Following WWII, passenger rail travel fell precipitously as automobiles and air travel began to dominate.

The iconic Buffalo Central Terminal operated for 50 years, until it officially closed in 1979. In August 1997, after almost 20 years of neglect and abuse, the Buffalo Central Terminal property was transferred to the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation where principals and visionaries have lead the way in beginning to preserve this landmark.

In 2019 CTRC received a $5 million grant from New York State through Empire State Development to transform Buffalo’s historic landmark into a year-round destination. The main goal of this restoration will be to extend the Terminal’s event season beyond the current April-October time frame, and to add a second separate space for hosts. Adding heat and bathrooms and performing historically respectful renovations to the former restaurant space, while also working on making the concourse weather-tight will substantially upgrade the building’s rental opportunities.