Livability: The Tonawandas, NY 2014

8/12/2019 Livability: The Tonawandas, NY 2014

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2014 | SPONSORED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE TONAWANDAS

THE TONAWANDASNEW YORK

livability.com/tonawanda

Location is

EverythingLocals have easy access to top spots

PERFECTHARMONY

Riviera Theatre blends areahistory with entertainment
http://www.livability.com/tonawandahttp://www.livability.com/tonawanda


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LIVABI LITY. C O M/TO N AWA NDA 1

AT A GLANCE

A historic waterfront atmosphere,extensive recreational opportunities,

excellent schools, affordable housingand proximity to big-city amenitiesdraw many new residents to theTonawandas. Separated by the ErieCanal, the twin cities of Tonawandaand North Tonawanda offer a highquality of life bolstered by culturalvenues, independent restaurants,parks and community events.

AT THE CENTER OF IT ALLBoth residents and visitors enjoy

the convenience the Tonawandasprovide to attractions includingoutlet malls, sports teams andnatural wonders like Niagara Falls.Award-winning wineries, historicsites and renowned art galleries are just a short drive away. During thesummer, free concerts entertainlocals and the boaters who dropanchor at Gateway Harbor Park.Each July the cities host theCanal Fest, and paved trails allow

bicyclists, runners and walkers tofollow the Erie Canal and NiagaraRiver into nearby towns.

OPPORTUNITY TO PROSPERThe Tonawandas are part of the

Buffalo-Niagara Region, which hasa workforce of more than 750,000people. Each year more than 20,000graduates from the areas 30 collegesand universities are available forhighly skilled jobs. Economic

development groups like LumberCity Development Corp. work withlocal business leaders to create jobopportunities and attractive sites formanufacturing and tech companies.

ALWAYS IMPROVINGFrom planting trees along

streets to renovating store frontsand constructing new offices andliving areas , the Tonawandasare constantly being improved.

Read on to learn more aboutwhat makes the Tonawandas agreat place to live, work and play.

The Tonawandas, New YorkA quick, compreheNSive overvieW of WhATS greAT AbouT The commuNiTY

62

62

N i a g a r a F a l l s

B o u l e v a r d

North Tonawanda

Er ie C an a l

190 290

N i a g a r a R i v e r

Tonawanda

ERIE COUNTY

NIAGARA COUNTY

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Chamber ofCommerce ofthe Tonawandas15 Webster St.North Tonawanda, NY 14120Phone: (716) 692.5120www.the-tonawandas.com

LOCATIONSituated between western New Yorks major metropolitancenters, Buffalo and Niagara Falls, the Tonawandas offer agreat diversity of recreational, cultural and entertainmentopportunities, as well as a thriving business climate.

POPULATION

46,289ANNUAL RAINFALL

37.5

DISTANCES TO THREEMAJOR CITIES NEARBYCleveland, OH: 200 miles

Albany, NY: 285 milesNew York, NY: 395 milesNational Average: 30

The eight-day Canal Festof the Tonawandas

encompasses a two-mileradius, making it the

largest festival of its kindalong the Erie Canal.

ACCOLADE

Tonawandas

TIMEZONEEastern
http://www.the-tonawandas.com/http://www.the-tonawandas.com/


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Museum

TAKE A SPINGaze at artifacts onexhibit at the HerschellCarrousel FactoryMuseum , with hand-carved wooden carouselfigures and a 26-photodisplay from when NorthTonawanda was thecapital of carousel horse

construction during the1890s to 1930s.

Paths and Trails

GO BIKINGPedal along bike pathsfound throughout theTonawandas, includinga nine-mile Riverwalkstretch from downtownBuffalo to the north sideof Tonawanda. Other toppathways grace GrandIsland , Buckhorn Island

State Park and alongRobert Moses Parkway .

Live Music

DONT MISS A BEATListen to concerts onthe waterfront at localparks, with the largestbeing the WednesdayCanal Concert Series at Gateway Harbor Park in North Tonawanda.The series runs fromJune through August,

with free concertsstaged from 6-10 p.m.

Shops and Attractions

SHOP AND EXPLOREDOWNTOWNVisit the downtown NorthTonawanda shoppingdistrict along Main andWebster streets to checkout stores, restaurantsand attractions such asPartners in Art Galleries& Studio and the Buffalo

Suzuki Strings MusicalArts Center .

