BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY NAVAL & MILITARY PARK

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Jennifer Baldwin, Allison Carroll, Jacob Madia, Annupura Nayak, Michael Pesarchick, Aaron Vivian, Yan Zhang

Kerry Traynor Fall 2022

END593/581, URP581/582 MUP, MSRED

Can historic naval artifacts support waterfront revitalization and future development? The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park sits at the heart of Buffalo’s waterfront district, targeted for successive revitalization efforts. Graduate students in planning sought to produce a master plan of the park, reimagining it as a premier national and international inland Naval and Military Park. Currently, three former US Navy ships are docked along the shoreline, the USS Little Rock, Croaker, and The Sullivans. While the ships have no immediate connection to Buffalo, they have become a familiar local attraction with untapped potential.

The capstone studio began by analyzing previous master plans put forth to develop the harbor. Using these plans as a framework, students examined how incorporating existing siting and infrastructure can set the Naval Park on a financially-stable path.

Students in the fields of Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, and Real Estate Development took on this project as practitioners would in a professional setting. Simulating projects like this in an educational setting allows students to enter post-graduate careers with some experience working across disciplines. The challenge in a studio setting like this one was balance, as it required leveraging perspectives of financial feasibility, urban planning, and historic preservation while granting the needs of a client or park visitor in a real-world environment.

The studio’s final master plan lays out a series of strategies and actions through a phased roll-out. Together, the students concluded that one of the first obstacles to tackle is addressing any damage or repairs to the docked ships. Upgrading the materials and layout of the grounds was also a pressing issue in the hope of spurring more significant foot traffic. For longterm project recommendations, students suggested demolition and site preparation for a new museum building. Finally, creating an educational STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) activity space will help increase youth awareness.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to create a cultural destination in downtown Buffalo that will benefit the community for generations.”

- Allison Carroll

The Naval Park is an excellent place with market demand for a museum or cultural experience. By refining the historical archive, enhancing programming, and planning for future investment, the park has the potential to become a Buffalo attraction once again.