World class museum moving forward at new location
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 17, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) Board of Directors met today and voted to accept Explore & More’s exciting revised plan for a children’s museum at Canalside. Following the public meeting Explore & More Children’s Museum and ECHDC announced the plans to build a stand-alone building on a new parcel along the canal towpath in the South Aud Block.
Located on parcels A2.1 and A2.4 (see conceptual rendering and map here), the new building is expected to be four floors and will house a world-class children’s museum that tells the stories of Buffalo through eight educational play zones.
The new location is a switch from the original parcels selected for the Museum in 2012, but better aligns with ECHDC’s plans to create a cultural corridor at Canalside. The new location and new building configuration also provide Explore & More with more usable square footage, 42,900 square feet of a stand-alone building, compared to the original plans for Explore & More to occupy approximately 39,080 square feet in a larger mixed-use building. The building’s new location opens up more outdoor programming space for the Museum along the canal towpaths, as well.
“Canalside’s future is looking brighter than ever as we move forward with improved plans for the Explore & More Children’s Museum,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. “ECHDC shares Explore & More’s optimism and enthusiasm for a children’s museum on the South Aud Block. The museum will add to our success for making Canalside a year-round attraction for all ages. “
“This is a win-win for Explore & More and ECHDC, and most importantly, for the children and families of Buffalo Niagara,” said Matt Davison, Explore & More Board President. “The increases in usable space inside and out will enable Explore & More to engage more visitors, while the stand-alone building will allow for more sponsorship opportunities. Both of those add up to greater sustainability.”
The term sheet for the project, voted on by the ECHDC Board today, will now be translated into a legally binding contract, after which ECHDC will submit an RFP for the building’s construction. ECHDC is contributing $9 million toward the core and shell of the building, while Explore & More is raising capital funds to cover core and shell costs above that $9 million, interior build out, and the construction of the exhibits. ECHDC will hold a 40-year lease for the Museum at $1 per year.
“NYPA is excited to provide funding for this project, which will take Canalside to its next level of success,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “Buffalo deserves a world-class children’s museum that will be a vital education and cultural hub, not to mention a lot of fun to visit.”
To date, Explore & More has raised $7.3 million in its Play It Forward Capital Campaign. With anticipated ground breaking in late 2016, Explore & More will open in the South Aud Block of Canalside in late 2018.
“Unique features create added energy at Canalside and grow public interest in rediscovering the waterfront as a destination,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “Explore & More Children’s Museum has a respected track record in Western New York and this new location will enhance family-friendly features in Downtown Buffalo and along our waterfront.”
“Cultural organizations play a significant role in Buffalo’s economic resurgence,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “This is another great day for Buffalo and Western New York children and families. The plan for the Explore & More Children’s Museum will enable the museum to touch the lives of even more young people and drive more economic opportunity to Buffalo by bringing high quality children’s exhibitions and educational programs to the downtown waterfront at Canalside.”
“Today is a huge step forward for Canalside and the families of Western New York,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “Once again, Canalside is leading the way in the revitalization of Downtown Buffalo, thanks to the efforts of leaders like Governor Cuomo. As a father of three young children, I look forward to bringing my family to the new Explore & More Children’s Museum, and I thank ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia for his dedication to this important project.”
Senator Marc Panepinto said,”This is yet another page in the success story that is Canalside. With the addition of this more than 42,000 square foot Explore & More Children’s Museum, ECHDC’s transformative efforts have once again placed Canalside on a continued track for success as a year-round, family-friendly attraction. As we continue to expand our offerings along the waterfront, I am thrilled that families from across the region will be able to grow and share in that experience along with us.”
Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, “The Explore & More Children’s Museum will be an excellent addition to our ever-expanding waterfront in the City of Buffalo. The museum will be a great destination for families, and will offer yet another option to the growing list of attractions at Canalside. I am pleased to see that the momentum at Canalside continues with today’s exciting announcement.”
County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “The addition of Explore and More Children’s Museum to Canalside will result in more families coming to our revitalized waterfront and spending some time discovering all that’s going on downtown. Canalside has proved to be a hit with locals and tourists alike, and I look forward to seeing even more people visiting our beautiful waterfront.”
About Canalside
Canalside is a growing regional destination and entertainment district, situated on 21 historic acres along downtown Buffalo’s emerging waterfront on the Buffalo River. Canalside earns its name from its storied past, when the Erie Canal Harbor was built in 1825 as the western terminus of the Erie Canal. Until five years ago, the land was barren and inaccessible, but the area has been reclaimed by the state’s Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and developed with millions of dollars in public and private investment. With more than 1,000 yearly events and nearly 1 million annual visitors, Canalside is fast becoming the go-to place for in- and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax. For more information, visit www.canalsidebuffalo.com.
About Explore and More
Celebrating its 21st year in operation, Explore & More Children’s Museum provides an environment for creative play and learning through hands-on exhibits, activities and programs that inspire creativity, curiosity and imagination.
Explore & More Children’s Museum is currently located at 300 Gleed Avenue in East Aurora, and will open in the South Aud Block at Canalside on the Buffalo waterfront in 2018. For more information, visit www.exploreandmore.org or call (716) 655-5131.
