Former First Niagara CEO John Koelmel has a new job. The Buffalo Sabres have announced the hiring of Koelmel as president of HARBORcenter, the mixed-use hockey and entertainment facility currently under construction on the Webster Block downtown. As president, Koelmel will oversee completion of construction and then the day-to-day operations of the complex, including the facility’s hotel, restaurant, ice rinks and parking structure.
The $172 million project will feature two full-size NHL ice rinks, a full-service hotel, a two-story restaurant, street-level retail space and a five-level, 850-space parking structure. The ice rinks, restaurant, and retail stores are scheduled to open in September 2014. The hotel is slated to follow in early 2015.
“John is among the most well-respected professionals in Western New York,” Sabres Owner Terry Pegula said. “He has a long history as a successful businessman in the region, which will serve him well in his new role. We’re excited to welcome him to the team and we look forward to his contributions to the success of HARBORcenter.”
A native of Orchard Park, Koelmel has spent the entirety of his career based in Western New York. Prior to joining First Niagara, he spent 26 years at the Buffalo office of KPMG, an international audit, tax and advisory firm. His tenure culminated with a stint as managing partner of the firm’s Upstate New York operations.
“I am honored and humbled to be joining the Pegula team,” Koelmel said. “Terry and Kim have been able to take HARBORcenter from concept to actual construction in less than 12 months. Their phenomenal commitment to Buffalo is evident with this significant project and I’m tremendously excited to join the HARBORcenter team. I obviously have tremendous passion for this community and look forward to not only making HARBORcenter a world-class facility but otherwise supporting the incredible investment Terry and Kim are making in Western New York.”
The HARBORcenter Development project is expected to provide approximately 1,500 construction jobs. Once complete, the facilities are expected to create 350 full-time jobs, and generate $4.1 million in state and local taxes, $48 million over the next ten years.
Populous is the architect for the project, with GSB serving as associate hotel architect and Mortenson Construction serving as construction manager. ICON Venue Group is the owner’s representative firm.