THINGS TO DOThe Tonawandas must-do attractions,activities and dining

Set Sail and Ride the WavesGo boating along the Erie Canal at Gateway Harbor , a la at n st nat n n t wa w atmonths. The harbor in North Tonawanda has undergone recent upgrades and now hosts numerous free eventsand entertainment throughout the summer.

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THINGS TO DO

4 THE TO NAWAN D A S Staff Photos by MICHAEL CONTI

RIVIERA THEATRE BLENDS AREAHISTORY WITH ENTERTAINMENT

HarmonyPerfectby AJ DONAHUE

N t T nawan as Riviera Theatre draws popular artistsand features the WurliTzer Opus 1524 Theatre Organ.


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A COMMUNITY OPERATION WITHINTERNATIONAL APPEAL

Opened in 1926, the 1,100-seat RivieraTheatre sits on both the New York andNational Registries of Historic Places. Nowoperating as a not-for-profit organization, thetheater has community-first ethos thatshelping the region grow.

Offering a home for everything from

school theater productions to some of theworlds most popular performing ar tists,the Riviera Theatre has been instrumentalin North Tonawandas continued growth.

Its become an anchor for economicredevelopment, says Frank Cannata,executive director of the Riviera. TheRiviera recorded a jump from less than12,000 patrons to more than 100,000in only the last two years.

Perhaps even more impressive,however, may be the theaters impact onthe area. With nearly a dozen restaurantsrecently opened within walking distance,the age-old stage has cemented itsreputation as a cant-miss attraction.

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BRIGHTER STARSWhile the buildings beauty and spirit

have been important to its success, theartists whove graced the stage alsodeserve plenty of credit. Playing host toperformances from the likes of LorettaLynn, George Jones, Carlos Mencia andDionne Warwick, the Riviera Theatre hasproven itself to be a destination for someof the worlds top talent.

But perhaps the biggest of todays starsto step out under the Riviera Theatreslights is Justin Bieber, with an appearancethat garnered coverage by both TMZ andThe Oprah Winfrey Show . It was probablythe only event weve had where you couldhear the screaming through the brick wallsdown the street, Cannata says.

THE MIGHTY WURLITZERIn addition to the Riviera Theatres

robust performance schedule, the buildingalso houses the WurliTzer Opus 1524Theatre Organ. Serving as one of theoriginal demonstrator models, the organwas seen by many potential clients visitingthe Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. factory, oncelocated only a few miles from the theater.The Mighty WurliTzer still stands todayand remains a featured component ofmany performances at the hall.

HISTORY MOVES FORWARDWith such an outstanding history,its hard to imagine the Riviera Theatregetting any better, but plans are alreadyunderway. We have a 23,000-square-footexpansion that were planning on breakingground for in the next year, Cannata says.The expanded space will feature newfacilities and amenities, as well as a blackbox theater for smaller productions andshort-run shows.

The Riviera Theatre has shone as the jewel of the Tonawandas cultural crown,and with major improvements on thehorizon, its sure to shine even brighter.

C alling an institution with nearly a century of operatinghistory the heart of North Tonawandas very moderncultural movement may sound a bit counterintuitive,but the Riviera Theatre is just that. As one of the premierdestinations in western New Yorks thriving arts and culturescene, the Riviera is a testament to the power of blendingbeauty both old and new.



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Parks and Facilities

ENJOY THE OUTDOORSAmong the five parks in the city

of Tonawanda is Niawanda Park ,which overlooks the Niagara Riverand provides access to a waterfrontpathway. Gateway Harbor Park hosts summer concerts and allowsovernight boat parking. VeteransPark features shelters, a playgroundarea, sand volleyball court, horseshoepits and grills. The city also hasa skatepark, adult softball leagues,a senior citizens' center and theKohler Youth Center .

North Tonawanda overseesDeerwood Golf Course and fourparks Gratwick Riverside Park , Mayor's Park , Pinewoods Park andRaymond Klimek Veterans Park .All the parks have playgrounds.

Fishing

GRAB YOUR GEAR AND CAST A LINEThe region includes many good places to fish such as Isle View

Park , Niawanda Park and the Tonawanda Launch in Tonawanda, whileNorth Tonawanda features Canal West Niagara County Park , East Pier

Marina and Gratwick Riverside Park . One of the biggest regional eventseach year is a Hooked On the Tonawandas fishing tournament thatoccurs for two days in late July on the banks of the Erie Canal.

