The Western New York Land Conservancy (WNYLC) invites designers, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, and artists to submit visionary concepts to a juried competition laying the groundwork to transform the abandoned, 1.5-mile elevated DL&W rail corridor connecting Buffalo’s downtown with its waterfront through three distinct and historic neighborhoods.
This Design Ideas Competition is the next step in reimagining the DL&W corridor, following the work of community leaders, residents, planners, and advocates who have championed the potential of this site for years.
The new nature trail and greenway will be an inspiring community gathering place alive with the history and voice of the surrounding neighborhoods. More than just a trail, the reimagined rail corridor will be a vibrant, safe, and welcoming space for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect with each other, with nature, and with the waterfront, throughout the year.
The nature trail and greenway will be the focal point of a revitalized community and a restored ecosystem.
Competition winners will be selected by a jury of community leaders and local, national, and international experts in planning, design, community development, public art, architecture, and urban trail projects like New York City’s High Line and Toronto’s Bentway. The proposals will be revealed on the Land Conservancy’s website and at several public exhibitions this spring. In addition to three winners selected by the jury, the community will also be able to select their favorite proposal. The winners will receive monetary awards ranging from $1,000 to $7,500.
Those wishing to participate in the Design Ideas Competition are required to register by sending an email to dlw@wnylc.org. Please include your name, email address, design team name, and phone number. Once your registration is received, we will send you a password to access the information page for participants. If you have any questions, please email dlw@wnylc.org or call (716) 687-1225.
Deadline for submissions: February 15, 2019 (5:00 p.m. EST)
Image credit: Abby Songin / WNYLC.