For David Gawel the Central Terminal is more than just a part of the city's history, it's personal.

"It's extremely important to me," Gawel said. "This is one of the most historic buildings in the city of Buffalo. My grandparents grew up right up the street from here. As a young boy we came down to Sadlers and the Broadway Market. It was a busy bustling area many years ago and I'd like to see that come back, and I think this could be the impetus to get this area re-energized again and businesses back down to this area, also become a national landmark for tourists and other people from not only around the country but the world to see."

 

Sunday, Gawel and about two dozen people got an update from the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation on plans to make that happen. Paul Lang, vice chairman of the CTRC, laid out the plans to renovate the terminal's concourse.

"Activated restaurant dining room behind us, full season occupancy, the same thing with the waiting room there in front of us," Lang said. "Also some ancillary spaces, likely some type of educational or historical component telling the history of the building; call it a museum space if you will. And a rejuvenated and invigorated event season to attract more people into the concourse and create more activity."

Neighborhood liaison Terry Anderson says one of the biggest factors that could determine the future of the Central Terminal is the participation of surrounding community.

"One of the things I'd like to see is that some of the local businesses throw in their portion that they need to do in their businesses- making sure that their sidewalks are clean, making sure that their buildings are painted, and things like that. That brings in developers, it brings in outside money, and that's what we're looking for from our community," said Anderson.

In the meantime Lang says electrical and lighting work on the tower is underway and planning for the concourse project in scheduled to begin in January.