"Of course, the main goal of architecture in urbanism is to bring the city to life," he said. "Life between buildings, and life in buildings in relation to life outside the public street."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo in August 2018 announced $10 million in funding to support infrastructural improvements aimed at encouraging private development on the site.

The North Aud block is bounded by Lower Terrace to the north, Main Street to the east, the canals to the south and Commercial and Pearl streets to the west.

PPHP is the ideal firm to design the North Aud block, said Tim Tielman, executive director of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture.

"PPHP are absolute international experts on human behavior in urban environments," Tielman said. "I have seen a lot of their work in the Netherlands, and I have a great deal of confidence in them. You're propelled by their designs, and they understand how village squares work."

One of the biggest challenges, the architects said, is minimizing the effect of the elevated Niagara Thruway that runs alongside Canalside.