Niagara Falls National Heritage Area Placemaking Master Plan

Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) engaged Studio Tectonic to create a Placemaking Master Plan that recognizes the heritage that has made the area a great place in its past, and also makes an investment in redevelopment and cultural tourism for the future. Federally designated in 2008, the NFNHA preserves, protects, and promotes historic, natural and cultural resources—from Niagara Falls State Park, through Lewiston and as far north as Old Fort Niagara historical site (managed by New York State Parks). The NFNHA’s achievements are the result of many successful efforts, both as individual outgrowths of the Heritage Area’s mission, as well as coordinated efforts in helping to make and identify place.

The recommendations made in the Master Plan are wide ranging and address not only optimal placemaking opportunities (including the NFNHA shuttle system, public art, interpretive opportunities, and online offerings) but also include suggestions related to the structure of the NFNHA organization and its branding related challenges. As a result of these recommendations, Studio Tectonic was asked to create new Identity Guidelines that feature an updated, bolder brand to help raise the NFNHA’s visibility in the local community and beyond. 

Since many partners, city and state agencies, and other businesses are involved in implementing the NFNHA’s placemaking efforts, it was critical to organize the list of desired projects in a way that considered the greatest needs, highest impacts, and ease of implementation. The Master Plan concludes with phasing and implementation strategies that provide a framework for the NFNHA to prioritize placemaking opportunities and outline the internal and external needs required for success.