Buffalo, NY, October 17, 2025
The Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship has announced a $25 million plan to convert the former Buffalo News building into a Downtown Campus Center. Scheduled to begin construction next spring and expected to finish by 2027, the project aims to foster innovation and support underrepresented entrepreneurs through workshops and incubators. Local authorities applaud its potential to revitalize a historic landmark while boosting economic growth in Buffalo.
Buffalo, NY: Golisano Institute Unveils Plans for Historic Building Conversion
In Buffalo, NY, the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship has announced a major initiative to transform the historic former Buffalo News building into a Downtown Campus Center. This $25 million project is designed to promote innovation and education in the city center, with construction scheduled to start next spring and expected completion by 2027.
The plan focuses on creating a hub for business development, including workshops and incubators aimed at supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. Local officials have expressed approval for the project, noting its potential to breathe new life into a key landmark while contributing to economic growth in the area. Community members will have opportunities to provide input through scheduled sessions next week, ensuring the design reflects local needs and ideas.
The Downtown Campus Center will serve as a modern facility for educational and entrepreneurial activities, building on Buffalo’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its downtown. This development emphasizes practical programs that help individuals and businesses thrive, addressing challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Project Details
Key aspects of the project include the renovation of the historic building, which will incorporate state-of-the-art features to support innovation. The $25 million investment covers construction and upgrades, with work beginning in the spring of 2026. By 2027, the center is projected to be fully operational, offering spaces for workshops, incubators, and collaborative events.
The initiative highlights a commitment to fostering business and entrepreneurship education. Programs will target underrepresented entrepreneurs, providing resources to help them start and grow ventures. This approach is intended to create a more inclusive environment, drawing on Buffalo’s diverse community to drive economic progress.
Community and Economic Impact
The project is expected to have a positive effect on Buffalo’s economy by revitalizing a historic site and attracting new businesses. Local leaders have pointed to the potential for job creation and increased activity in the downtown area. The conversion of the building not only preserves its historical value but also adapts it for contemporary use, blending the past with future-oriented development.
Community input sessions, set for next week, will allow residents to share feedback on the design and features. This step ensures the center aligns with community priorities, promoting broader participation in Buffalo’s growth. Such efforts underscore the project’s role in enhancing the city’s appeal as a center for innovation.
Background Context
The former Buffalo News building holds significance as a longstanding landmark in Buffalo, representing the city’s media history. The Golisano Institute’s decision to repurpose it reflects a growing trend of adaptive reuse in urban areas, where old structures are transformed to meet modern demands. This project builds on previous initiatives in Buffalo to support education and entrepreneurship, contributing to the region’s recovery and development.
Since its establishment, the Golisano Institute has focused on business education and community support. The announcement on October 17, 2025, marks a key milestone in these efforts, positioning Buffalo as a hub for innovative enterprises. By investing in this project, the institute aims to address gaps in access to resources, particularly for underrepresented groups, fostering a more equitable economic landscape.
The initiative comes amid ongoing events in Western New York, where community activities and developments continue to shape the local scene. While recent news highlights various local happenings, this project stands out for its direct impact on education and business growth in Buffalo.
Expanding on the details, the project’s timeline—starting next spring and finishing by 2027—allows for careful planning and execution. This phased approach minimizes disruptions and ensures high-quality results. The emphasis on underrepresented entrepreneurs addresses broader challenges in the business world, where access to opportunities can be uneven. Through workshops and incubators, participants will gain practical skills, networking, and support to launch or expand their ventures.
Overall, this development in Buffalo represents a forward-thinking investment in the city’s future. It not only upgrades infrastructure but also promotes inclusive growth, helping to build a stronger community foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Golisano Institute’s project in Buffalo, NY?
- The Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship unveiled plans to convert the historic former Buffalo News building into a state-of-the-art Downtown Campus Center.
- What is the cost of the project?
- The project is a $25 million initiative.
- When will construction begin and end?
- Construction is set to begin next spring, with completion expected by 2027.
- What does the project aim to achieve?
- The project aims to foster innovation and education in the heart of the city.
- How will the project support underrepresented entrepreneurs?
- The initiative’s focus is on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs through workshops and incubators.
- What have local leaders said about the project?
- Local leaders praised the effort for revitalizing a landmark while boosting Buffalo’s economy.
- When are community input sessions scheduled?
- Community input sessions are scheduled for next week to refine the design.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Downtown Campus Center |
| Cost | $25 million |
| Construction Start | Next spring |
| Completion Date | 2027 |
| Focus Areas | Foster innovation and education; Support underrepresented entrepreneurs through workshops and incubators |
| Community Involvement | Sessions scheduled for next week to refine the design |
| Economic Impact | Revitalizing a landmark while boosting Buffalo’s economy |
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