Sportsplex

GET COMPETITIVEThe Sportsplex , an indoor arena

in North Tonawanda, features a

full-length soccer field and sixtennis courts, and hosts leaguesfor adults, coeds and youth.

Bowling and Skating

LET LOOSE AND HAVE FUNThe Tonawanda Bowling

Center , a 42-lane facility, is theclosest bowling center to theUniversity of Buffalo and hostsleagues for kids, men, women andseniors, along with open bowling.

Also available within theTonawandas is Rainbow Rink inlineskating and entertainment center(it includes roller derby matches),and Waterbike Adventures , whichfeatures electric boats and kayakrentals at the Gateway Harbor.

Game OnrecreATioN iNcLudeS fiShiNg, SkATiNg, goLf ANd boWLiNg

Gorgeous parks, scenic rivers and top-notch facilities provide residents of the Tonawandas with

many recreational activities to choose from.

THINGS TO DO: SPORTS & RECREATION

Hit Em Long and StraightW t t s s n t n, l nt s asts a l nty options. Deerwood Golf Course (pictured) in North Tonawandais two venues in one an 18-hole public layout and a nine-holecourse. Tan Tara Golf Club , an 18- l at s , was na wheat and dairy farm. Other nearby courses include: BrightonPark Golf Course , Sheridan Park Golf Course , Country Club ofBuffalo , Park Country Club and Westwood Country Club .

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The Hideaway Grille

SAVOR THE FLAVORThe Hideaway Grille , an upscale

North Tonawanda restaurant,features menu items like filetmignon, chicken cordon bleu,salmon Florentine and char-grilledbarbecue ribs, which ExecutiveChef Edward May recommends.

Crazy Jakes

TRY A NEW BREWCrazy Jake's lunch and dinner

menus feature items rangingfrom steaks to pub grub, plusthere are several wine optionsand more than 50 draft beerswith names like Flying BisonBuffalo Lager and Great LakesEdmund Fitzgerald.

Websters Bistro & Bar

INDULGE A LITTLEWebster's Bistro & Bar

features a French/Americanatmosphere with upscaleentrees that include duckbreast, shrimp penne and beefbourguignon. Bananas Fosterand chocolate mousse areamong the dessert choices.

Remington Tavern

ENJOY A MEAL WITH A VIEWRemington Tavern Seafood

Exchange features a scenicoverlook that provides patrons witha great view of the Erie Canal. Themenu includes mussels, oystersand calamari, along with entreessuch as cider-brine pork chopsand Milanese chicken cutlets.

Feast FirstLOCAL EATERIES BRING MUCH TO THE TABLE

The cuisine scene sizzles in the Tonawandas, with a large number of independent restaurants that

can accommodate diners of all tastes.

THINGS TO DO: LOCAL FLAVOR

Taste Tonawandas BarbecueSmoke on the Water in Tonawanda hasbecome a hotspot for barbecue lovers. The

at y s s s s s as s t y,s n, ll , llyta s, a s sala an la n .

VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS

Cipriano Realtors www.ciprianorealtors.com

Cornerstone CFCU www.cornerstonecommunityfcu.org

Fichte, Endl & Elmer www.fichte.com

Liberty Cab www.libertycab.com

Buying or selling? Call us today!Cipriano sells throughout western New York.

Ann Kwitchoff Lic. RE Broker

(716) 622-8139

Mary Ann Hassett Salesperson

(716) 417-3032

April Gampp Salesperson

(716) 946-6230

Family Owned for

More Than 50 Years

58 Main St. Tonawanda, NY (716) 692-9464 www.ciprianorealtors.com

Licensed in the state of New York
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LOCALS HAVE EASY ACCESS TO TOP SPOTS

Location isEverythingResidents of the Tonawandas are never far from great entertainment,cultural amenities and natural attractions. In fact, theres asaying when visitors stop at the Chamber of Commerce of theTonawandas and ask how far something is away Were 15 minutesfrom everything.

Chamber of Commerceof the Tonawandasis located in North Tonawanda on the Erie Canal.

LIVING

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SOUTH BUFFALO

COCA COLA FIELD BISONS MINS

Among the largest stadiums in minorleague baseball, Coca-Cola Field ishome to the Buffalo Bisons, a Triple-A

affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.

RALPH WILSON STADIUM BILLS MINS

As the home field of the NFLsBuffalo Bills, this arena seatsmore than 73,900. It is located inOrchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo.

