Buffalo, N.Y. – The Central Terminal Restoration Corporation is pleased to announce $250,000 in funding from Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, earmarked specifically for electrical upgrades at the storied Buffalo Central Terminal. This project marks the second time that the Assemblywoman has secured capital dollars for repairs for the historical structure, as a 2008 $50,000 grant upgraded restroom facilities off of the main concourse. These funds will be administered through DASNY (Dormitory Authority of the State of New York).

This funding will culminate nearly $500,000 in investment by the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation in roof restoration and will allow the completion of long-planned solar panels.

“The Central Terminal Restoration Corporation has done a remarkable job in preserving the Central Terminal, one of our last regional treasures left standing unused,” said Assemblymember Peoples-Stokes. “The Central Terminal is a community anchor having just successfully hosted another Dyngus Day celebration, recently served as a location in the movie Marshall, and much more. The $250,000 will help restore critical functions at the Central Terminal allowing great work to continue. I applaud the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation Board of Directors, corporate sponsors, and community stakeholders on working together in restoring the Central Terminal.”

Completion of this project will upgrade the Terminal’s electric panels and enable full utilization of the historic building. This will set the table for future projects like restoration of the Central Terminal’s dining room, elevator reactivation and improved security systems.

“We can’t thank Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes for her commitment to the Central Terminal and her help in securing this much-needed funding,” said Jim Hycner, chair of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation Board of Directors. “We would also like to recognize National Grid and Ferguson Electric for their continued support of our electrical projects and impact on the surrounding Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.”

Other recent work done to the Terminal includes $90,000 of cosmetic upgrades to the concourse courtesy of the movie Marshall and new light sconces donated by the retirees of the Local 71 Sheet Metal Workers Union, as well as a variety of electrical and structural upgrades thanks to the work of the CTRC’s volunteer crew.

About the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation

Opened in 1929 to serve more than 200 trains and 10,000 passengers daily, the iconic Buffalo Central Terminal operated for 50 years, until the Art Deco masterpiece officially closed as a train station in 1979. In 1997, the 18-acre Buffalo Central Terminal site was acquired by the nonprofit Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC). Since that time, numerous cleaning, fundraising and public awareness events have revived the community’s passion for the building. Following additional cleaning and abatement, the main concourse of the building was reopened for public occupancy in 2003. Today, more than 40 events a year give the public a variety of opportunities to visit inside this national historic landmark.

Thanks to the amazing work of dedicated volunteers, additional areas of the interior have been made publicly accessible and the concourse has been utilized for numerous events, tours and photography.