Kyle Ciminelli, President of Newmark Ciminelli, shares a compelling vision for the future of downtown Buffalo, one rooted in connection, investment, and long-term commitment to place. Drawing from a family legacy that began in 1981, Kyle reflects on the evolution of his firm and his own journey back to Buffalo, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact in the city he calls home.

At the core of his message is a simple but powerful idea: strong regions are built around strong downtowns. As both an emotional and economic center, downtown Buffalo plays a critical role in shaping the identity, vitality, and growth of the entire region. When the urban core thrives, it generates momentum, supporting transit, attracting investment, and creating opportunities that ripple outward into surrounding neighborhoods and communities .

Kyle highlights Buffalo’s unique advantage, its rich architectural fabric. From historic buildings filled with craftsmanship and character to underutilized spaces ready for reinvention, the city offers a foundation that many others would envy. But buildings alone aren’t enough. True revitalization requires people, energy, and intentional activation, through events, programming, culture, and everyday experiences that draw residents and visitors back downtown.

A major focus of his work is rethinking how we use space. As traditional office demand shifts, Kyle emphasizes the importance of mixed-use development, transforming outdated office buildings into vibrant environments that combine residential, commercial, and social functions. Today’s users aren’t just looking for square footage, they’re seeking experience, community, and a sense of belonging.

Equally important is housing diversity. A successful downtown must support a full spectrum of residents, offering options across income levels to create a balanced, inclusive neighborhood. Kyle notes that while some progress has been made, there is still a critical gap in the “middle market” that must be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability.

Through ongoing projects, including residential conversions, new development opportunities, and efforts to bring major attractions and programming into the city, Kyle and his team are actively shaping the next chapter of Buffalo’s growth. Central to this work is collaboration: partnerships with local organizations, public agencies, and the community itself to better understand needs and guide development decisions.

Ultimately, Kyle frames revitalization not just as a business strategy, but as a responsibility. To invest in Buffalo is to believe in its future, to honor its past, activate its present, and create a city where people want to live, work, and belong.