By Mark Scott
Niagara Falls, NY – A $12 million project to restore Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls is now complete.
A dedication ceremony was held Thursday for the historic thoroughfare that once again connects downtown Niagara Falls with the entrance to the State Park. The old Wintergarden was torn down as part of the restoration project.
Empire State Development Chairman Dennis Mullen says the goal is to take advantage of the brand equity of Niagara Falls.
"We are meeting the demands of the tourism and convention market in Niagara Falls with renovated, high-quality hotel rooms matched with daily and weekly events to engage our residents and the 5 to 6 million visitors we get each year," Mullen said.
Also Thursday, the Red Coach Inn held the grand opening of its expanded boutique hotel on Buffalo Avenue. Twelve new luxury rooms were added.
Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said that's the type of private sector investment that would not have happened without the publicly-financed improvements.
"The City of Niagara Falls is pleased to work with the Red Coach Inn to ensure that this business remains a distinguished establishment on the banks of a world famous natural wonder," Dyster said.
Global Spectrum, which operates he Conference Center Niagara Falls on Old Falls Street, is putting together a schedule of outdoor festivals this summer. The first one is this Saturday with live music, a 5K race and activities for children.