Yeah, I know some of these reports may be out of date and such, but I want to keep the SkyscraperCity forumers updated on whats happening in good old Buffalo, New York.

BASS PRO STORE DEAL EXPECTED

Pataki Due In Buffalo Monday $123 million project key to revitalizing waterfront

By ANTHONY CARDINALE and SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporters
11/25/2004

Gov. George E. Pataki is expected to come to Buffalo on Monday morning for an official announcement that Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World indeed will be bringing a mammoth sporting goods complex to downtown Buffalo.

An official announcement about the project - whose price tag is now $123 million - would cap a 31/2-year campaign at the local, state and national levels to bring a major waterfront attraction to the foot of Main Street and the Cobblestone District.

The Missouri-based retailer would recover more than half of its investment from the public sector to renovate the former Memorial Auditorium complex on the waterfront and develop its surroundings.

"Nothing has really changed in terms of the numbers that have been talked about in the past," a local government source close to the negotiations said Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Bass Pro has been looking to start construction in early 2005 and open in late 2006. The project would include a Great Lakes-themed museum, hotel and restaurants.

A state official in Albany confirmed Wednesday evening that an official announcement will be made here Monday with the governor attending.

Bass Pro is expected to spend a minimum of $57 million on the project. The $66 million public sector incentives would be as follows:

-$31 million from the federal government for an intermodal transportation hub and parking ramp.

-$21 million from the state, from money originally allocated for the Adelphia Communications operations center that was never built at Washington and Scott streets.

-$14 million from the city and county, to donate Memorial Auditorium, gut it and prepare it for renovation as a Bass Pro shop.

"The details that were worked out in the last few weeks had to do with parking issues," the local government source added.

A key component of the agreement would be the demolition of the Gen. William J. Donovan State Office Building across Main Street from the Aud to make room for a parking garage and intermodal transportation hub.

A new off-ramp from the Niagara Thruway is part of the plan.

Bass Pro Shops President Jim Hagale has said that the Aud site at the foot of Main Street would be suitable for the Bass Pro shop as long as it was supplemented with a hotel, restaurants, stores and a Great Lakes museum of history.

The project gained a major boost recently when Congress expanded the federal business incentives program. The new HUD Renewal Communities Act triples the space in Buffalo that would be eligible for incentives and added the Cobblestone District.

"We did some very aggressive lobbying," Mayor Anthony M. Masiello said at the time. "It's a tool to help Bass Pro, but also other investors interested in the inner harbor."

Masiello could not be reached to comment Wednesday.

Six months ago the Empire State Development Corp. offered an incentives package of up to $80 million to lure Bass Pro Shops to Buffalo. A proposed "memorandum of understanding" was drafted but many details remained unsettled.

The Aud conversion is expected to produce a 150,000-square-foot sporting goods store, twice the size of the Galyan's sporting goods store in Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga.

City officials hope Bass Pro's trademark interactive ambience would draw as many tourists as it would shoppers. Bass Pro Shops in other regions have huge fishing tanks that let anglers try out equipment, shooting ranges for gun enthusiasts and in-store golf ranges.

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FEDERAL COURTHOUSE UPDATE

A $100 million dollar federal courthouse project in downtown Buffalo is on hold for a second time because of budget problems.

The Niagara Square project originally was scheduled for a fall 2004 construction start. Now it's been pushed back to fall 2006 or later.

Dick Cirelli of the federal Office of Court Administration says budget problems have led to a two-year moratorium on 42 courthouse projects.

U-S District Judge William Skretny says Buffalo court officials are very disappointed. He says it's an important project for the community as well as the Western District courts.

The proposed 10-story, semi-elliptical courthouse was designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox. It would be built on the northwest side of Niagara Square across from the Statler Towers.

DOWNTOWN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS:

Downtown condos planned
James Fink
Business First

A new residential project slated for the 700 block of Main Street in downtown Buffalo has officials excited.

Make that very excited.

Local developer Michael Joseph has acquired a vacant parcel that once housed the Schmidt's Collision and Glass operations along with a neighboring lot just behind the Main Street land, with the intent of building condominiums on the site. Joseph put the parcels under contract on Oct. 12. Terms were not disclosed.

The deal doesn't impact the Schmidt's operation at 555 Pearl St., which will remain open.

The impact of the deal goes well beyond bricks and mortar.

It is the condos that have officials excited.

The condo project is the first one slated for downtown's Main Street spine in more than a decade and comes at a time when the central business district has seen a wave of older buildings converted into apartments.

"It tells me that the market has matured and is ready," said Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello.

Condos, by their nature, create a stronger downtown. Since the residents own their own living quarters, the thinking goes, they develop a stronger sense of community.

"Condos create a true neighborhood," said Michael Schmand, Buffalo Place Inc. executive director. "This is the next step we've been waiting for in downtown."

For Joseph the Schmidt's parcels represent the next stage in his personal development plan for downtown Buffalo. Joseph owns the Ansonia Center, a mixed-use office/residential building he bought a decade ago.

Joseph has also won acclaim for converting the historic former Sidway Building at the corner of Main and Goodell streets into the upscale Sidway Apartments. The Sidway Apartments has 67 units with nearly 60 under lease. The building debuted earlier this year.

Joseph said he is still fine tuning his plans for the Schmidt's parcels. The Main Street property was demolished and cleared by the city earlier this year.

The developer said he plans on demolishing the remaining portion of the Schmidt's property to clear the way for his condo project.

The actual square footage and number of condos will be determined by Joseph's final architectural drawings.

Joseph said his goal is to price the units under $200,000.

As for the condos instead of apartments, Joseph said he feels the downtown market is ripe for people looking to own, not rent, their residences.

"I want to test that market," he said. "I think downtown needs owners and not just renters."

Depending on the success of the Schmidt's project, Joseph may continue with his development plans along the 700 block.

Masiello said he is encouraged by Joseph's plans. The project is the latest in a series of residential developments that have come on the downtown Buffalo scene in the past few years.

The list includes the Ellicott Lofts, the Belasario and the conversion of the former Holling Press building along Washington Street. Last week, developer Carl Paladino said he is converting a portion of the former Courtyard Mall and Baker Shoes buildings into apartments.

"These are all private developers doing these projects with their own money," Masiello said. "That's definitely a good sign for downtown Buffalo and the city."


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Historic hotel to become residential complex
James Fink
Business First

After going through a volatile period of uncertain ownership and an uncertain fate, the historic Hotel Lenox is headed for a new future.

The building, a landmark in Buffalo's Allentown district, is in the process of being acquired by an investment group that wants to return it to its residential roots.

A local partnership, headed by businessman Brett Fitzpatrick, has signed a purchase agreement with the Lenox's owners, the California-based Blackburne & Brown Mortgage Fund I. Terms weren't disclosed.

Fitzpatrick said shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, his group will begin working with architects and planners on possible residential options for the building.

While Fitzpatrick said they are leaning towards condos, they haven't ruled out converting the building to apartments.

"A lot depends on what the architects tell us and what comes up during the due diligence period," Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick, however, said upscale condos remain his first choice.

"I think condos is really the best use for the building," he said.

