It looked a little shaky there for a while, but in the end Buffalo prevailed. Instead of watching another great project slink away into the shadows, as we have seen so many times previously, The Terrace at the Marcy Casino in Delaware Park will move forward. In the process, this city will have another grand restaurant, but this time, it’s going to be situated in one of the greatest park systems in the world. In the end, we can chalk this one up to the community. People fought to secure this crucial asset, while a handful of people tried to put a damper on the project. To think that anyone wouldn’t want a beautiful fully functioning restaurant in the historic boat house? Then again, we should almost be accustomed to this sort of disappointment. Not this time however. The Terrace will one day shine, giving all of us the opportunity to eat lunch or dinner, while overlooking Olmsted’s majestic Gala Waters.

“I look forward to the opening of The Terrace @ Delaware Park. It will provide a unique dining experience and another reason to spend time in Delaware Park every season of the year. I have committed more than $850,000 in capital funding for the Marcy Casino since becoming Mayor, and we will continue to work in partnership with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy to sustain and improve all of our historic parks,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “I am also pleased that we will continue to work closely with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and members of the community to achieve this agreement. This new chapter builds on the nearly $23 million in capital improvements my administration has invested in the Olmsted Parks since entering into our partnership with the Conservancy in 2010.”

The City and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy jointly proclaimed that The Terrace at Delaware Park would soon become a reality. The restaurant will be operated by Magnolia Events. Eight to ten weeks of renovations will commence starting next week. The Terrace is slated for a soft opening in January. The soft winter opening will feature hand carved sandwiches, house-made soups, a children’s menu, etc. There will even be hot chocolate for park visitors looking to warm up while enjoying winter park activities. After a grand opening, in the spring, they will switch to a “Share Plate Concept” that is very casual and social. Once fully operational, aside from lunches and dinners, breakfast and brunch options will also be considered.

Many may not realize that the mission of the Conservancy is twofold in preserving and restoring our historic parks, as well as maintaining and raising funds to sustain them,” said Stephanie Crockatt, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s executive director. “The shared earned revenue from this venture has the potential to support five seasonal park workers, and a further positive is it will allow the public access to this wonderful facility and through their patronage will support the Olmsted parks. We thank Mayor Brown and partners at the city, Magnolia, and the community for collaboratively moving this opportunity forward, and we will keep everyone engaged in its evaluation.”

In order to appease those who initially fought the opening of the restaurant, The Terrace will set a closing hour at 10pm. That was the intention all along anyways. Private events such as weddings will still be held on the lower level, which has been the primary use in the past. The initial contract is set for three years, upon which time Magnolia’s operation of The Terrace will be reviewed. In order to enhance the operation, Magnolia will be setting into motion the following plan: upgrading the existing kitchen, and installing hardwood floors, interior and exterior lighting, a custom bar, new plumbing and electrical and security cameras.

“We believe, The Terrace @ Delaware Park will prove to be a great community and park asset and will fit right in with Olmsted’s vision for Delaware Park,” said Jason Davidson, managing partner of The Terrace @ Delaware Park. “We’re humbled by all the incredible support we’ve received from the BOPC, the City of Buffalo and the residents of our great city.”

It is the hope that people will come from all over the region to eat inside the historic building, which boasts incredible views out over the lake.

“Liberty Hound (Davidson’s other restaurant) has received numerous ‘best restaurant with a view’ awards, so we’re excited to open The Terrace @ Delaware Park and be our own best competition,” said Davidson.

This is another exciting day for Buffalo. Congratulations to all those who fought for what’s best for this city.

Photo: Magnolia Events