Buffalo State Issues Concept RFP for Dart Street Project

Buffalo State College, via its affiliate BSCR Corporation, issued a request for proposals (RFP) on August 19, seeking concept and development bids for the 8.8-acre parcel located at 166–170 Dart Street, current site of the City of Buffalo Auto Impound Lot, to further the strategic vision of Buffalo State and enhance the campus and surrounding neighborhood.

The RFP lays out a concept and development vision that seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Support Buffalo State’s Strategic Plan and Facilities Master Plan by seamlessly connecting to the existing campus footprint while augmenting and improving the college experience for its students.
• Welcome the community and support revitalization efforts on Buffalo’s West Side, consistent with Buffalo State’s commitment to civic and community engagement and its position as an anchor institution for the city of Buffalo and as SUNY’s only urban-engaged campus.
• Consider waterfront access, green space, and other sustainable solutions. The project should not negatively affect water quality or the ecological health of Scajaquada Creek or the surrounding area.
• Enhance the appearance of the campus, neighborhood, and city, especially for those traveling along the western end of NYS Route 198.
• Leverage creative and viable financial funding solutions to bring this development to fruition while considering future operating costs and impacts to the campus.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown announced the city’s intention to enter into a designated developer agreement (DDA) with Buffalo State and its affiliate BSCR Corporation to redevelop the site at 166–170 Dart Street at his State of the City address on February 15, 2019.

The DDA, approved by the Buffalo Common Council on February 19, 2019, provides an 18-month period for the BSCR Corporation to develop a plan for the parcel. The final development plan will also be subject to Common Council review and approval.

Mayor Brown and Buffalo State President Katherine Conway-Turner officially announced that BSCR Corporation had been chosen as the designated developer for the site at a press conference on April 18, 2019.

“It is our hope that the final development plan will be one that is welcoming and supportive of the community, provides new and unique opportunities for our students, and supports Buffalo State’s mission as an anchor institution for our great city,” Conway-Turner said.

The submission deadline for concept and development proposals is December 17, 2019.* In early 2020, the college will share the results of the RFP through a public concept exhibition, creating an opportunity for the campus and broader community to provide input on proposed concepts. 

More information on the project can be found online.

* Deadline has been extended from November 19, 2019.