Ship Canal Commons

Ship Canal Commons. Historical Authenticity and Park Design. , Actual photograph of Buffalo Ship Canal site circa 1950s , While creating a new public park was the goal of developing Ship Canal Commons, this site is also crucial to telling the story of steel production and heavy industry in South Buffalo. The Union Ship Canal is one of the few physical reminders left of steel production, an industry historically significant to the economic growth of the region. , This site's former occupant, The Hanna Furnace Corporation, employed hundreds in the production of pig iron. The canal was essential in transporting the materials needed for the creation and shipment of this product. Specifically, iron ore and limestone were carried on freighters from throughout the Great Lakes and once docked, bridge cranes lining the canal worked to offload material from the ships into piles for storage. , Various park features have been included in the design to help tell the story: Match the number below to the corresponding number in the images: , 1) Tree rows/bands of stone or "shadow lines" placed to mimic the cranes. , 2) Promenade paving pattern loosely mimics the rail line once used by the bridge cranes. , 3) Land forms were created to simulate the enormous piles of limestone and ore that once lined the canal's edge. , 4) Pedestrian bridge crossing the canal mimics the structural framing of the former bridge cranes. , 5) Densely planted "blocs" of trees reflect the tightly packed, imposing structures that once stood here. , 6) Over two miles of multi-use pathways reflect the railroad tracks that once crossed the site. 7) The northeast corner boardwalk aligns with the historical edge of the canal wall that collapsed. , When developing park design, simplistic layout, utilitarian details, minimalistic plantings, and a minimum of special park frills all contributed to the park's representation of this important industrial site. , Several artifacts were discovered and salvaged during construction and are on display: , Explore the site and see if you can find: , . Pile of Ingots , . Railroad Rail , . Iron Pellets , . Iron Tank , . Water Intake Vault , . Anchor , Promedade paving patter at 2 replicates the rai lline at canal's edge. Photo Credit: Former employees of Hanna Furnace. , The landforms at 3 simulate piles of limestone and ore. , The pathways at 6 reflect the railroad tracks that once crossed the site.