New projects aim to revitalize downtown and enhance visitor experience
The USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) Board of Directors has approved General Project Plans (GPP) for two significant initiatives near Niagara Falls State Park: the First Street Mixed-Use Building and Gorge Gateway Park & Hydraulic Power Plaza. These projects, part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s broader housing strategy for New York State, aim to rejuvenate long-dormant properties and create vibrant community spaces.
The First Street Mixed-Use Building will rise on newly vacated land, offering six stories of residential and commercial spaces. This project will feature 73 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside 4,700 square feet of commercial space. Designed to cater to local workers in hospitality and tourism, the building will blend market-rate and workforce housing, with rents targeting families earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income. The commercial component will provide vital services, including workforce development and community habilitation.
USAN will demolish an existing vacant structure to make way for this development. Post-demolition, the land will be divided, with one parcel sold to CSE1 for $380,000, and the other retained by USAN for future use. CSE1 will receive a $1 million capital grant from USAN, with additional support from various state programs. See the First Street property renderings here.
The Gorge Gateway Park & Hydraulic Power Plaza will transform 3.7 acres of vacant land along Main, First, Second, and Niagara Streets into a dynamic public space. This $17 million project aims to bridge downtown Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls State Park, enhancing pedestrian connectivity and highlighting historical landmarks. The development will include a city-owned park, a public plaza, and two heritage checkpoints designed to create engaging activity nodes. See renderings for Gorge Gateway Park here and Hydraulic Power Plaza here.
USAN President Anthony Vilardo emphasized the transformative potential of these projects, noting their role in creating a pedestrian-friendly downtown and expanding quality housing options. Mayor Robert Restaino highlighted the projects’ impact on the entertainment district and their contribution to future developments.
Since 2018, USAN has acquired seven buildings and over eight acres of vacant land near Niagara Falls State Park. These acquisitions form the foundation of the “Downtown Niagara Falls Development Strategy,” which outlines a vision for a vibrant, sustainable downtown. The strategy includes the construction of mixed-use buildings, promoting year-round activity and economic growth.
For further details, read the Downtown Niagara Falls Development Strategy Executive Summary and the full report.
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