ECHDC announces release of construction manager RFP for Children's Museum at Canalside

Selected team will oversee the construction of Explore & More building

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. today announced a request for proposals was issued seeking a construction manager to oversee the design and construction of Explore & More Children's Museum. The nearly 43,000-square-foot building will be located next to the restored canal system at Canalside. The revitalization of Buffalo's waterfront is a key component of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's plan to transform the Western New York economy.

To view the RFP, visit http://eriecanalharbor.com/rfprfq.asp. Proposals are due March 31, with pre-construction services, including value engineering and analysis, scheduling, cost estimating and document review, expected to begin in June. A groundbreaking is expected for March 2017 with construction completed by June 2018. The museum will open in 2018.

"This RFP is an important step as we work to redevelop the south aud block and build on amenities and attractions already put in place by ECHDC on the site," ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia said. "With approximately 1 million visitors coming to Canalside and enjoying the diverse recreational opportunities there, the addition of Explore & More will build on the tremendous success of this dynamic waterfront area and help deliver the next phase of exciting recreational and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike."

"On behalf of Explore & More, its donors, the widespread community support we have received, and the children of Western New York, we are very excited for this demonstrative first step toward the completion of the building and our opening at Canalside," Explore & More CEO Douglas Love said.

As outlined in the RFP, the south aud block consists of nearly one acre of development space. It is envisioned multiple buildings will be constructed there over time. ECHDC is currently focused on designing the core and shell of the museum building that will be located on one of the south aud block's parcels. The building will house Explore & More Children's Museum on five levels and will include an outdoor terrace. In 2012, following an earlier RFP process, Explore & More was selected by ECHDC to locate its new museum at Canalside.

The entire Canalside project area is located along the foot of Main Street and is within walking distance to downtown residential developments, two Marriott hotels, the First Niagara Center (home to the Buffalo Sabres), HARBORCENTER, Erie Basin Marina and Coca-Cola Field (home to the Buffalo Bisons). The area has quickly become one the region's great year-round destinations for passive and active recreational opportunities.

About Explore & More Children's Museum

Celebrating its 22^nd year in operation, Explore & More Children's Museum provides an environment for creative play and learning through hands-on exhibits, activities and programs that inspire creativity, curiosity and imagination. Explore & More Children's Museum is currently located at 300 Gleed Ave., East Aurora. For more information about the museum, visit www.exploreandmore.org or call 716-655-5131, ext. 11.

About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp.

A nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors governs ECHDC. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York state governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corp. d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The Erie County executive and the City of Buffalo mayor hold the two nonvoting, ex-officio director positions.

As a subsidiary of ESD, the state's chief economic development agency, the ECHDC supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor, which is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhancing the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York's waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region's legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty. For more information on ECHDC, visit www.eriecanalharbor.com.