Silo City

Buffalo, NY

Silo City is a unique cultural space that inspires creativity and community within the historic legacy of Buffalo’s grain silos and waterfront. The 27-acre site is a living laboratory of ecological regeneration where landscapes once certified "dead" are recovering after decades of industrial activity.

Silo City sits at the threshold of the City and Buffalo's urban wild landscapes, emerging along the former industrial waterfronts of the Buffalo River, Ship Canal and Lake Erie. The project connects local communities with these important landscapes, while also creating "Habitat Corridors" to promote the resilience and environmental health of the post-industrial landscapes.

The Marine A Elevator becomes a destination and focus for culture and leisure along the interconnected pedestrian and cycle trail network. Paths connect to the wider network of city and regional cycle trails. Marine A's river frontage connects people to the water via a new boat access point and restored wharf. New landscape features at the north and south entrances welcome everyone into Marine A, while creating spaces for gathering and performance outside. They also protect Marine A from flooding and enhance ecological regeneration.

The interventions are light-touch to keep the structure's history and character. Marine A will be repaired and the silos opened for expanded cultural programming, exploration and inspiration. Following the historic path of grain inside the elevator, visitors will travel up the Marine Legs to the top of Marine A's tower for a spectacular panoramic view. The 12,000 square foot bin floor on top of the silos will be adapted for public arts programming and a restaurant. A west-facing terrace, elevated 120ft above the ground, gives views across Lake Erie. At ground level, two structures will be converted for artist workshops, restrooms and other support spaces.

  • Silo City

  • T. D. Budd, 1925

  • Site Office LLC

  • Silo City Site - 27 acres

    Marine A - 35,000 SF

  • 2022 - ongoing

  • Aerial photographs by Jeff Mace

    Silo interior courtesy of Just Buffalo Literary Center

. . . I’ll never finish it. I’m just trying to leave it better than I found it.
— Rick Smith, Silo City
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