Fitzpatrick is not alone in that thinking.

Carole Holcberg, president of Holcberg Ltd. Real Estate, agrees that converting the aging hotel into condos is a perfect use.

"I can't think of any other property that is as ripe for condo conversion as that building," Holcberg said. "The Buffalo market is looking for well-located city condos."

Fitzpatrick said the deal for the Lenox caps a yearlong search for a downtown Buffalo residential deal. They had considered a number of high-profile buildings.

The eight-story building comes with a large parking lot, although Fitzpatrick said they may end up decking the lot to increase the parking capacity.

Fitzpatrick said the Lenox name will remain attached to the building.
"No matter what we do, it will be called the Lenox," he said. "We are very mindful of its history."

The Lenox was constructed in 1896 with an opulent design by the noted firm of Loverin & Whalen. The building's upper floors provide panoramic views of Buffalo, the Niagara River and Canada.

The apartments were later converted into hotel rooms for the Pan-American Exposition and have remained that way.

When the hotel was in its prime, it's guest list included the likes of Harry Belafonte, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Henry Fonda.

The hotel's eighth floor was, for many years, one of Buffalo's swankiest restaurants, known then as the Skyview Room. The restaurant was later converted into a hotel room.

In more recent times, the hotel had been owned by businessman Robert Freudenheim. The hotel was turned over for a foreclosure sale in October 2002 by Blackburne & Brown, the Sacramento-based mortgage holders.

Blackburne & Brown were the sole bidders, offering $2.49 million for the beleaguered property, which remains an operational hotel, whose main clientele are displaced homeowners and renters and some performers for Studio Arena Theatre and students at D'Youville College.

Since that time Blackburne & Brown has been actively seeking buyers.

"Our goal is to put together a project that fits in well with the neighborhood," Fitzpatrick said.


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Bergers becomes Belesario
A downtown Buffalo landmark is reborn as an upscale apartment building
James Fink
Business First

Vision became reality on Palm Sunday. That's when the Belesario welcomed its first apartment tenants.

The Belesario is Exhibit A in a determined effort to bring more residents back into the core of downtown Buffalo's central business district. Developed by local attorney and civic leader Carl Paladino, the Belesario represents a $6 million private-sector investment in the future of Buffalo.

"It feels good, this was a long time in coming," Paladino said.

The Belesario is more than just a building with 29 market-rate, upscale apartments. It is part of new wave of developments that could see an estimated 250 new apartment units come on line downtown during the next 18 months.

The Belesario has been a labor of love for Paladino. It has been a laborious process as well.

The Belesario is taking over the former L.L. Berger flagship department store on Main Street along the Buffalo Place pedestrian mall. Paladino acquired the property, which actually consists of series of four different structures -built at various times from the early 1900s through the mid part of the century.

The building had been vacant since Berger's closed its doors in early 1992, but even in its last years as a department store, the structure had laundry list of problems that needed to be addressed. They weren't.

The problems included a roof in serious need of repair, addressing functional matters like internal piping and cleaning walls and floors that hadn't been touched in years.

The Belesario is actually a mixed-use development. The building's first two floors have been leased to the New York State Department of Labor, who occupies about 25,000-square-feet in the Belesario.

Paladino also acquired the former Gamler's Jewelers building that sits between the Belesario and the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. Plans for the 15,000-square-foot building remain tentative, but Paladino said he would like to put some form of retail or restaurant there.

As for the Belesario, a sneak preview at the finished apartments and the one furnished one suggests that the building could be the address for downtown living. Each of the 29 units marries an urban trendiness with a healthy mixture of swank and functionality.

All of the units offer brightly lit rooms, courtesy of large department windows. Those units facing east, offer a panoramic view of Buffalo while west facing apartments give residents a post card-like scene looking out at the Niagara River, Lake Erie and Canada.

The units vary from 1,200-square-feet to 2,200-square-feet with monthly rental rates running between $1,495 and $1,995.

The Belesario has 11 two-bedroom units, 10 single bedroom units and eight lofts.

Danielle Jacobs, Paladino's daughter and leasing agent for her father's company, Ellicott Development, said seven units have been pre-leased.

All of the units should be completed by June, Jacobs said.

The heavy marketed blitz didn't start until early April and with that, both Paladino and his daughter firmly believe the apartments will be filled in short order.

"With the high end market, you can't start bringing people in until the product is finished," Paladino said. "Because all of the units are each so unique, it doesn't do it justice to have a single model." "Each unit has its own story," Jacobs added.

The genesis of the Belesario comes from another of Paladino's project, the conversion of the former University Club on Delaware Avenue into the Bellasara Apartments, a 14-unit, market rate complex.

The apartments, which debuted in 2001, quickly filled - but not with the tenants Paladino first thought. Instead of young working professionals moving in, the Bellasara attracted an older crowd including some suburban residents who wanted to move back into Buffalo.

What Paladino did with the Bellasara laid the foundation for other apartment developments in Buffalo like the Lofts at Elk Terminal and the Ellicott Lofts.

Paladino's work also set the template for other projects that are under various stages of development including the Holling Press Building and the Pierce Building.

Knowledge Paladino gained from the Bellasara was applied to the Belesario. That required changing original plans, a process that delayed the actual construction and development by a few months.

"People said they wanted more wide open spaces, so we adjusted our plans," Paladino said.

The finished product looks like something right out of the pages of "Architectural Digest."

Freshly cleaned brick along high ceilings create a wide open, yet inviting living experience.

"There's a minimalist kind of look," Jacobs said. Still, the units come with some very modern perks including all new appliances and an advanced security system.

Parking is included in a rear surface lot. Residents and patrons will enter via a covered walkway that runs between the Hyatt and the Belesario. The walkway was built in the late 1980s and has been under utilized since then.

"It's all about bringing this building back to life," Paladino said.

Paladino isn't stopping or resting on his laurels now that the Belesario is near completion.

In his pipeline is the conversion of the historic Graystone Hotel on Johnson Park into market rate apartments. The same plan is underway for the H&O Oats warehouse and former Rich Products freezer warehouse into apartments. Both are located in Buffalo, just off the I-90.

And, in Niagara Falls, Paladino is working with USA Niagara Development Corp. to convert the former United Office Building into market rate apartments.

Still, given his love of downtown Buffalo the Belesario is something special to Paladino. Very special. "I can't tell you how proud I feel," he said.


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MORE HOUSING PLANNED FOR BUFFALO'S COBBLESTONE DISTRICT

First Amherst Development

Company has unveiled plans to expand its successful Lofts at Elk Terminal residential project in Downtown Buffalo's Cobblestone District. Plans call for the construction of 48 new-build units, just west of the renovated food terminal between Scott and Perry streets. The architecture of the new-builds will take a page from the styles of surrounding buildings. Rents will range from $795 to $1,795 per month.

The Cobblestone District became the focus of much debate in the mid 1990's as plans began for the construction of a new home for the Buffalo Sabres - then Marine Midland Arena now HSBC Arena. Land requirements for the new arena called for the demolition of several historic brick structures in and around the City's Erie Canal Harbor District.