FIRST NIAGARA CENTER HOCKEY MINS

When the Sabres, a NationalHockey League team, isnt playinghere, the center hosts eventsranging from concerts to wrestlingmatches and lacrosse games.www.firstniagaracenter.com

ALBRIGHT KNOX ARTGALLERY MINS

Curated tours, classes and avariety of inspiring and engagingexhibitions attract art loversthroughout the year. Founded

in 1862, The Buffalo Fine ArtsAcademy, which oversees thegallery, is among the countrysoldest public arts institutions.www.albrightknox.org

SHEAS PERFORMINGARTS CENTER MINS

This trio of theaters includes thegrand Sheas Buffalo Theatre, aNational Historic Site that firstopened in 1926 and has hostedlegends like Frank Sinatra, The MarxBrothers and Bing Crosby. Today thetheaters host Off-Broadway shows,concerts, movies and other events.sheas.org

WALDEN GALLERIA MINS

With an assortment of brand-namestores, chain restaurants anda movie theater, this mall offersmany entertainment and shoppingoptions. www.waldengalleria.com

NORTH WEST

NIAGARA FALLSINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

MINS Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines offerflights from this less-congestedairport, which opened a new$31.5 million terminal in 2009.www.niagarafallsairport.com

FASHION OUTLETS MINS

More than 150 designer and name-brand stores fill this outlet center.Because sales are direct to consumers,prices are often lower than theyare in department stores.fashionoutletsniagara.com

NIAGARA FALLSSTATE PARK

MINSVisitors can experience breathtaking

views and walk trails or take a boatride to come within feet of the mostpowerful waterfalls in North Americaat the countrys oldest state park.www.niagarafallsstatepark.com

EAST

BOULEVARD MALLIN AMHERST MINS

More than 100 specialty stores andrestaurants draw shoppers fromacross the Tonawandas to this mall.www.boulevard-mall.com

DARIEN LAKE MINS

A 208-foot-tall coaster climb,50-foot plunge into water and80-mph slingshot into the airare just some of the experiencesoffered at this amusement park,which features thrill rides.www.darienlake.com

BUFFALO INTL. AIRPORT MINS

Passengers can pick fromapproximately 110 daily flightswith nonstop service to 23 otherairports from major airlines suchas Americ an, Delta, United andSouthwest . buffaloairport.com

NORTH

NIAGARA WINE TRAIL MINS

At 43 degrees north latitude thecool temperatures and long daysbetween the Niagara Escarpmentand Lake Ontario creates a suitableclimate for grapes. Visitors can stopat 18 wineries along the trail tosample unique styles.niagarawinetrail.org

Check out more funthings to do in theThe Tonawandas atlivability.com/tonawanda .

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Ad Index

7 CIPRIANO REALTORS

C3 CORNERSTONE CFCU

C4 FICHTE, ENDL & ELMER

12 LIBERTY CAB


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THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

COMMUNITY PROFILE COST OF LIVING$49,016Median Household Income

$99,092Median Home Price

$736Median Rent for aTwo-Bedroom Apartment

TRANSPORTATION

Median Travel Time to Work

AGE

TEMPERATURE

January Average Low July Average High

ETHNICITY

19 and Under

20-54 55 and Over

White

Black

Hispanic

Other

19 minutes

Closest AirportNiagara FallsInternational Airport

9 milesJanuary Low National Low July High National High

81

14

30

76

3.1%

93%

(percentages based on the total = 206,178)

Source: Onboard Informatics

(percentages based on the total = 206,178)

Source: Onboard Informatics

1.5%1.7%

22%

46%

32%
http://www.cornerstonecommunityfcu.org/


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NIAGARA FALLS2400 Pine Ave.716-282-1114

AMHERST

2825 Niagara Falls Blvd.716-564-2020

LASIK & Refractive Surgery

Progressive Cataract Procedures Including Laser Cataract SurgeryGlaucoma & Diabetic Management Corneal Surgery Eyelid Surgery & BotoxRoutine Eye Exams Pediatric Eye Exams & Surgery

We have a monthly LASIK open houseand a monthly Cataract Surgery Lunch

and Learn. Visit www.fichte.com for upcoming dates.

L A S

E R C A

T A R A C T S U R G E R Y

I S H E R E

!

More lasers, more options!
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Livability: The Tonawandas, NY 2014

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