"That was a fully baked plan in which form follows finance in the middle of a historic district," Tielman said. "This is none of that. We're going for a more granular approach, one that worked in Buffalo before with small building sites that anyone can come in and build. It's a landscape of opportunity and enjoyment, not one of corporate exploitation."

Development of the plan began with dissatisfaction over a request for proposals in 2014 for a mixed-use building, including commercial and museum space, that Tielman thought seemed more at home in suburbia than at a historic site.

Tielman reimagines the children's museum as a brick building from a century ago. To add authenticity, the museum would advertise on the walls, something frequently done during the Canal District's heyday. "Enlightenment and Amazement for all," the advertisement would read in large white letters on one side of the building. "A Veritable House of Wonders" would be on another side. "For your Edification and Enjoyment" would also be on another side.

The plan calls for building on the water first along the canal by the Commercial Slip, on the historic foundations and to the historic dimensions once there. Three buildings would be on the eastern side of the water, with restaurants on the ground floor and residences living on top.