Following the completion of the new sports facility preservationists were able to persuade City officials to re-point four nearby cobblestone streets - Illinois, Mississippi, Baltimore, and Columbia Streets. Thanks to efforts of the Erie County Preservation Society, the City of Buffalo and countless volunteers a "new" Downtown neighborhood was born - The Cobblestone District.

Development in the district took off when the Lofts at Elk Terminal debuted in 2002. 52 upscale apartments are now 100 percent occupied. Plans for the new building call for two-bedroom units, a workout facility and common room space. The expanded residential project is estimated to cost $10 million.

HEALTHNOW RE-LOCATION TO DOWNTOWN?

SCHUMER URGES HEALTHNOW TO MOVE HEADQUARTERS & 1,200 EMPLOYEES TO DOWNTOWN BUFFALO

Canisius College is scheduled to take over HealthNow's current Buffalo headquarters, forcing company to relocate; HealthNow prefers to stay in Buffalo but has not committed to moving downtown, and has no concrete plan or site

Schumer says moving new facility to Buffalo's central business district could give area huge shot in the arm; New influx of jobs would bring as many people downtown as Adelphia deal that fell through because of corporate scandal

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged top officials at HealthNow (formerly Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Western New York) to move their Buffalo headquarters currently located near Canisius College to the city's downtown business area when it relocates over the next several years. Although HealthNow has previously expressed a preference to stay in Buffalo, they do not have concrete plans or a site and have not committed to moving specifically to the downtown area. Schumer said working to move the health insurance company downtown is vital because doing so could bring even more jobs to the district than the Adelphia deal that local leaders had hoped would breathe new life into Buffalo's ailing business district.

"Everyone knows that the key to getting our economy moving again is jobs," Schumer said. "Well, after the bad luck we had with Adelphia, HealthNow could be just what the doctor ordered for the central business district in downtown Buffalo. With all of our elected officials on the same page, we have a real chance to bring these jobs downtown where they belong."

HealthNow currently employs 1,200 people at its Buffalo facility, which is scheduled to be taken over by Canisius College within the next five years. While the company has said it is interested in remaining in the area, no concrete plans have been made for its relocation. Schumer said that the need to lure HealthNow downtown is underscored by the failed attempt to bring a regional headquarters for Adelphia to Buffalo which fell through when the company was rocked by corporate scandal. Local leaders had predicted that the project would bring approximately 1,000 new jobs to downtown Buffalo.

In a letter to HealthNow CEO Alphonso O'Neil-White today, Schumer told the company he would work to help it move downtown. "I commend HealthNow's commitment to Buffalo and am ready to do whatever I can to bring HealthNow into downtown Buffalo," Schumer wrote. "There are a number of federal programs that can help companies like HealthNow and I look forward to working with you to make sure you are fully apprised of them."

Schumer cited several federal incentive programs he helped establish in Buffalo that could lure HealthNow downtown, including the federal Renewal Community designation for downtown Buffalo from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Companies that build or renovate in the Renewal Community (which includes a large section of Buffalo's downtown) can deduct a substantial portion of their renovation or building replacement expenses much faster than they would normally be allowed to do. While it typically takes up to 39 years to recoup renovation expenses under existing federal law, in the Buffalo Renewal Community companies can deduct those costs over 10 years or choose to deduct the first $5 million in the first year.

Under the Renewal Community legislation, the costs of cleanup and remediation in the development of brownfields sites can also be expended under more favorable terms than current law. Another incentive would enable companies to forgo paying capital gains taxes on any assets purchased within the Renewal Community. If they remain in the Renewal Community, companies will be able to claim substantial federal wage tax credits for a variety of their employees.

Companies may also take advantage of the New Markets Tax Credit, which permits investors to take a 5 percent tax credit on investments made in the Buffalo Renewal Community. Even though HealthNow, as a 501(c)(4) company under the Internal Revenue Code, is exempt from most federal taxes, a developer or redeveloper of the project can take advantage of these tax incentives and pass on part of the savings to HealthNow in the form of reduced rent and other favorable arrangements.

Schumer is currently working in the Senate to pass legislation that will expand Buffalo's Renewal Community and give companies like HealthNow even more options for a downtown location. The expanded Renewal Community would include additional sections in the downtown business district, as well as Buffalo's Outer Harbor waterfront.

OTHER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENTS:

The Washington Market Coming to Downtown Buffalo
Monday January 10th, 2005

Buffalo’s newest retail gem, The Washington Market is located at 461 Ellicott Street in a historic building built in 1890, and formally housing Lang Meats. The Markets owners, Paul Tsouflidis and Sarah Mahoney, are committed to offering the best selection of food products available in Western New York.

Lang Meats was a slaughter house that was once part of the thriving Washington Market and was comparable to today’s Supermarket. Walking through the front door of this now modern faced Market feels like an upscale gourmet market in Manhattan.

The store will feature a fresh produce section that will be supplied in cooperation with Guercio’s Produce. A wider variety of fruits and vegetables will be available including difficult to find imported varieties. Located in the front of the Market is the Acropolis Gourmet Deli which will feature prepared foods available to eat inside the Markets Café or as take home.

The Café has an upscale eating area with hardwood floors, granite lunch counter and soft padded formal booths. Above the produce section and Café is a mural depicting what the area looked like in the 1890’s, and comparing it to today’s modern skylight version. Beyond the Deli is the Market Butcher Shop where select meats will be available and cut to the customers specifications.

Hard to find meat specialties will also be available. The Market also contains a wide selection of gourmet food items from a $100 bottle of 50 year old Balsamic Vinegar to the finest imported Pasta’s.

“If our customers are looking for some gourmet item they can’t find, we would be happy to find that product for them” said Paul Tsouflidis. “Our goal is to satisfy the every need of our customers.”In addition to the gourmet items, the Market contains a large selection of grocery staples that round out your shopping experience.

“The difference between The Washington Market and others is that we will be at the Market to personally serve the needs of our customers” said Sarah Mahoney. The exploding residential community downtown will be demanding more services. Consider The Washington Market as the spark that lights the fire for downtown. We can look forward to further modernized retail development downtown.


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Project revives Main St. buildings
James Fink
Business First

After sitting vacant and mothballed since the late 1980s, the downtown Buffalo Courtyard Mall and its neighbor, the Baker's Shoes Building, will be coming back to life.

Developer Carl Paladino, whose Ellicott Development Co., purchased both buildings in the 1990s, has confirmed a joint development plan for both structures that mixes office, retail and residential under their respective roofs.

Final drawings and plans are being tweaked, Paladino said, but he expects to start work on the project next spring. Paladino said the combined projects carry an $8 million price tag.

"It's time," he said.

The buildings will be anchored by four stories of apartments in the upper floors of the Baker's Shoes building. Depending on final architectural drawings, Paladino said he expects to put between 10 and 15 units in the building.

"Everyone, these days, wants two or three-bedroom units," he said.

The size and dimensions of each unit will also depend on final drawings. Rental rates have yet to be determined.

The project is being fueled by the continued growing demand for downtown residential units. A number of residential projects have come to the downtown market including the conversion of the former Sidway building on Main Street, the Holling Press building on Washington Street and Paladino's own conversion of the former Berger's department store into the upscale Belesario Apartments. The Belesario is just down Main Street from the Courtyard Mall/Baker's Shoes buildings.

