Over 250,000 people live in the city limits of Buffalo, New York state's second largest city. Its metropolitan area has about four times that population and captures a wealth of natural and urban diversity, including an amalgamation of both in the tourist mecca Niagara Falls. Buffalo rose to prominence in the 19th century, owing its success to its network of waterways. Trade routes through Lake Erie and the Erie Canal opened up vast markets in the Midwestern United States, leading to Buffalo's rise as a hub for steel, automotive, and grain production in the 20th century.

Downtown Buffalo, image by Marcus Mitanis

Like most American Rust Belt cities, subsequent deindustrialization and growing suburban appeal hit Buffalo hard. Its population today is less than half what it was in the 1950s. Yet there's a heightened sense of renewal in the air. Buffalo is following the path of other Rust Belt cities like Pittsburgh. Infrastructure and waterfront renewal schemes are being launched to boost local pride, tourism, and the regional economy. At the same time, growth in the service, technology, and education sectors is bringing young blood and new developments into the core.

Buffalo City Hall and the recently completed Robert H. Jackson United States Courthouse, image by Marcus Mitanis

Things are truly looking up — and going up — in The Queen City. According to Buffalo Rising, 54 downtown developments were completed, under construction, or proposed in 2015. One of the most significant is a 12-storey mixed-use project at the corner of Delaware and Chippewa Streets just a few blocks north of Buffalo's ornate Art Deco City Hall. The $80 million complex, built by Uniland Development Company, contains the global headquarters for Delaware North. Boasting over 200,000 square feet of Class A office space, a 120-room Westin hotel, ground floor retail, and an attached parking garage, 250 Delaware Avenue is the poster child for Buffalo's renaissance.

250 Delaware Avenue, image by Marcus Mitanis

Designed by Toronto's Diamond Schmitt Architects, SkyriseCities was offered a tour of the project's modern interiors ahead of its official opening in June. The site was previously occupied by a parking lot, gas station, and a century-old two-storey retail and office building. The intricate curvilinear terracotta facade that marked the corner has been tastefully recreated, now serving as the main entrance to the building. Black mullions and framing richly accent bay windows, the hotel entryway, and a full-service restaurant space. Situated on levels two through five, a recessed floor plan shielded with white latticework marks 250 Delaware's hotel component. A blue-tinted glass curtain wall then skins the office portion of the building.

250 Delaware Avenue entrance, image by Marcus Mitanis

Entering the lobby, a biofilter living wall greets visitors and tenants. Developed by NEDLAW Living Walls, the feature provides the practical benefits of humidification and cleansed air, in addition to a welcome dose of natural beauty. Diamond Schmitt Architects have become leaders in furnishing their buildings, like Corus Quay on Toronto's waterfront, with these novel installations. A rear courtyard and rooftop terrace, which await landscaping, will generously supply more vegetation to the project. These green offerings help the building achieve its LEED Silver status.

The lobby living wall, image by Marcus Mitanis

Venturing to the upper levels of the building, finishing touches are being placed on a two-storey sprawling amphitheatre which provides plenty of room for relaxation and informal presentations. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows also offer up sweeping views of the Buffalo skyline. Perched above this space, the 10th floor reception area hosts an array of seating in a sun-filled circular layout.

The amphitheatre space, image by Marcus Mitanis

The rooftop terrace also awaits landscaping. Situated on the same level as Delaware North's executive offices, the deck is shielded from the wind by a large perimeter window arrangement, making it a surprisingly comfortable respite even in below-zero temperatures. Officials from Uniland, Delaware North, and Diamond Schmitt joined the Consul General of Canada in New York, John F. Prato, who spoke to the strong economic and social relationship between Canada and the United States.

10th floor reception, image by Marcus Mitanis

The Vice President of Uniland, Michael Montante, also prepared a statement capturing the project team's commitment to creating an outstanding building. "Uniland and Delaware North wanted to do something special on this site. We knew that we could not do the ordinary. Delaware North set very specific requirements: LEED certification, green and garden areas, on-site parking and vertical transportation specifications. They wanted it to be mixed-use, including a hotel and retail," said Montante. "When it came to selecting an architect, we had several in mind, and we were able to shortlist three and ask for a competition among them. Diamond Schmitt Architects from Toronto by far had the most inspirational design and also fulfilled all the requirements Delaware North and Uniland set up."

The rooftop terrace, image by Marcus Mitanis

The project brings 40 permanent jobs servicing the hotel, retail, and parking garage. Remediation of the former brownfield site and the construction that followed produced 450 to 500 jobs. In addition to Delaware North, UBS Financial and KeyBank will occupy some of the office space in the building. Specializing in hospitality and food service, Delaware North is an integral partner in The Hub on Causeway, a mixed-use project surrounding the TD Garden arena in Boston. The company owns the landmark sporting venue, while its chairman Jeremy Jacobs also owns the Boston Bruins NHL team.

Ground floor articulation, image by Marcus Mitanis

As Buffalo awaits the grand opening in a few months, the new addition to the downtown core has already signified the city's reemergence as a strong employment centre. Expect to see more mixed-use developments coming online in the near future, as the public and the private sector embrace the architectural and cultural treasures that made Buffalo one of America's most important cities. Visit the Forum to share your photos and get involved in the discussion. You can also leave a comment at the bottom of this page.