G&T selected to provide Project and Cost Management services for the transformation of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park
This 90-acre project is being led by the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation with an initial $50M funding commitment from The Ralph C. Wilson Jr Foundation and financial support from the City and State. The project is highly complicated with multiple sources of funding and multiple agencies involved.
A team comprised of representatives from BUDC, the City’s Department of Public Works, and the Wilson Foundation reviewed and evaluated the seven proposals submitted, followed by in-depth interviews with the two finalists. Gardiner & Theobald was recommended by the team.
“G&T demonstrated exceptional relevant experience with large, complex park and recreation projects, like the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park."Mayor Brown
The master plan for the new Ralph C Wilson Park includes a new signature pedestrian bridge enhancing circulation from the adjacent neighborhood. It includes creating a great lawn, increasing the topography across the site, updating and expanding the athletic fields, adding a new play garden, and improving access to water with the introduction of a new outcrop and enhancement of an existing inlet.
Located at the edge of Lake Erie and at the junction of the Niagara River, this five year project is anticipated to have a major impact on the City of Buffalo.
A representative from Mayor Brown commented:
“G&T not only demonstrated exceptional relevant experience with large, complex park and recreation projects, like the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, the firm is also well-acquainted with the project’s designer, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, with whom it is currently partnering with on Brooklyn Bridge Park, the largest park project ever undertaken in New York City”