LiRo-Hill to Design Buffalo's Outer Harbor Cruise Terminal
Buffalo's Outer Harbor is set to welcome a cruise terminal designed by LiRo-Hill, which aims to connect the city to the Great Lakes cruising network. Located at the Slip 2 parcel on Fuhrmann Boulevard, the site has been vacant since 2007. Plans include a dock for two ships, a welcome center, a park pier, a patinated steel fence featuring "Buffalo," a wooden plinth with a shading pavilion, and a grassy area. Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022 and supported by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, the project saw a market demand study commissioned by New York State in 2024. LiRo-Hill secured the contract in 2025. By late 2026, ten ships from seven cruise lines are expected to generate a $300 million economic impact, facilitating trips to various cities. Construction is set to start in July 2026, with a grand opening planned for summer 2028.
Key facts
- LiRo-Hill is designing the Buffalo Outer Harbor Cruise Ship Terminal.
- The terminal will be built at Slip 2 on Fuhrmann Boulevard, vacant since 2007.
- Renderings show a dock for two vessels, welcome center, pier with park, and patinated steel fence with 'Buffalo'.
- Project announced in 2022 by Governor Kathy Hochul, backed by Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.
- Market demand study by Moffat & Nichol conducted in 2024.
- LiRo-Hill awarded contract in 2025.
- By end of 2026, seven cruise lines, ten ships, $300 million economic impact expected.
- Construction starts July 2026; grand opening summer 2028.
Entities
Institutions
- LiRo-Hill
- Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
- Moffat & Nichol
- Visit Buffalo
- Empire State Development
- Buffalo AKG Art Museum
- OMA
- Cooper Robertson
Locations
- Buffalo
- New York
- United States
- Outer Harbor
- Slip 2
- Fuhrmann Boulevard
- Lake Erie
- Great Lakes
- Toronto
- Cleveland
- Detroit
- Chicago
- Milwaukee
- Duluth
- Ontario
- Michigan
- Niagara Falls
- Upstate New York