"It's contagious," said Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello. "One project leads the way for the next and the next."

Masiello praised Paladino for taking the initiative and building his mix of apartments in downtown Buffalo. "Carl Paladino is a true believer in downtown," Masiello said. "He was yesterday and he will be tomorrow."

Paladino's plans for the rest of the eight-story, 45,000-square-foot Baker's Shoes building includes keeping the first floor open for either a retail or office component. The building's second and third floors will be converted for office space.

Plans for the Courtyard Mall tie directly into the Baker's Shoes building.

The lower level of the 70,000-square-foot structure, will be used for a covered parking garage for the building's tenants.

Its two upper floors will be retrofitted for either office or retail options.


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Artspace project granted $250K
James Fink
Business First

A plan by Artspace Projects to open a downtown Buffalo facility has received a major financial boost.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Wednesday that the U.S. Senate has given preliminary approval for a $250,000 grant for the proposed Buffalo Artspace complex. Bringing Artspace to Buffalo has been a pet project for Clinton.

The Minneapolis-based Artspace is a non-profit real estate developer that creates living and work space for emerging artists. Artspace has established more than 500 groups nationwide since its inception in 1979.

Artspace representatives, in August, announced plans to bring their concept to Buffalo. They were sold on Buffalo following a two-day fact-finding trip to the city and meeting with leaders including Clinton and Mayor Anthony Masiello.

Clinton, on several occasions, has said that downtown Buffalo has the potential to be a fertile area for the Artspace concept. She pointed to areas elsewhere, such as the Tribecca neighborhood in New York, where artists moved into older and often times vacant buildings and gave them new life as lofts/studios.

"I have said time and time again I believe Buffalo is the perfect location to establish an artist homestead program, that is why I encouraged Artspace to seriously consider working here," Clinton said. "With the right tools, we can help develop Buffalo into one of the finest arts and cultural communities in the country."

BUFFALO HARBOR PLANS

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Likely outer harbor developer identified
By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
1/13/2005


A convention center, hotel, housing, sports center and entertainment venues are proposed for the outer harbor.

A development team with a $750 million sports and entertainment plan is the apparent winner of the competition to remake Buffalo's outer harbor.

The Buffalo Lakefront Development Team is the "preferred developer" choice and will be put before the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority commissioners, sources involved in the closed-door review process said.

The team, which beat out two others, brings together companies that have been involved in high-profile development projects around the country.

"They stood out from Day One as the best of the three," said a review panel member who requested anonymity.

The panel's 12-point ranking system placed the Lakefront team "comfortably" ahead of the other two contenders, who ended up "neck and neck" in the scoring, according to the source.

The Lakefront team's plan was also a winner with local residents who voted unofficially through written and e-mailed comments.

If the NFTA board agrees on the choice when it meets Jan. 24, the next steps will be to negotiate a development contract and to begin fine-tuning the plan with the help of a community advisory committee.

No timetable has been set for start of construction.

The Lakefront team's proposal anticipates $450 million in private investment and $300 million in public assistance.

The Lakefront team includes Opus Group of Minneapolis, Uniland Development of Amherst, VOA Associates of Chicago, Urban Retail Properties of Chicago and BIDCO of Buffalo. It envisions the 120-acre parcel as a series of "interconnected zones" of residential, entertainment, cultural, business and water-related activity.

The main elements of its plan include:

A 300,000-square-foot convention center.

A 3,500-room convention hotel and winter garden complex.

More than 1,000 apartments, townhouses and condominiums.

A 500,000-square-foot festival pavilion.

A 215,000-square-foot sports center.

A 150-suite hotel/water park/aquarium complex.

200,000 square feet of Class A office space.

236 boat slips.

The Lakefront team proposes a phased development strategy that would start at the Seaway Piers, progressing south to the Bell Slip in six segments over a seven-year period.

Work on public improvements, a marina, housing and the convention center would begin in the first three years.

Opus' resume includes the new 1.6 million-square-foot Best Buy corporate headquarters in Richfield, Minn.

VOA is the designer of Chicago's Navy Pier and Disney Club Hotels and Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Uniland is the Buffalo area's largest development firm. Its portfolio includes the new Niagara Center office building in downtown Buffalo and Crosspoint Business Park and Sheridan Meadows, both in Amherst.

Another source involved in the review, who also requested not to be identified, said the Lakefront team's combined resume and financial commitment to the project make it the clear choice.

"They went to the mat to demonstrate they have the financial backing to finish what they start. They are ready, willing and able to make a substantial private investment," the source said.

The review panel, which includes representatives from the NFTA, City of Buffalo, Erie County, Empire State Development Corp. and Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, had requested specific information from the teams regarding their financial stake in the huge project.

NFTA Executive Director Lawrence Meckler confirmed the panel presented its choice t the NFTA board Tuesday.

"The board members are now reviewing the recommendation and will seek further information before our Jan. 24 vote," Meckler said.

The other plans that were considered are:

The "WestEnd" plan, submitted by the WestEnd Development team led by Ciminelli Development Corp. of Amherst, envisions creation of a new "work/live" waterfront neighborhood, with emphasis on young professionals and entrepreneurs.

The Buffalo-based Norstar Development team submitted the third proposal. That plan has been characterized as the "most natural" of the plans, with significant public parkland, about 700 residential units and an ecological-themed business center.

Even Amherst, NY (Buffalo suburb JUST north of the city) is building GEICO's new Headquarters or something:

Construction set for Geico building
James Fink
Business First

A "Who's Who" in local political and economic development circles are expected to show up for Wednesday morning's formal ground breaking of Geico regional operations center in Amherst.

Geico, last December, announced plans to construct the 250,000-square-foot building in Uniland Development Co.'s CrossPoint Business Park. The center is slated to be home to more than 2,000 workers.

Amherst won out for the Geico site, besting aggressive offers from elsewhere in New York as well as other states.

"The determined and often unseen efforts of government, public and private sectors are now clearly visible as concrete and steel begin to form the new GEICO Buffalo Office" said Carl Montante, President and Managing Director at Uniland Development Company.

Among those slated to take part in the ground breaking ceremonies include Gov. George Pataki and Tony Nicely, Geico president and CEO.

Since making the announcement, Geico has hired more than 600 employees, who are working out of temporary leased space in the Audubon New Community.

The new building will be completed next year.


© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.

wow theirs a lot more going on in buffalo than i thought go ne more renderings

BUFFALO MEDICAL CAMPUS EXPANSION CONSTRUCTION:

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BRUNO ANNOUNCES SENATE SUPPORT FOR
BUFFALO LIFE SCIENCES PROJECT
Plan Includes Funding For Equipment, Labs, Recruitment & Infrastructure Expansion

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno announced in Buffalo today that the Senate will commit $10 million towards a $40 million plan to fund an expansion of the growing Buffalo-Niagara Life Sciences complex. Senator Bruno hopes Governor Pataki and the State Assembly will also commit $10 million each and that the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Complex will raise an additional $10 million to pay for new research equipment, laboratories, research recruitment and infrastructure improvements at the complex.

