Terminal B: From Industrial Relic to Waterfront Landmark
Buffalo’s Lake Erie shoreline has a new anchor. Completed in November 2023, Terminal B at the Buffalo Outer Harbor is a 98,500-square-foot adaptive reuse project that transforms a former cold storage warehouse into a dynamic, year-round public venue. Once contaminated and largely inaccessible, the site now sits at the heart of the broader Outer Harbor Master Plan, drawing residents and visitors back to the waterfront through performance, recreation, and open space.
Rather than demolish and rebuild, the project team chose to work with what was already there. The warehouse’s steel skeleton was preserved and reinforced, becoming the armature for a new amphitheater and gathering space. The expansive concrete slab was rehabilitated and adapted for flexible programming, supporting everything from large concerts to informal community activities. It’s a strategy that conserved resources while keeping a visible connection to Buffalo’s industrial past intact.
Architecture and Ecology in Concert
Our team provided architecture, structural engineering, and environmental resource evaluations to guide the site’s transformation. Structural systems were thoughtfully integrated with the retained steel frame, allowing the new performance canopy to interlace with the original warehouse structure. Its angular form and lightweight corrugated and perforated metal skin create a striking presence along the harbor, one that shifts in character as daylight fades and performances bring the space to life.
Environmental considerations shaped the project at every scale. Resource evaluations informed the redevelopment of the surrounding site, ensuring ecological sensitivity while expanding public access. Landscaped open space and pedestrian pathways lead visitors through the park toward the amphitheater, making the venue both a focal point and a natural extension of the waterfront. Together, design, engineering, and environmental stewardship have transformed Terminal B into a resilient civic landmark that supports Buffalo’s continued growth along Lake Erie.