The city of Buffalo is seeking request for proposals to develop what is known as the “Webster Block” in downtown Buffalo.
The section of city-owned land currently serves as a parking lot across from First Niagara Center -- bordering Main Street, Washington, Scott and Perry Streets.
Mayor Byron Brown said Monday with the hockey arena and Canalside nearby, it is a prime piece of land to develop.
"So this is a very, very hot development parcel. It is one of the prime development parcels in the Buffalo Niagara region," said Mayor Brown as he stood at the site early Monday afternoon.
The mayor says he is seeking a developer who can begin construction next spring. But the mayor says developers are already stepping forward with ideas.
"We have received interest locally. We have received interest from companies in Canada. We have receive interest from developers in other states," said Mayor Brown.
Brown would only say they are seeking mixed use ideas.
"We don't want to be locked into ideas. We're looking for serious proposals and serious bidders who have the know how and the ability to get shovels in the ground by spring of Next year.
Last year, some 400-thousand visitors attended events along the Canalside. The Mayor wants to build on that momentum. The former Donovan State Office building is also under redevelopment across the street. That is where a new, 96-room courtyard Mariott will be built and Phillips Lytle law firm is will relocate to the site.
The deadline for the proposals for the Webster Block is May 25th.