Mayor Lovely Warren was joined by state and federal leaders to show off the new green and retail spaces.  The project eliminated part of the Inner Loop expressway on the east side of downtown -- between Monroe Avenue and Charlotte Street  -- and replaced it with a street and land for development.

"I know what that moat used to do and the fact that it disconnected the city from the neighborhood just shows how important the connections really are," Warren said. "So, when I think of the buildings going up and new residents moving in with businesses, that will be the most important part about this."

Some projects already include a expansion of the Strong Museum along with the construction of a 150 all-suite hotel, residential units and retail space. 

As reported from Channel 10 WHEC.