City Selection:

Buffalo, NY – Has seen a decline in population since the 1900’s. However the city is already receiving funding through the Buffalo Billion legislation. Over 9 colleges within the city. More specifically the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood surrounds the terminal with a population of 7,700, with the average age of residents being around 32 years old. The Buffalo City School district is rated below national average based on students’ test scores.

 Buffalo is a declining city that needs upcycle of many of its old resources that currently exist within the city. One of the most important structures that currently exist is the Buffalo Transportation terminal that runs Amtrak trains in and out of the city. This structure has been deteriorating in the past couple of decades. More recently, in 2016, the roof of a nearby train station in the downtown financial district collapsed. The reason for the collapse is due to heavy wind and rain. This will be an important factor for construction of the new terminal. Keeping the structure very strong and safe is the most important aspect of this project.

            Building the new train terminal would save money maintaining the old structure. As a result of the station collapse/partial closure, this leaves Buffalo with less transportation options and could further decrease the population throughout the city. Reviving the train terminal could prevent the further downfall of the population and has the potential to increase the look of the city economically as well.

 

Existing Conditions + Uses:

• Built in 1929, and abandoned in 1979.
• Buffalo Central Terminal is comprised of two distinct regions, the main building which houses the interior of the terminal, and an extensive network of railways that trains operate on.
• Based off of relatively recent photos, both the interior and exterior of the structure appear to be dilapidated, decrepit and derelict.
• Was a combination of office and terminal space

Proposed Upgrade:

Community

• Public Library
• Open Park Space
• Education Center (College à HS à MS Mentoring)

Research

• CCNY Advanced Science Research Center
• Urban Farm for local community and markets

General Office Space

• Conference Rooms
• Cubicles
• Offices
• Lunchroom

Tourist

• Observatory
• Shops
• Food + Restaurants
• Condos and/or Hotel
• Event Space

Energy Preservation

• Green Roof + Solar Panels
• Water purification (Run-off reduction)
• Window treatments
• LEED
• Reuse of materials (Historic building)