At a news conference at the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Complex, Senator Bruno was joined by Senator Dale M. Volker (R-C, Depew), Senator Mary Lou Rath (R-C, Williamsville) and Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Tonawanda) to announce a plan to provide state assistance for the Buffalo-Niagara Pioneers of Science Development Fund and the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus Infrastructure Fund.

"The Senate has made economic growth, especially in biotechnology, a major priority and today's announcement builds on our efforts to strengthen and expand the biotechnology industry in Western New York," Senator Bruno said. "However, these kinds of economic development projects are on hold because the state budget is being held up over school aid for New York City. Our priority in Albany has to be to get together on a new budget that includes funding for projects such as this."

"Senators Volker, Rath, Maziarz and McGee have advocated strongly for the expansion of this complex and what we are proposing today would help make Buffalo one of the leading centers in the world for biotech research and economic development and create thousands of new jobs," Senator Bruno said. "I hope Governor Pataki and the Assembly will be supportive of this effort and will join the Senate in providing full funding for this critically important expansion project"

"The Buffalo-Niagara Medical complex is on the cutting edge of medical science and biomedical innovation that will significantly impact our lives in the immediate and long-term future," Senator Volker said. "The Senate is a major supporter of high technology endeavors that not only benefit the physical health of all New Yorkers, but our economic well-being as well. With public-private research partnerships, comes spin-off businesses, jobs and economic opportunities that benefit our region and state."

"The Buffalo-Niagara Medical Complex has made incredible advances over the years, and helped to make Western New York a major presence in international scientific circles," Senator Rath said. "Today's announcement demonstrates the Senate's commitment to making Western New York a world leader in the field of biomedical research."

"The Senate's plan to fund the expansion of these research facilities will help attract public and private investment dollars and generate thousands of high-paying jobs for the entire Western New York region," Senator McGee said. "It's another example of how New York has become a national leader in biotechnology economic development."

"The Senate is very supportive of investing in biotechnology, particularly in Western New York, and developing our region into a major force for research and new jobs," Senator Maziarz said.

Under the Senate proposal, $20 million in capital funds would be committed to the Buffalo-Niagara Pioneers of Science Development Fund for equipment and related laboratory renovations to recruit recognized leaders in science who will spearhead the continued growth of the Buffalo Life Sciences Complex.

In addition, $20 million in capital funds would be provided for the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus Infrastructure Fund to create state-of-the-art space for start-up companies that develop through the transfer and application of biomedical research to new businesses and jobs. The funds would be used to:

> Develop a parking structure to accommodate expanding employment and enhance access to the access to the institutions and businesses located in the campus;
> Create shovel-ready sites on the campus to help spur private sector and clinical research developments that will complement the large infrastructure already in place; and
> Create industrial co-location space that will bring businesses into the medical campus and provide space for life science start-up companies.

The Senate initiated the largest biotechnology economic development investment in state history with the Gen*NY*sis program. Through Gen*NY*sis, the state has invested more than $225 million in biotechnology research and development partnerships among the public and private sectors and the state's leading research colleges and universities to create thousands of new jobs across the state.

This year the Senate proposed a new program, Excell-NY, to build on the success of the Gen*NY*sis program by providing $50 million to promote venture capital investments in emerging companies, provide information and assistance related to technology transfer, private business development and employee training.

The centerpiece of the Senate's Excell-NY economic development program is the creation of five regional Excell-NY Centers for Innovation, one of which would be located in Western New York. The focus of these not-for-profit centers would be to provide emerging businesses with innovation capital and venture capital and to provide technical and business expertise to further their growth into vibrant, competitive job creating firms.

"Starting with JOBS 2000 (J2K) and continuing with the Gen*NY*sis program and the Governor's Centers of Excellence initiative, New York State has invested approximately $1 billion in biotechnology and high tech research and job creation programs," Senator Bruno said. "The success of these programs has propelled New York State into the forefront for attracting emerging high tech and biotech industries and Excell-NY will continue the kind of momentum we are seeing today in Buffalo and across the state".


--------------------------


Details emerge of Uniland's latest plan for AM&A's
By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
1/19/2005

Uniland Development's updated plans for the former AM&A's department store site in downtown Buffalo envision a smaller office tower than first proposed, with a reworked facade that pays homage to the existing structure.

Sources who have seen documents filed Friday with the Buffalo Urban Development Corp. say the Amherst developer proposes a $37 million project, with a new 230,000-square-foot office tower as its centerpiece.

In early 2004, the developer floated plans for a $40 million, 350,000-square-foot building.

Thomas A. Kucharski, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, declined to comment on the specifics of Uniland's new proposal but said he's pleased the developer continues to have a strong interest.

"They were willing to go through a formal "request for proposals' process because they have a vision for what development of this site means to downtown Buffalo, so it gives us confidence that we're making progress," Kucharski said.

The updated rendering of the building, still labeled as a conceptual design, depicts a row of balconies around the entire top floor. That feature is reminiscent of the front of the existing building.

The updated proposal also calls for adaptive reuse, rather than demolition, for the 115,000-square-foot warehouse directly behind the massive department store at 382-384 Washington St.

While no specific plans are revealed, Uniland suggests the structures could have new life as retail and residential space.

Kucharski said the next step will be to thoroughly review Uniland's submission and make sure it meets all the criteria that have been set, including the delivery of at least 250 new jobs. To meet this requirement, the jobs must come "from outside the region."

Since its initial proposal for the Adam, Meldrum & Anderson Co. store site, Uniland has said it has a "tenant in tow" that will bring about 400 workers downtown. But the developer has not disclosed the tenant's identity or location.

There has been much speculation that the tenant is a local company, which would merely shift jobs from the suburbs to downtown. If true, that would not appear to meet the "new jobs" criteria.

Uniland representatives declined to discuss the proposal until it is reviewed by local and state economic development officials.

Kucharski said he expects government agencies and Uniland to quickly sit down to work through the proposal.

As was the case with its original plan for the 377 Main St. site, Uniland is requesting a significant public inducement - $8 million in state funds, sources said.

While that amount is less than the $11 million aid package Uniland originally sought, it assumes additional public funding will be tapped for acquisition of the property, which has a nearly $3 million price tag. In 2004, Uniland had included the purchase cost, along with demolition and site cleanup expenses, which are expected to be as much as $7 million, as part of the $40 million project tab.

Friday was the deadline for developer responses; only Uniland turned in a proposal.


--------------------------


Paladino promises '05 construction start

James Fink

Business First

Work on downtown Buffalo's newest office building is expected to start this summer. That's a promise from the building's developer, Carl Paladino.

Paladino wants to construct an 11-story, 300,000-square-foot building on a Court Street parcel between Franklin and Pearl streets. The privately financed building, which has been in the planning stages for two years, is expected to be home to a number of tenants including law firms and companies with ties to court or government business.

Paladino named the building, the McGuire Building, after his long-time friend and business partner, Frank McGuire.

Construction, however, is being held up while a lawsuit filed against the project by neighbors of the Main Place Mall complex is resolved. Paladino won the initial suits but is waiting final appeals, which he hopes are settled by March or April. The suit is based on Paladino's plans and the impact it could have on the Main Place Tower-Liberty Building complex.

