A permanent lighting installation is coming to the Connecting Terminal Grain Elevator in Buffalo. The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation approved two contracts Monday that will allow for construction to begin on the elevator located at the First Buffalo River Marina on Kelly Island, across from Canalside.
ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia says the artistic lighting display is similar to the Aurora Borealis in Quebec City and will operate year round in Buffalo.
“We think it will enhance the entire experience down at Canalside for the entire family. This is about creating a destination that is not only world class, and I emphasize that because when you think of what has been done in Quebec City, What’s been done in Paris France, What’s been done in San Francisco, externally lighting large facilities like this in an artistic format really creates a beacon for the area,” said Gioia.
The Harbor Corporation has entered into a $1.167, 710 contract agreement with Hohl Industrial Services for general construction of the lighting installation. It has also entered into a contract totaling $1.759, 500 with Frey Electric Construction Co. for the electrical component of the project.
Gioia says he believes the project will pay homage to the grain elevators’ past in Buffalo.
“There is a rich heritage and history with these grain elevators, at the time when our community was one of the most thriving cities in the United States, and one way to respect the past and embrace the future is to take this particular silo and show the entire benefit to the community of what was when. I think it is really something that will be spectacular,” said Gioia.
Gioia says the lighting display will continue to enhance the visitor appeal at Canalside. General and electrical construction on the grain elevator is set to begin this September.