BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's been a question for years: how can Buffalo's Central Terminal be transformed into a destination like it once was decades ago?
There may not be an exact formula, but the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation wants to bring community events to the massive empty space.
"It's apart of Buffalo's resurgence," John Jiloty, a member of the board said. "It's the next big step for Buffalo especially here on the East Side."
The iconic tower has had success with hosting events like the Dyngus Day celebration, car and train shows, and concerts but the Corporation wants to take the event planning to the next level. They want to focus on having public events instead of private events to bring as many people as they can into the historic spot.
"We are open to any ideas that will bring in a diverse group of people in here," Jiloty added.
For right now, the Terminal can only host events from April-October because the facility is not heated. The restoration plans to expand into the restaurant area and of course, have the place heated to be able to host events all year round.
To help expand the event making progress, the Corporation plans to partner with a marketing management company that will help plan the 30 events already set up and new ones for 2019. The board members hope to have the management company hired by January 16th, 2019, with plenty of time to plan for the Terminal's 90th Anniversary next summer.
This Art Deco masterpiece holds many memories for Western New Yorkers.
"Every time I am here someone comes out of the shadows and tells me a crazy story about their family going off to war or someone getting engaged here," Jiloty said. "Those kind of things are so cool."
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