"If the appellate court rules by then, we can start work this summer," Paladino said.

In the meantime, the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, at its Jan. 13 meeting, was expected to redesignate Paladino as developer for one parcels that he needs to construct the building. The parcel is currently used as a parking lot.

The second parcel, also a parking lot, is owned by the estate of Clement Chen, the San Francisco developer who built the former Buffalo Hilton, now Adam's Mark Buffalo hotel, two decades ago. Chen bought the Court Street parcel with the intent of building an office tower or a second hotel there.

Paladino said he expects to close on the Chen parcel within the next week.

The McGuire Building has undergone a number of design changes from when Paladino first proposed the project in late 2003. It was originally designed to have a hotel and Class A office component mix. However, Paladino said growing demand for Class A space with larger floor plates prompted him to shift fully to a multi-tenant office building.

"There is an absolute need for a building like this in downtown," Paladino said. "We need more buildings with floor plates in the 25,000-square-foot to 30,000-square-foot range."

Paladino said he is proud that the building is being privately financed and not reliant on public sector incentives. Paladino will seek Empire Zone tax credits that are available to downtown landlords and tenants.

And to add to the excitement, new homes sales are hitting highs in Buffalo and Region!


Home sales hit record high in Buffalo region
By MATT GLYNN
News Business Reporter
1/15/2005

The Buffalo Niagara region squeaked out another record for most homes sold in a year, according to the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors (BNAR).
A total of 10,331 homes were sold in 2004, the best for any year since the BNAR began tracking the numbers in 1990. The annual total was up 95 units - or about 1 percent - from a record-setting 2003.

While 2004's total was virtually unchanged from the previous year, it was the third time in the past four years that the region has posted a full-year record for units sold, according to BNAR data.

The region's total got a nudge from 547 units sold in December, up four units from the year before. It was the lowest total for any month in 2004, but December is routinely slow for sales.

The median sale price in December was $93,000, up 16.5 percent from last year and the best figure for any December in 14 years of BNAR data. Median indicates half the homes sold for more than that figure, and half sold for less.

The average sale price in December was $108,470, up 11 percent from 2003 and the best for any December in BNAR data starting in 1991.

"This is excellent news for homeowners as property values increase, home equity rises showing a continued interest in the real estate market," said Annette Fachko, acting executive president of BNAR, in a statement.

Peter Hunt, chief executive officer of Hunt Real Estate ERA, said 2004 was his firm's best year ever. "We think it's a reflection of circumstances that are combining to create a favorable marketplace, in terms of supply and demand," he said.

Hunt said one factor that would help keep the growth going: an increase in population, particularly by people with good-paying jobs.

First-time homebuyers continue to be a driving force in the market, he said.

"The beauty of the market for first-time homebuyers is, it is affordable," Hunt said.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported on an Economy.com study of where houses are least and most affordable in the United States. Six upstate New York cities made the top 10 of its most-affordable list.

Buffalo Niagara ranked No. 6. The rankings were based on how much of a median-priced house could be bought by a household earning the market's median income.

About one-third of the homes that were sold in Buffalo Niagara in December were on the market for 30 days or less.

The number of homes listed for sale continued to climb from a year ago. There were 4,160 homes on the market in December, up 8 percent from the year before.

The region's average monthly inventory in 2004 was 4,379, up 3 percent from 2003.

It was the first time since 1997 that the average number of homes on the market increased from the previous year.

Here's a couple of pictures of where the new HealthNow headquarters in downtown Buffalo will be:

http://www.buffalonews.com/graphics/2004/12/23/actualsize/1223gasworks.jpg
http://www.buffalonews.com/graphics/2004/12/23/actualsize/1223gasmap.jpg

It will be @ the site of the old gas works building along the I-190 corridor.

Here is the article (updated making sure the move of HealthNow will happen):

Insurer to build headquarters downtown
By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
12/23/2004

The former Buffalo Gas Light Co. site in downtown Buffalo will become the new home of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and its 1,200 employees.

HealthNow New York, the health insurer's parent company, announced Wednesday it prefers the parcel at 249 W. Genesee St., next to the Niagara Thruway, for its headquarters. The company plans to relocate from 1901 Main St., next to Canisius College, to the downtown site by the end of 2007.



The $100 million-plus project is billed as the largest private-sector development in downtown since construction of M&T Bank headquarters in 1967.

Alphonso O'Neil-White, HealthNow president and chief executive officer, said selection of the brownfield site in the city's downtown core reflects the company's commitment to its employees, members and the community.

"We have been a Buffalo-based company since our beginning in 1936 and indicated right from the start that finding a suitable location within the city was a priority for us," O'Neil-White said.

The health insurer researched more than 130 locations, in the city and suburbs, before selecting the downtown address. O'Neil-White cited site's suitability for new construction, its ability to accommodate a 350,000-square-foot building and a large parking garage, and ease of access from major roads.

O'Neil-White said project will fuel downtown's rebirth.

"As we did with the area around 1901 Main St. in the 1980s, we will serve as a catalyst for economic improvement," he said.

The company estimates the development of the site, plus relocation of its 1,200 workers, will have a total economic impact of $1.9 billion annually.

In taking on the former gas works site, HealthNow will face a mandatory cleanup of the five-acre parcel, which is known to be contaminated with residue from a 19th century operation that turned coal into gas to run the city's street lamps.

Neither HealthNow nor National Fuel Gas, which owns the land, would comment on terms of the deal, expected incentives or details of the required cleanup. But sources close to the talks said National Fuel will contribute $8 million for cleanup costs.

The sources also said the state Department of Environmental Conservation has given preliminary approval to a reclamation plan that will involve removing contaminated soil from the site.

HealthNow also is expected to receive a state incentive package valued at $17 million. That aid will consist of cash, Empire Development Zone and Community Renewal benefits, brownfield reclamation funds and historic preservation credits.

HealthNow has been evaluating potential sites since October 2002 when it announced it would relocate from its Main Street home, which Canisius College needs for campus expansion.

Mayor Anthony M. Masiello, who has long pressed National Fuel to reclaim the site for productive use, said he was "nothing short of ecstatic" about the headquarters decision.

"This speaks volumes about HealthNow's commitment to this community, and I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome them to downtown," Masiello said. "Not only will we get the energy and vitality of bringing another 1,200 workers downtown, we're going to see remediation of a brownfield site and revitalization of an historic site."

While most of the site's original, mid-1800s buildings were razed in 2000, a 160-foot-long, gray stone facade remains on the property. The historic remnant is expected to be incorporated into the new headquarters.

National Fuel spokeswoman Julie Coppola Cox confirmed the utility is working with HealthNow on a purchase agreement.

"We are pleased to have been able to work with HealthNow on this effort," Cox said.

HealthNow issued a request Wednesday for proposals from developers to establish the state-of-the-art headquarters campus. Plans call for the developer to own the site and building, with HealthNow as its tenant.

