Erie Canalway - Get Involved - Awards - CanalPlace08


	Get Involved: Awards Program 2008 Erie Canalway Heritage Award of Excellence Canal Place, Little Falls The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission is pleased to award a 2008 Erie Canalway Heritage Award of Excellence to Canal Place. The 2008 Jury selected Canal Place for its outstanding example of citizen driven economic and community revitalization that protected and reused 19th century mill buildings along the canal in Little Falls. The jury commended the project for: Drawing on existing physical assets, including historic structures and waterfront location, in development planning; Contributing to waterfront revitalization in Little Falls; Improving physical linkages and reducing perceived barriers between the city and its waterfront; Successfully re-using former mill buildings and including diverse business offerings such as antique and boutique shops, an arts center, theater, restaurants, and apartments; Cultivating an extraordinary “sense of place” among business owners, employees, and residents of Canal Place. Project Description In the middle of what was once an extensive manufacturing district in the City of Little Falls, the demolition of an abandoned factory revealed the historic beauty of two deteriorating 150 year old stone buildings and sparked the imaginations of local property owners who formed the Canal Place Development Association in 1988. The site of the factory became a park, another park was built alongside the canal, and grant money was secured to make a host of improvements to the area. The development group renovated one of the stone buildings for use as an antique center, boutique shops, and apartments, transforming a run-down building into a showcase. Their success prompted investors to buy the other stone building, where a second antique shop was located, establishing Little Falls as a destination for antique hunters. Restaurants, galleries, and an arts center round out a diverse cultural mix that makes Canal Place a unique historic gem along the Erie Canal. As a testament to these efforts and to the significance of the site, Canal Place has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is the official list of properties recognized as significant in the history, architecture, archeology, engineering or culture of the Empire State and the nation.

Stone Mills at Canal Place

Ole Sal's Ice Cream Parlor is among Canal Place's newest shops.

Benton's Landing on the waterfront has been improved by members of the Canal Place Development Association.

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