Press Release 2-09/10

FLYNN TO SPEAK AT WORLD CANALS CONFERENCE

September 2010, Buffalo, NY - Serbia, The Netherlands, China, Buffalo? Buffalo is in distinct company with these past and future sites of the World Canals Conference as it plays host for a day as part of the 2010 Conference being held in Rochester, NY, September 19-24.

Local architect Peter Flynn, AIA, principal with Flynn Battaglia Architects (FBA), is a featured speaker at the day-long program on Tuesday, September 21 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Buffalo under the banner "Restoration and Economic Revitalization at the Historic Western Terminus of the Erie Canal." His presentation "Rediscovering the Commercial Slip" is part of an entire day where visitors from Norway to West Africa and Tokyo to India, will "Shuffle off to Buffalo" for activities that also include a waterfront walking tour, luncheon panel presentation at the Adams Mark Hotel, boat tour of the Buffalo River Grain Elevator District and surrounding areas, as well as a bus tour of Buffalo's architectural landmarks.

The World Canals Conference brings hundreds of canal enthusiasts, professionals and scholars from around the world to learn about a variety of topics related to canals, including the protection of historic canals or features, revitalization of canal systems, harbor sites, canal trails and amenities; the presentation or interpretation of canals and corridors - their history and various elements; canals as a means to promote tourism, spur economic development and urban renewal.

"The conference is a terrific opportunity to showcase Buffalo's significant water history and hopefully pave the way for a revitalized area that can return the city to its glory days of the past," says Flynn. "The conference could serve as a catalyst for moving the waterfront area forward more quickly."

Flynn is design principal of Flynn Battaglia Architects in Buffalo. He has been responsible for historic preservation, urban design and neighborhood revitalization, museum, education and housing projects. He was instrumental in the $62 million Buffalo and Erie Canal Harbor Master Plan. FBA received the Waterfront Center Award for its efforts on the Buffalo Erie Canal Harbor project in 2005 and again in 2009. Flynn lives in Buffalo.

Flynn Battaglia Architects is an award-winning architectural firm with practice areas in building design, historic restoration, planning and interior design. Its markets include colleges, national landmarks, waterfronts and cultural resources. Based in Buffalo, NY, the firm provides unique solutions delivering inspirational, innovative, environmental and cost sensitive designs.