Oh and here's a couple of pics of the new Erie County Security Building being constructed in downtown Buffalo:

http://img89.exs.cx/img89/5710/IMG_0476.jpg
http://img129.exs.cx/img129/3416/ECC.jpg

Mulituse building eyed on parking lot

By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
12/10/2004

Two of the Buffalo area's most aggressive developers will join efforts on a project in the heart of the city's Theater District.
Buffalo entertainment developer Mark Croce and Amherst's Uniland Development Co. will develop 470 Pearl St., now a parking lot.

The nearly one-acre parcel, which is bounded by Franklin Street at the rear, is located directly behind Shea's Performing Arts Center. M&T Bank, owner of the property, announced in July that it was interested in selling the lot, but with the unusual caveat that the new owner commit to putting it to a "higher use."

Keith Belanger, M&T's senior vice president for corporate services, said he was
confident Uniland and Croce's Buffalo Development Corp., will exceed those expectations.

"This came to us initially as two individual bids, each with a lot of potential. What we'll end up with will be even greater than the sum of the parts, and we are very pleased with that outcome," Belanger said.

Unlike Croce's prior downtown projects, which have all involved complex renovations of older structures, the Pearl Street project will involve building from the ground up, something that is Uniland's strong point.

While neither Uniland nor Croce would be specific about the plan, they confirmed that it will be a multiple-story, mixed-use commercial building with a strong parking component. Based on the real estate portfolios of the partners - Uniland with Class A office complexes and Croce with a stable of downtown restaurants and nightclubs - the development likely will blend traditional office space with a major entertainment venture.

Croce, who has long talked about reviving Buffalo's Chez Ami supper club concept, finally might have the space needed to realize that dream.

The fact that covered parking will be a key component in the new complex might also open the door to another project that has been on Uniland's drawing board for several years - a new office building at 285 Delaware Ave. That site is barely a block from the 470 Pearl St. parcel.

The Amherst developer recently revived plans to build a four-story office building on the vacant lot on Delaware Avenue next to WGRZ-TV studios but was tinkering with how to fit in on-site parking.

The M&T official declined to disclose the purchase price but confirmed that it exceed the $1 million threshold the bank had set. The property transaction is expected to close this month.

Tom Widzinski, Uniland spokesman, said Croce's downtown successes, combined with Uniland's experience developing projects, will spark "exciting possibilities" for the site.

"We're exploring a multiuse project that will complement both the Theater and Chippewa entertainment districts," Widzinski said.

Croce, who is known for racing against himself to complete projects, said this one will move on a different pace.

"We have a unique opportunity to take a prime downtown site and deliver something very dynamic for downtown and the city as a whole," Croce said. "We don't have a timetable and will take all the time we need to do a great project."

Both Uniland and Croce have had very busy years. Croce opened two new businesses, adding Laughlin's Beef & Barrel and the Warehaus to his "restaurant row." Uniland broke ground on Geico's regional service center in CrossPoint Business Park in Amherst and next month will open Niagara Center, a new office complex on South Elmwood Avenue downtown, a co-venture with Buffalo's Acquest Development.

Boy, it looks like Buffalo will put Dubai in its place - but god only knows when.

Boy, it looks like Buffalo will put Dubai in its place - but god only knows when.

What is your problem?

Details emerge of Uniland's latest plan for AM&A's
By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
1/19/2005

Uniland Development's updated plans for the former AM&A's department store site in downtown Buffalo envision a smaller office tower than first proposed, with a reworked facade that pays homage to the existing structure.

Sources who have seen documents filed Friday with the Buffalo Urban Development Corp. say the Amherst developer proposes a $37 million project, with a new 230,000-square-foot office tower as its centerpiece.

In early 2004, the developer floated plans for a $40 million, 350,000-square-foot building.

Thomas A. Kucharski, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, declined to comment on the specifics of Uniland's new proposal but said he's pleased the developer continues to have a strong interest.

"They were willing to go through a formal "request for proposals' process because they have a vision for what development of this site means to downtown Buffalo, so it gives us confidence that we're making progress," Kucharski said.

The updated rendering of the building, still labeled as a conceptual design, depicts a row of balconies around the entire top floor. That feature is reminiscent of the front of the existing building.

The updated proposal also calls for adaptive reuse, rather than demolition, for the 115,000-square-foot warehouse directly behind the massive department store at 382-384 Washington St.

While no specific plans are revealed, Uniland suggests the structures could have new life as retail and residential space.

Kucharski said the next step will be to thoroughly review Uniland's submission and make sure it meets all the criteria that have been set, including the delivery of at least 250 new jobs. To meet this requirement, the jobs must come "from outside the region."

Since its initial proposal for the Adam, Meldrum & Anderson Co. store site, Uniland has said it has a "tenant in tow" that will bring about 400 workers downtown. But the developer has not disclosed the tenant's identity or location.

There has been much speculation that the tenant is a local company, which would merely shift jobs from the suburbs to downtown. If true, that would not appear to meet the "new jobs" criteria.

Uniland representatives declined to discuss the proposal until it is reviewed by local and state economic development officials.

Kucharski said he expects government agencies and Uniland to quickly sit down to work through the proposal.

As was the case with its original plan for the 377 Main St. site, Uniland is requesting a significant public inducement - $8 million in state funds, sources said.

While that amount is less than the $11 million aid package Uniland originally sought, it assumes additional public funding will be tapped for acquisition of the property, which has a nearly $3 million price tag. In 2004, Uniland had included the purchase cost, along with demolition and site cleanup expenses, which are expected to be as much as $7 million, as part of the $40 million project tab.

Friday was the deadline for developer responses; only Uniland turned in a proposal.

There's plenty of Buffalo development talk going on HERE (http://www.skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=61788)

I know, but I'm not allowed on those forums anymore. We don't talk much about Bflo on SkyscraperCity, though, so I figured I will keep updating as often as I can when something huge comes up.

MCGUIRE BUILDING TO START CONSTRUCTION THIS SUMMER?:

Downtown developer Carl Paladino plans to construct an 11-story, 300,000-square-foot building on Court Street between Franklin and Pearl streets. Paladino would like to begin construction this summer, on the prime Downtown site that is now home to two surface parking lots.

The new Class A office building will be known as the McGuire Building and will be privately financed without the assistance of public sector incentives.

The McGuire building will be built with a larger floor plan and modern amenities that many of today's businesses find attractive. The developer expects the building to house a number of tenants including law firms and other companies with government and court connections.

BUFFALO-ERIE COUNTY MERGER?


56% in city say they're upbeat about merger
By ROBERT J. McCARTHY
News Political Reporter
1/28/2005

http://www.buffalonews.com/graphics/2005/01/28/0128a1pie.jpg

http://www.buffalonews.com/graphics/2005/01/28/0128polljump.jpg

City of Buffalo residents embrace the idea of merging city and Erie County governments by 56 percent to 33 percent, according to a poll conducted for The Buffalo News.
The results provide an early glimpse into the mood of city voters, who will play a crucial role in the fate of a merger proposition. Its passage would require separate approval by the total vote of the county's three cities and the total vote of the suburbs. Supporters hope to place the proposition on the ballot in November.

The Zogby International poll that last week questioned 401 Buffalonians partially mirrors a 2004 survey, also conducted by Zogby, which found 54 percent of city voters favoring a merger but only 39 percent of suburban voters voicing support.

