Civil Municipal - June 2024

after the buffalo fish,” Kelly adds, illustrating how these icons have become embedded in the city’s cultural fabric. Mayor Lachermeier expands on this cultural emblem with “Do the Roam,” a local art initiative involving uniquely decorated buffalo statues throughout Buffalo. “There’s a map listing all of the buffaloes within the community, each one uniquely decorated by our arts guild. People come to Buffalo to ‘do the roam,’” she says, pointing out that the number of statues has grown beyond the original 21 listed. This initiative not only celebrates local artistry but also fosters a unique interactive experience for residents and visitors, further encapsulating the community- oriented nature of Buffalo. DEVELOPMENT IN BUFFALO As Buffalo continues to cultivate its charm and viability as a city, several major development projects and infrastructure initiatives are underway. Kelly outlines several substantial initiatives that are shaping Buffalo’s future. “We have three big ones,” he says, his enthusiasm evident. “The future of Buffalo, the Business and Commerce Park is probably the biggest development project.” Located on a 95-acre site formerly used as a gravel pit along State Highway 55—one of the main thoroughfares through the city—this new industrial park represents a significant shift. “We’ve been eager to create a new industrial park for several years because the one we currently have had been pretty full for a while,” Kelly explains. With plans for building out the site in the coming years and searching for an anchor tenant, this development is poised to become a central hub for industrial growth. Another significant project is the redevelopment of Real People offering Real Solutions. Bolton-Menk.com We are a proud partner of the City of Buffalo. 23 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 BUFFALO, MN