Construction of a new cruise terminal on Buffalo's waterfront is moving forward after the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) approved a contract for the first phase of the project. The investment advances plans to establish Buffalo as a Great Lakes cruise destination while redeveloping a long-vacant waterfront property.
Union Concrete and Construction Corp. was awarded a contract not to exceed $13.4 million to begin Phase 1 work at the Slip 2 site along Fuhrmann Boulevard.
Construction is expected to begin next month at the former Pier Restaurant site, which has remained vacant since its demolition in 2007.
Initial work will focus on marine infrastructure improvements, including seawall repairs, installation of guardrails, and heavy-duty mooring bollards needed to accommodate cruise vessels. Once these upgrades are completed, cruise ships will be able to use the site for scheduled dockings before the terminal building is finished.
The overall project is targeted for completion ahead of the 2028 cruise season.
A separately procured Phase 2 will include construction of the terminal building, public restrooms, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility.
Additional site improvements will include shoreline stabilization, environmental remediation, pedestrian connections, a multi-use pathway, a waterfront promenade, seating areas, parking, and public open space designed to integrate with nearby Outer Harbor amenities.
ECHDC also approved a 20-year non-exclusive license agreement with American Cruise Lines that will allow passenger vessel operations at the completed terminal while preserving opportunities for agreements with additional cruise operators.
Cruise terminal investments are becoming part of broader waterfront redevelopment strategies aimed at expanding tourism and transportation infrastructure. For construction owners, contractors, and developers, the Buffalo Cruise Terminal represents continued public investment in marine infrastructure, waterfront revitalization, and transportation assets designed to support long-term economic development across Western New York.
Source: ESD.
