John Koelmel is introduced as the new President of HARBORcenter.
KOELMEL NAMED PRESIDENT OF HARBORcenter
BUFFALO, N.Y. (June 6, 2013) —- The Buffalo Sabres today announced the hiring of John Koelmel as president of HARBORcenter, the mixed-use hockey and entertainment facility currently under construction on the Webster Block in downtown Buffalo.
As president, Koelmel will oversee the day-to-day operations of the complex, including the facility’s hotel, restaurant, ice rinks and parking structure. Upon its completion, the HARBORcenter will feature two full-size NHL ice rinks, a full-service hotel, a two-story restaurant, street-level retail space, and a five-level, 850-space parking structure. The ice rinks, restaurant, and retail stores are scheduled to open in September 2014. The hotel is slated to open in the spring of 2015.
“John is among the most well-respected professionals in Western New York,” Sabres Owner Terry Pegula said. “He has a long history as a successful businessman in the region, which will serve him well in his new role. We’re excited to welcome him to the team and we look forward to his contributions as president.”
Koelmel, who most recently spent more than 10 years with First Niagara Financial Group – including six years as chief executive officer and president – has nearly 30 years of management experience in his career.
“It was important to us that the individual who would be leading the day-to-day operations of HARBORcenter was someone who is in touch with the local community,” said Sabres Chief Development Officer Cliff Benson. “John has repeatedly demonstrated that he measures up to that qualification throughout his career.”
“I am honored and humbled to be joining the Pegula team,” Koelmel said. “Terry and Kim have been able to take HARBORcenter from concept to actual construction in less than 12 months. Their phenomenal commitment to Buffalo is evident with this significant project and I’m tremendously excited to join the HARBORcenter team. I obviously have tremendous passion for this community and look forward to not only making HARBORcenter a world-class facility but otherwise supporting the incredible investment Terry and Kim are making in Western New York.”
A native of Orchard Park, NY, Koelmel has spent the entirety of his career in Western New York. Prior to joining First Niagara, he spent 26 years at the Buffalo office of KPMG, an international audit, tax and advisory firm. His tenure culminated with a stint as managing partner of the firm’s Upstate New York operations.
“John will be a significant addition to our HARBORcenter team,” said Sabres President Ted Black. “His business acumen is going to play a vital role in attaining the success that we anticipate for HARBORcenter as a destination in downtown Buffalo.”
The construction of HARBORcenter has begun! Crews have cracked through the concrete as they begin to work on the infrastructure of the new complex.
The construction of HARBORcenter has begun! Crews have cracked through the concrete as they begin to work on the infrastructure of the new complex.
Cranes are poised to begin the construction of the HARBORcenter. A multi-event facility set to open in September of 2014.
Photos from the ground-breaking ceremony at HARBORcenter, a multi-event complex set to open in September of 2014.
Photos from the ground-breaking ceremony at HARBORcenter, a multi-event complex set to open in September of 2014.
Photos from the ground-breaking ceremony at HARBORcenter, a multi-event complex set to open in September of 2014.
SABRES BREAK GROUND ON HARBORCENTER
BUFFALO, N.Y. (April 13, 2013) —- HARBORcenter Development, LLC officially broke ground today on HARBORcenter, a mixed-use hockey and entertainment facility being developed on the Webster Block in downtown Buffalo, directly across Perry Street from First Niagara Center.
“In the two years since I purchased the Buffalo Sabres, the passionate support of our fans has made it evident that hockey is woven into the fabric of this community in a way that is rivaled by few other areas,” said Sabres Owner Terry Pegula. “With HARBORcenter, our goal is to create a destination representative of that passion which will transcend the sport, helping to build downtown Buffalo into a place that visitors can’t wait to come back to again.”
Upon its completion, the $172 million project will feature two full-size NHL ice rinks, a full-service hotel, a two-story restaurant, street-level retail space and a five-level, 850-space parking structure. The ice rinks, restaurant, and retail stores are scheduled to open in September 2014. The hotel is slated to open in the spring of 2015.
