Preliminary renderings for the $12 million Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU)-led Niagara Falls Heritage Gateways project have been released following a public meeting to discuss plans in the border city.

The multi-phase initiative will strengthen the connection between the city’s downtown and Niagara Falls State Park and Riverway Tree Walk. Four canopied gateway structures will be enacted as part of its design, offering tourists views of the nearby American Rapids and Goat Island and connected by a “network” of promenades and shaded open spaces. 

The initial phase calls for the redevelopment of Hydraulic Power Plaza and Niagara Gorge Gateway Park followed by the construction of the Tree Walk, which includes a viewing platform to be placed at a wooded clearing and serving as a beacon for visitors between downtown and the Riverway. 

“These placemaking projects are the next step in rebuilding Downtown Niagara Falls,” USA Niagara President Anthony Vilardo said in a news release. “Led by Governor Hochul’s vision, our aim with these designs is to tell the story of our city, and create beautiful, functional public spaces that set the stage for additional economic development in the years to come.”

Hargreaves Jones is also included as part of the project team and will aid PAU’s enhancement of landscaped areas along the development. The project will ultimately spring an economic revitalization downtown in Niagara Falls and is aimed at properties acquired by USA Niagara in March of 2019 as funded by the state’s Buffalo Billion II program and Regional Revitalization Partnership.

“It is by building on a foundation of shared history — instead of trying to reinvent cities from scratch — that we truly strengthen and benefit communities. Public infrastructure is at the center of successful urbanism — we applaud New York State for championing public spaces and architecture that connect us to our narratives, to our environment, and to one another,” PAU’s founder Vishaan Chakrabarti said in a previous statement.

The city and firm expect the project to break ground early next year.