Don't get used to all that open space at Canalside.

After mostly incremental changes, bigger projects are planned to make Canalside into the vibrant, historically themed downtown waterfront envisioned a decade ago. That plan called for buildings with residences, restaurants, shops and bars along cobblestone streets.

"Ultimately, most of the green space that you see at Canalside is slated for development," said Sam Hoyt, an Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. board member. "It has been the plan that we were going to have waterfront access with the boardwalk, the amenities at the water's edge and the green space nearest the water. The other parcels have always been designated as a development site, and to recreate the historical canal presence that once was there."

Those plans are expected to take a big step forward this year, starting in June.

The popular grassy area by the boardwalk will remain untouched. But the City of Buffalo will solicit proposals from developers for an area on both sides of the Skyway where concert crowds now gather.

The Erie Canal Harbor agency will solicit proposals to develop what is now a large hole in the ground north of the ice skating canal where Memorial Auditorium once stood.