Canalside Project in Buffalo Aims to Restart Construction Next Month

Heritage Point, a long-delayed development, faces renewed optimism from officials after years of setbacks.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After years of delays, the $45 million-plus Heritage Point project along the Buffalo Waterfront is aiming to restart construction as early as March 2026. Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation President Mark Wendel expressed optimism about the project's progress, citing improved financial conditions for developer Sinatra Development and visible signs of activity on the property, including utility work and site preparation. The project, which was originally slated for completion in 2020, has faced numerous challenges including financing issues, rising construction costs, and COVID-19 shutdowns.

Why it matters

The Heritage Point project is seen as a key catalyst for further development and year-round activation at Canalside, a popular destination along the Buffalo waterfront. The long delays have been a source of frustration for city leaders, who are eager to see the project come to fruition and contribute to the broader revitalization of the area.

The details

According to Wendel, financial closings are in progress and there are visible signs of activity on the Heritage Point site, including utility work, site clearing, and preparations for construction deliveries. Sinatra Development, the company handling the project, previously cited financing issues, rising construction costs, high water table problems, soil remediation, COVID-19 shutdowns, and litigation with a contractor as reasons for the delays. The project was originally pitched as a development with 64 anchor apartments, office space, retail, and other commercial potential.

  • The Heritage Point project was originally slated for completion in 2020.
  • Sinatra Development won the state bid for the project in 2018.
  • If construction starts in March 2026, the project is expected to be completed in 12-14 months, pushing the opening into 2027.

The players

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

The organization overseeing the development of Canalside and the Heritage Point project.

Mark Wendel

The president of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.

Sinatra Development

The company handling the Heritage Point project.

Matt Connors

The vice president of development at Sinatra Development.

Nick Sinatra

The founder and president of Sinatra Development.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're getting updates about construction schedules now and, uh, and we're looking forward to getting that site activated because it, it does, it needs to be completed.”

— Mark Wendel, President, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (wgrz.com)

“We are working hard to get Heritage Point at Canalside re-mobilized. We're on track to do so in August and at that point in time we got about 12 or maybe 13 months of construction left in the project and we plan on opening the doors in the fall of next year.”

— Nick Sinatra (wgrz.com)

“We look forward to issuing a coordinated press release with our partners and New York State at construction closing, which is now imminent.”

— Matt Connors, Vice President of Development, Sinatra Development (wgrz.com)

What’s next

If construction starts in March 2026, the project is expected to be completed in 12-14 months, pushing the opening into 2027.

The takeaway

The long-delayed Heritage Point project at Canalside in Buffalo is finally showing signs of progress, with renewed optimism from officials that construction could resume as early as next month. The successful completion of this project is seen as crucial for the continued revitalization and year-round activation of the popular waterfront destination.