Two major revitalization projects in North Tonawanda have been completed, Governor Kathy Hochul announced during the World Canals Conference. The city, often called the “Gateway to the Erie Canal,” was featured as a destination for conference attendees to observe how adaptive reuse and historic preservation are contributing to local development.
Governor Hochul stated, “New York’s canal system has long been a source of pride, prosperity and economic development, and today they continue to drive growth and opportunity in canal communities like North Tonawanda. With the completion of these DRI projects, we are strengthening the downtown, supporting local businesses and ensuring this community remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. As the world looks to Western New York during the World Canals Conference, North Tonawanda is showing how smart investments can honor our history while building a stronger future.”
The Riviera Theatre project involved modernizing and expanding the nearly century-old theater listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation included an expansion into an adjacent commercial building with new ADA-compliant restrooms, concession area, box office, and artist merchandise space. Funding for this project included $1.2 million from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and $500,000 from the State Legislature.
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Music Hall restoration addressed damage from a 1995 collapse. The renewed space now offers temperature- and humidity-controlled areas for displaying band organ collections and features an exhibit where band organ rolls are produced using historical methods—the only such facility worldwide. This project received $210,000 in DRI funding along with additional support from Empire State Development ($446,000), Dormitory Authority of the State of New York grants, New York State Parks grants, and assistance from the New York Power Authority.
North Tonawanda was selected as Western New York’s winner in Round 5 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative program. Other cities recognized in previous rounds include Jamestown, Olean, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Dunkirk, Buffalo, Tonawanda and Cattaraugus.
Twelve other projects in North Tonawanda have also received DRI funding. These include brownfield remediation before constructing an office incubator at 211 Main Street; new apartment complexes on Goundry Street; mixed-use buildings on Webster Street; public river walk development at 624 River Road; rehabilitation efforts at Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier; streetscape improvements on Oliver and Webster streets; enhanced waterfront access on Tonawanda Island; establishment of a Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program; renovation of 27 Main Street into commercial kitchen space with seasonal restaurant offerings; rehabilitation at 230 Oliver Street for mixed commercial-residential use; upgrades at 235–239 Oliver Street for affordable housing provision.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley commented: “The DRI is transforming communities across the state, and this announcement is another powerful example of what is possible when we invest in our downtowns. By completing these projects, North Tonawanda is not only enhancing its waterfront and historic character but also creating new opportunities for economic development, recreation and community life. Thanks to Governor Hochul for championing the future of New York’s downtowns and for the continued support of this flagship economic development program.”
Empire State Development President CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight added: “The historic Riviera Theatre has become a beacon for new businesses in North Tonawanda and a regional destination. The revitalization of this historic showplace has resulted in a resurgence of economic development activity over the past several years with many new restaurants businesses and living space opening in and around the Webster Street Canal Corridor. It is good to see the Riviera and restored Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Music Hall both contributing to resurrection of community.”
