Entertainment District’s multi-million dollar cityscape transformation is complete – Buffalo Rising

Chippewa looks a lot brighter and friendlier these days thanks to a now completed streetscape project. It wasn’t that long ago that the shopping corridor known for its nightlife (and nowadays, for its daylife) was pretty chewed up.

A little over a year ago, I walked around the neighborhood with Rachel A. DeDomenico, President of the Chippewa Alliance. At the time, there was a vision for the streets, but the pandemic had dampened the excitement that should have been in the air.

Chippewa and Franklin streets have been under construction for over six months.

Undeterred, the Chippewa business community rallied around the Reopen Buffalo initiative, which helped keep the momentum going.

And now there is something else to rally behind – the completion of a multi-million dollar project that includes:

• Improved and wider sidewalks
• New borders
• Modernized lampposts
• Fresh pavé
• Overhead catenary lighting
• Trees will be planted in spring 2022

Seeing that the project is complete, Mayor Byron Brown and the Chippewa Alliance get ready to cut the ribbon and celebrate what’s in store a big victory for Chippewa.

On Friday October 22, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the following festivities will follow:

• An open-air pop-up market with 20 local vendors, including clothing shops, bakeries, food vendors, gift shops and more.

• Happy hour and special meals at over 12 bars, restaurants, and businesses, including Local, Soho, Bacchus, Bada Bing, The Cowboy, D-Tour, 67 West, Bottoms Up, Rec Room, Buffalo Tap House, Chocolate Bar, Banshee, Chez Ami and Chop House.

The public is invited to join in the celebration and visit the refreshed and invigorated street which will hopefully result in additional private and public investment in the near future.

Newell Nussbaumer is ‘queenseyes’ – Eyes of the Queen City and founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder of the Powder Keg Festival which built the largest ice maze in the world (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-created Flurious! winter party. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of the Saturday Craft Market (SAM) in Canalside, Buffalo Porchfest and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of retro and vintage market The Peddler on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Kick off Witches’ Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and the Flutterby Festival.

Contact Newell Nussbaumer | [email protected]

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