BUFFALO, N.Y. — "We are here today to announce the selection of the master planning firm for the new Children’s museum at Canalside," said Peter Bergmann.

Bergmann, Explore and More Children’s Museum Board Chair, made the announcement flanked by state and city officials in front of the plan site for the Children’s Museum.

"We've selected a group called Gyroscopea that's going to create a master plan and really set the foundation for really moving forward with putting a children’s museum on the waterfront," said Bergmann.

The Children’s Museum is a major piece of the Canalside development puzzle. The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation selected Explore and More to operate the new Children’s Museum, but before construction begins the group has to submit a Master Plan and a Capital Campaign Plan.

"The private sector and the public sector are coming together to make sure this is going to be a successful project on the waterfront", said Sam Hoyt.

Hoyt is the Interim Chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.

"Soon they'll be located right here on Canalside; a destination that we know will draw a half million people already to the waterfront is just an added bonus. It's a good step in the direction of accomplishing good thing on Buffalo's waterfront," said Hoyt.

The announcement comes as the City was expected to reveal which development plan for the highly prized Webster Block would be chosen. Mayor Byron Brown says plans submitted by developer Carl Paladino's Ellicott Development Corporation and the Buffalo Sabres are both good plans, but the city needs more time.

"The mayor announced that's going to be extended. I don't think it's going to be a prolonged delay. The city council has to approve this they'll be back in September so I think if it's done in the next couple of weeks nothing’s really lost," said Rep. Brian Higgins, (D).

Explore and More also received $200,000 from the Oishei Foundation and a Community Partner Grant from Fisher Price to help with the project.

"We're looking at the completion of the Master plan and a Capital feasibility study about 12 months from now and then we'll look at construction two years after that to see the museum go up," said Bergmann.