could be maintained and
bring tourism all year long. It would possibly become the second highest tourist destination in the entire region behind the Natural Falls itself.
A tremendous asset to our revival, our chances at becoming one of the led "green-cities" in the U.S. and of
a "New Buffalo"!!!