For decades, the story of Niagara Falls’ downtown redevelopment has been filled with plans that never quite reached fruition — and at the heart of one of the latest missed chances is the DiCienzo family, the driving force behind Canadian Niagara Hotels. In his December piece for The Niagara Reporter, Tony Farina reflects on how the now-dormant Rainbow Mall could have been transformed into a vibrant destination, had the City of Niagara Falls chosen to partner with one of the region’s most experienced hospitality developers.
The DiCienzos have built an impressive binational portfolio on both sides of the Niagara River, from iconic properties like the Sheraton on the Falls and Fallsview Indoor Waterpark in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to hotels and attractions on the U.S. side. Their deep understanding of the tourism economy and consistent reinvestment in the region have helped shape one of North America’s most successful entertainment districts.
In the recent Rainbow Mall bidding process, Canadian Niagara Hotels — led by the DiCienzo family — submitted a proposal that many believe could have breathed new life into the long-idle property. Yet when the preferred developer collapsed, the city did not revisit CNH’s offer, leaving the site to linger as a symbol of unrealized potential. Farina’s article asks a compelling question: What might downtown Niagara Falls look like today if the DiCienzos had been given the reins?
Source: Chance to Redevelop Rainbow Mall Was Another on List of Missed Opportunities, by Tony Farina