ECHDC board meets, approves construction contract for Longshed

Savarino Companies LLC will construct building that reflects history of Canalside site; ECHDC will purchase land from city for development

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. board of directors met Monday and authorized ECHDC to enter into a $5.53 million contract with Savarino Companies LLC for construction of the Longshed Building at Canalside. The approximately 4,400-square-foot wood-frame structure will reflect the Central Wharf site’s history by incorporating elements from the Joy and Webster Storehouse located on the site in the early 1800s. Staff and volunteers with the Buffalo Maritime Center will work out of the building during its first three years while building a replica of an 1825 packet boat.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the state’s investment supporting the Longshed construction in August 2018. See renderings of the building here. To further facilitate this development, the board today also authorized ECHDC to acquire 0.23 acres from the City of Buffalo for $150,000.

“Our goal at Canalside has been to promote and incorporate architectural elements that celebrate and interpret the historical significance of the Erie Canal and its terminus,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia. “The Longshed will help facilitate that vision. I look forward to a ribbon-cutting in the coming months.”

The wood-frame building, located at the northern end of the Central Wharf, will have vertical battens and a metal roof. It is expected to be completed in 2020.

For more than 15 years, Savarino Companies has been in the business of providing Western New York with service in the construction industry. It is currently working with ECHDC on the interior fit-out for the Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum, also located at Canalside.

The board also approved a contract amendment with Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects LLC for construction administration, architectural and engineering services related to the Longshed. The amendment will add $170,000 to the original contract and extend the term of the contract through July 1, 2020.

The New York Power Authority is the funding source for the contract, contract amendment and for the purchase of property for the Longshed.