Empire State Development today announced that Cannon Design will invest $3.3 million in renovation and equipment purchases for their Buffalo office. ESD has earmarked a $400,000 capital grant to help offset the costs.
“Cannon Design has long-been a great asset to both the people and the economy of Western New York and I am quite pleased it has chosen to remain a staple of this region,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “New York State is dedicated to seeing its businesses not only grow, but also thrive, and we look forward to ensuring Cannon Design reaches its goals for success. As we all know, when our businesses succeed, so does our economy, our workforce and our state as a whole.”
“ESD is very pleased to assist such an important firm within the Western New York region to help retain and grow its operations in Erie County,” said ESD President & CEO Dennis Mullen said. “ESD is committed to ensuring that businesses have the best opportunities to compete in the global marketplace, as our companies’ health and competitiveness will help secure the future of our local and State economies.”
Founded over 60 years ago in Niagara Falls, New York, Cannon Design has operated from its Grand Island location since 1972. The grant will supplement the firm’s current plan of completely renovating the interior space of the 40,000 square foot facility. Through this project, Cannon Design will retain its current staff of 217 and has pledged to create an additional 33 jobs over the next five years, bringing the total number of full-time employees at the Grand Island facility to 250 people.
Cannon Design will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for the renovation and has installed an electricity-generating solar array as part of the project’s sustainable initiatives.
“Cannon Design was founded in Western New York in 1945, developing our current building in 1972,” said Paul O. Cannon, principal and regional director. “Although we now have 17 offices in key metropolitan cities throughout North America and abroad, we are committed to our Western New York roots and will utilize this grant to make capital improvements to our technology infrastructure to meet staffing and operational needs.”
Cannon Design is ranked among the leading international firms in planning and design for healthcare, science and technology, education, sports and recreation, and government clients. At present, the firm employs a staff of 800, delivering services in 17 offices throughout North America, as well as abroad in Shanghai, China and Mumbai, India.
Among its roster of Western New York clients, the firm lists key names such as Canisius College, the State University of New York system, Buffalo City School District, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute and the Erie County Public Safety Campus.
Current projects include the Global Vascular Institute of Kaleida Health, Clinical and Translational Research Center/Incubator of the University at Buffalo; a residence hall at the State University of New York at Buffalo; a science building at the State University of New York College at Buffalo; Buffalo City School District, South Park High School; and construction management services for the Buffalo U.S. Federal Courthouse.
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency. For more information, visit www.nylovesbiz.com.