Two major Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) projects in North Tonawanda have been completed, Governor Kathy Hochul announced during the World Canals Conference. The projects include the expansion of the historic Riviera Theatre and the restoration of the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Music Hall.
North Tonawanda, known as the “Gateway to the Erie Canal,” is being highlighted at this year’s World Canals Conference as a destination for visitors interested in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and waterfront revitalization efforts.
Governor Hochul stated, “New York’s canal system has long been a source of pride, prosperity and economic development, and today they continue to drive growth and opportunity in canal communities like North Tonawanda. With the completion of these DRI projects, we are strengthening the downtown, supporting local businesses and ensuring this community remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike. As the world looks to Western New York during the World Canals Conference, North Tonawanda is showing how smart investments can honor our history while building a stronger future.”
The Riviera Theatre project involved renovating and expanding into an adjacent commercial building. The 6,000 square-foot addition includes new ADA-compliant restrooms, a concession area, box office, and artist merchandise space. Funding included $1.2 million from DRI and $500,000 from the State Legislature.
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Music Hall was restored after part of it collapsed in 1995. The renovated space now features climate-controlled exhibit areas for its band organ collection and Wurlitzer Perforation Department exhibit—reportedly the only place globally where band organ rolls are still produced using traditional methods. This project received $210,000 from DRI funds along with additional grants from Empire State Development (ESD), Dormitory Authority of New York State (DASNY), New York State Parks, and New York Power Authority.
North Tonawanda was previously named Western New York’s DRI winner for Round 5. Other regional winners include Jamestown, Olean, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Dunkirk, Buffalo, Tonawanda and Cattaraugus.
In addition to these completed projects, 12 other initiatives have received DRI funding in North Tonawanda. These include brownfield remediation before constructing an office incubator at 211 Main Street; construction of an apartment complex on Goundry Street; mixed-use developments on Webster Street; creation of a public river walk at 624 River Road; rehabilitation of the Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier; streetscape improvements on Oliver and Webster streets; expanded public waterfront access on Tonawanda Island; establishment of a Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program; renovation of 27 Main Street into commercial kitchen space; rehabilitation at 230 Oliver Street for mixed commercial-residential use; upgrades to affordable housing units at 235 and 239 Oliver Street.
Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said: “The DRI is transforming communities across the state… By completing these projects, North Tonawanda is not only enhancing its waterfront and historic character but also creating new opportunities for economic development… Thanks to Governor Hochul for championing… this flagship economic development program.”
Empire State Development President Hope Knight added: “The historic Riviera Theatre has become a beacon for new businesses in North Tonawanda… It is good to see the Riviera and restored Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Music Hall both contributing to resurrection of community.”
NYSERDA President Doreen Harris noted: “In New York public-private revitalization efforts are utilizing modern energy efficient building solutions… The transformation will help move their community… forward as we continue our transition to clean energy economy.”
DASNY President Robert J. Rodriguez commented: “As Secretary of State I had opportunity to visit North Tonawanda… Now as President I am proud that our grant programs supported restoration… Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership… projects like this not only preserve history but also create new opportunities for growth.”
New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said: “Our historic buildings have anchored our communities for generations… Preservation collaboration innovation are great partners for transformative projects…”
New York Power Authority CEO Justin E. Driscoll stated: “Through Downtown Revitalization Initiative New York is making targeted investments in projects that honor our communities’ rich histories… Nearly $300K in NYPA funding supported restoration… These efforts are vital in ensuring that our canal communities continue to thrive…”
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said: “…we have Governor Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative program to thank for so many thriving canal communities… We are thrilled that these three projects have been completed…”
Assemblymember William Conrad remarked: “…The Riviera Theatre is cornerstone… with Carrousel Factory Museum effectively bookending city’s tourism corridor… With each thoughtful addition NT is only ensuring further interest investment… I thank city’s loyal network supporters steady commitment…”
Mayor Austin Tylec commented: “…expansion Riviera Theatre restoration Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Music Hall investments history economy community… By working with State NY partners we are strengthening downtown supporting local businesses ensuring NT remains destination residents visitors worldwide…”
Earlier this month Governor Hochul announced another $100 million available for Round 9 DRI applications due November 7 as well as $100 million more for NY Forward—a program launched in 2022 aimed at smaller rural communities statewide.
Since its launch in 2016 the Downtown Revitalization Initiative has awarded over $1.2 billion across ten regions through coordinated technical assistance among agencies such as DOS HCR ESD NYSERDA.
