Trees may have been taken out last week, but work on returning two-way traffic to the 700 block of Main Street officially started this morning. Mayor Byron W. Brown and Congressman Brian Higgins were on site to herald the start of a multi-phased effort to re-traffic downtown’s pedestrian mall. The critical 700 block between West Tupper and Goodell streets connects the Theater District to Allentown and the nearby Medical Campus.
“I am pleased that the work to the 700 block of Main Street is beginning. This is an important step in returning cars to Main Street in Downtown Buffalo, which has been one of my goals since taking office,” said Mayor Brown. “Returning two-way traffic to the 700 Block of Main Street provides the necessary impetus to linking the dynamic development activity of the Medical Campus with the continuing growth of residential, cultural and commercial activity throughout downtown.”
The 700 block has seen significant investment starting with the Ansonia Centre apartment project in the mid-1980’s, conversion of the Sidway Building to residential space, upgrades to the Spaulding Building, and Avalon Development’s renovations to three adjacent buildings into a mix of retail and loft-like office space. Lots where the Schmidt and Vernor buildings and the Teck Theater once stood remain vacant and development-ready on this gateway block.
“Returning two-way traffic to the 700 Block of Main Street opens up a critical link between our downtown core and the exciting investments taking place along the medical campus and the 800 block,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “New access brings new activity to existing theaters, restaurants and businesses and new opportunities for mixed use economic development along Main Street in the immediate future.”
The work which started on the west side of the block will continue through the fall and into the spring. All trees that were removed will be replaced after the road and utility work is completed. The total cost of this phase of the project, which includes the addition of a new landscaped median, is $2.4 million. Work on the 600 block between Chippewa and Tupper streets is expected to start next year.
Entry image: L to R: Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak, Buffalo Place’s Michael Schmand, Ellicott District Councilmember Brian Davis and Congressman Brian Higgins join Mayor Brown for the announcement.