“Getting from concept to groundbreaking has been a very complex undertaking, but we have a quality group of professionals who have each worked tirelessly to ensure that every step runs as smoothly as the last,” said HARBORcenter President Cliff Benson. “We hope that the continued success of our project serves as an indicator of how, with the public and private sectors working together, we can build a better Buffalo.”
The two NHL-sized ice rinks, when coupled with the existing rink at First Niagara Center, will make the three-rink complex the first of its kind in the National Hockey League. The main ice sheet at HARBORcenter will have a seating capacity of 1,800, matching the largest spectator capacity for an ice rink in Erie County, excluding First Niagara Center.
The facility will have ample locker room space for simultaneous use of both rinks, as well as the “Center of Excellence,” a training facility designed specifically to elevate the level of development of youth hockey players in the Buffalo area.
These elements will allow HARBORcenter to be utilized for a variety of functions, including public skates, youth hockey tournaments and clinics, and team practices for the Buffalo Sabres. It will also be home to the Buffalo Sabres AAA, a Tier 1 youth hockey organization that will begin play under the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014-15 season.
“This is a proud moment for me because in less than 13 months we are seeing my vision to transform a surface parking lot, known as the Webster Block, into a $172 million project,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Buffalo and its waterfront in a strategic way. I am thrilled to be part of the Sabres’ groundbreaking today for a project that will be a huge economic asset to downtown Buffalo, create hundreds of new jobs, and stimulate additional investment interest.”
The Webster Block is a 1.7-acre site located between Main, Washington, Perry and Scott Streets. The development of HARBORcenter is expected to provide approximately 1,600 local construction jobs over the course of about two years. Once complete, the facilities are expected to create 350 full-time jobs and generate $48 million in state and local taxes over the next ten years.
“The HARBORcenter project represents a new chapter in Buffalo’s storied hockey history, with much more waiting to be written following the construction of this unique facility,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. “With public support and significant investment from the Sabres and Mr. Pegula, our area will once again be known as one of the premier hockey markets in North America. Moreover, the new facility will serve as a training ground for local hockey talent, be a catalyst in attracting visitors to the downtown area, and will provide an unparalleled hockey experience at the NHL level.”
Populous is the architect for the project, with GSB serving as associate hotel architect and Mortenson Construction serving as construction manager. ICON Venue Group is the owner’s representative firm.
“The design of HARBORcenter complements the historic architecture of Buffalo’s canal district while introducing modern architectural materials and elements, including glass and geometric volumes clad in metal panels,” said Wayne London, Principal at Populous and Project Manager for HARBORcenter. “HARBORcenter will position the city of Buffalo as an elite leader in training, providing state-of-the-art facilities to youth and coaches that will inevitably draw talent to the area. Coupled with the retail, hotel and dining components, HARBORcenter will have a lasting impact on the community.”
“This is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by the project team,” said Derek Cunz, Mortenson Construction Sports Group Vice President and General Manager. “After nearly a year of intense planning and collaboration, we are ready to start construction and continue the transformation the Canalside District into a premier entertainment destination for the City of Buffalo. We’re excited to put local tradesmen and tadeswomen to work and maximize local workforce and business participation.”
SABRES TO BREAK GROUND ON HARBORCENTER APRIL 13
WHAT: The Buffalo Sabres and HARBORcenter Development, LLC will be hosting a ceremonial groundbreaking for the HARBORcenter complex.
WHO: The ceremony will feature several guest speakers, with individual media availability to follow ceremony:
- Terry and Kim Pegula – Owners, Buffalo Sabres
- Cliff Benson – Chief Development Officer, Buffalo Sabres/President, HARBORcenter Development
- Ted Black – President, Buffalo Sabres
- Byron Brown – Mayor, City of Buffalo
- Mark Polancarz – County Executive, Erie County
WHEN: Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m.
WHERE: HARBORcenter construction site – at the corner of Washington and Perry streets, across from First Niagara Center.
Beginning Wednesday, March 13, several roads around First Niagara Center will be shut down due to the start of construction on the HARBORcenter property. Also beginning Wednesday morning, patrons of the Sabres Store and the arena box office will be able to park in the arena’s parking ramp at no charge.
