Governor Hochul Announces $6 Million to Support Millrace Park in the Heart of Buffalo’s Historic Larkin District

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $6 million State grant to support the construction of a new park which will be open to the public, in Buffalo's Larkinville neighborhood, immediately adjacent to Buffalo's lower east side. Millrace Park will serve as a catalyst for new developments including residential, retail, restaurants and hospitality. The grant will be administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). The park will be located at 822 Seneca Street (bordered by Seneca, Lord, and Seymour Streets) and slated to open by Fall 2028.

"Investing in such a creative public space like Millrace Park while encouraging private-sector investment in nearby properties is the best of both worlds and exactly the type of project that public and private partners should work together to build," Governor Hochul said. "I'm pleased to add to the wide range of support for this project, including the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, National Grid, the City of Buffalo and the Zemsky Family."

Millrace Park will be owned and operated by not-for-profit Millrace Park Inc and have amenities including a playground, mini-golf, tetherball, bocce, tennis court, restroom facilities, a passive lawn, shade structures and seating.

DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Governor Hochul understands that investing in public spaces can help drive economic growth and create new opportunities for communities. Millrace Park is a great example of how State funding can support neighborhood revitalization while encouraging additional private investment. DASNY is proud to administer this $6 million grant and work with our partners to help bring a new gathering place to Buffalo's Larkin District that residents, families and visitors can enjoy for years to come."

Larkin Development is in its 25th year of redeveloping the Larkin Historic District. The neighborhood, which was established in 1827 (long before the Larkin Soap Company arrived in the 1870s), was originally known as The Hydraulics and will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2027. In recent years, more than $100 million in private funding has been invested into the Larkin District, and more than two million square feet has been redeveloped into commercial, residential, restaurants and a growing corridor of retail shops.

The Larkin 2040 plan consists of three phases which will leverage the investment in the park to further revitalize the neighborhood. Phase 1 of the project will include the construction of Millrace Park as well as historic restorations to an 1869 home on Seneca Street, and the new commercial building/HQ of Oxford Pennant at 775 Seneca Street. These historic restorations will create and activate additional street level retail that is walkable to the park site. Phase 2 of the plan will include rowhouse style residential and additional food and hospitality developments. Phase 3 will consist of a new residential mid-rise building and a new boutique hotel. All of these projects are next to or adjacent to Millrace Park.

The total cost of the Millrace Park project is approximately $8 million. In addition to the $6 million State grant, the project has been awarded $1 million from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation; $1 million from the Zemsky Family Foundation, including donation of the land, soft costs and ongoing maintenance; $250,000 from National Grid's Urban Center/Commercial District Revitalization Program; and support from the city of Buffalo for surrounding sidewalks and curbs.

Today's announcement complements Governor Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" Initiative. "Get Offline, Get Outside" is making statewide investments in recreational infrastructure that give children and families more opportunities to be active, spend time outdoors, and connect with one another. The initiative includes New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS), which has awarded more than $67.5 million for 89 projects across all 10 regions of New York State. Additionally, it includes the Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS), which has awarded nearly $260 million to 79 projects to build and improve swimming facilities across New York State, and Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS), which has awarded $100 million to 30 community center projects. An additional $75 million has been made available for a second round of NY BRICKS funding.

State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "Millrace Park is an important investment in the future of Larkinville as the neighborhood continues its revitalization. This park will be a new place for children to play and families to spend time together. I'm glad to see New York State supporting projects that strengthen our neighborhoods and create spaces residents can enjoy for years to come."

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said, "Governor Kathy Hochul's initiative to get kids and families active in their neighborhood is taking root here in the City of Buffalo with renovations of old parks and the building of new parks like Millrace Park in our Larkinville neighborhood. Parks are essential to bringing neighborhood residents closer together, and I thank the Governor's Office and our partners for this vital community investment."

Larkin Development Group CEO Kayla Zemsky said, "After years of planning, the next chapter of the Larkin District mixed use development begins today. We are grateful to the Governor, her vision and commitment, and to all the partners who are coming together to make this happen. We love Buffalo and are so proud to have been investing here in Larkinville for the past 25 years, but more importantly, for the next 25 years."

National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa said, "Millrace Park is a great example of how targeted assistance can help transform an underused property into a community asset that strengthens a commercial district, supports local businesses and encourages additional investment. Our economic development programs are designed to help communities turn promising projects into investments that create lasting value. We're proud to have played a role in a project that will contribute to the continued revitalization of Buffalo's Larkin District."

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Senior Program Officer Eric Phamdo said, "Millrace Park builds on a strong history of partnership and investment in Buffalo's neighborhoods. Investing in a park means investing in the neighborhood around it, creating welcoming greenspace where people can gather and play, while supporting nearby businesses and encouraging new investment. We're pleased to join partners who recognize how quality public spaces contribute to both quality of life and a community's long-term economic health."