The survey leads pollster John Zogby to conclude that the question of merging the city and the county will prove crucial in the upcoming mayoral election.

"The next mayor of Buffalo has to steer the city down that path," he said. "There's just not enough wealth in the city."

City residents are equally supportive of the tricky component of combining police forces. They back merging the Buffalo Police Department with the Erie County Sheriff's Department by 55 to 39 percent.

While the poll finds that Buffalo as a whole supports the concept, it still shows a major racial division. Whites favor a merger, 64 to 27 percent, while blacks are statistically even, with 43 percent opposing and 41 percent favoring.

While the pools of black and white respondents is smaller than the general survey, and its margin for error is greater than the main poll's plus or minus 5 percentage points, Zogby said, it still shows that African-Americans are wary.

"There is pretty solid backing for this across the board except for African-Americans, and that's the story of consolidation in cities north of the Mason-Dixon line," Zogby said. "This could dramatically alter the African-American power base just at a time when they're ready to elect a mayor."

A sampling of respondents' opinions highlights the split.

Delaware District resident Jennifer Guercio, 58, said balancing her own finances makes her believe that city government's failure to do the same means that new methods are needed.

"When you have your own finances and you don't have enough to cover everything, you have to cut your losses," the retiree said. "Since we all live in Erie County, why not pool all our resources together?"

But East Side resident Margaret Woods, 63, an African-American church volunteer, does not see a need for a merger.

"It's working all right the way it is for me," Woods said. "I like what I'm used to."

The merger question is already working its way into the upcoming mayoral race, but at this point, the only candidate pushing the issue is regionalism advocate Kevin P. Gaughan.

"I'm the only candidate with a platform and a purpose," Gaughan said, "and that's to stop the strangling of this magnificent city by broken and unworkable government."

Mayor Anthony M. Masiello has consistently voiced support for the concept but has criticized the proposal submitted by a citizens panel headed by former University at Buffalo President William R. Greiner.

State Sen. Byron W. Brown, D-Buffalo, who led The News mayoral poll of last week, says that he is open to a merger but believes that improving City Hall's management practices represents the most immediate challenge.

"If new management approaches are not enough, you have to be open to looking at a merger," he said. "But I would certainly like the opportunity to try and turn things around."

Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo, another mayoral contender, said he has "enormous reservations" about the Greiner Commission recommendations.

"I could quickly embrace metro government," Hoyt said, "but there's a big difference between metro government and combining these two entities. It's got to be a sensible new approach."

Other mayoral candidates have yet to weigh in on the matter, but County Executive Joel A. Giambra said the poll is "very consistent" with his own polling that he said shows countywide support at 57 percent.

"Fifty-six to 33 percent in favor without even a campaign is very encouraging," said Giambra, the most prominent among proponents of a merger. "The people of this community are emphatic about wanting to vote on their future."

Good for Buffalo. Saving 30 million a year just on a merger could get the city back on track! And 56% agree before advertisements, that's pretty good!

It's about time! :)

Yeah, I would agree with that, knowing the financial shape Buffalo is in, and I guess the question is when and if the city of Buffalo and Erie County will merge, but by the way things are going and how a vast majority seem to be in favour, I don't think it will be too far in the distant future.

Hopefully the sooner the better. Money saved is money earned I'd say.

Also a huge merger like this would probably put Buff in the top 10 most populated cities in the country. Extra federal funding could be a possibility, no?

Maybe Buffalo could make a huge turnaround....we can only hope! :)

More on the waterfront:

Kahl wants pressure on complex project
James Fink
Business First

Luiz Kahl is no stranger to applying pressure to local leaders. As a longtime business and civic leader, Kahl is usually on the delivering end of applying private sector pressure.

Now the tables have turned and Kahl couldn't be happier. As chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Kahl wants both the public and private sector to pressure him, the NFTA staff and the Buffalo Lakefront Development team to make sure the proposed $750 million waterfront development project moves from the drawing board to construction and reality.

"The buck stops here," Kahl said.

Buffalo Lakefront Development was unanimously selected Jan. 24 by the NFTA board of commissioners as the team to build on a 120-acre stretch of vacant Lake Erie waterfront land. Two other groups had submitted proposals.

The Buffalo Lakefront Development concept is an urban village concept with 143 townhouses, 300 apartment units, 580 condominiums, 380 marina slips, a protected inlet and nearly 100,000 square feet of commercial office and retail space.

Plans call for:

* a 300,000-square-foot convention center,
* a 215,000-square-foot sports center,
* a 4,500-seat theater,
* an 80,000-square-foot aquarium,
* 200,000 square feet of Class A office space
* a 150-suite hotel and 500-room hotel.

The Buffalo Lakefront Development team includes the Opus Group of Minneapolis, VOA Associates Inc. and Urban Retail Properties Co., both of Chicago and local firms Uniland Development Co., BIDCO Marine Group, Paradigm Consulting, Resource Planning Associates and Harris Beach LLC.

"I can understand why Buffalonians may look at this project as unrealistic," said Craig Guers, an Opus executive. "But I can assure you that it is very realistic."

Carl Montante Sr., Uniland president, said the development team partners are putting up $450 million.

"Our passion to fuel Buffalo's resurgence as a great city has enhanced our commitment to doing it right," Montante said.

Carl Montante Jr., Uniland vice president of marketing and Montante's son, said the project is the largest single undertaking in his company's history.

"Anyone who lives in Buffalo wants to see this done," Carl Montante Jr. said. "This project is going to give us more exposure and put us more in the public eye than anything we've ever undertaken. We know we have to make good on its promise."

Preliminary site work may start this year on the NFTA's separate but related "greenbelt" project, a public walking path and right-of-way that will circle the property. But authority officials expect to spend most of this year negotiating development pacts with the Buffalo Lakefront team.

During the same Jan. 24 meeting, the NFTA hired the Chicago-based law firm of Katten Muchin Zavis Rosenman to handle negotiations in conjunction with its own in-house legal team.

Montante said he expects to start work next year on the first phase which includes the inlet and 380 slips. Some work on the residential component may also begin.

The 120 acres stretch from the Festival Grounds at the Pier property south to beyond the Bell Slip running almost to the Buffalo-Lackawanna border. It is a highly visible parcel from the water and from Route 5 and the Buffalo Skyway.

"This creates a new legacy for the NFTA," Kahl said.

Kahl equated the pressure on the NFTA as equal to what was on it a decade ago when Buffalo Niagara International Airport was being built. Since then, the number of passengers jumped from 2.9 million in 1996 to 4.5 million last year, a 55 percent increase -- thanks to bringing such low cost carriers as JetBlue and Southwest Airlines.

"We have a track record of doing what we say we are going to do," Kahl said.

Montante said he is confident that the public will be pleased with his team's final product.

As of Jan. 25, Uniland had received interest from 25 people who want to buy into one of the complex's residential units.

The primarily residential-based urban village will be the initial focus of the development team, Montante said. The larger, "silver bullet" projects won't happen until later in the development process, perhaps as long as six to 10 years from now.


© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.

"Boy, it looks like Buffalo will put Dubai in its place - but god only knows when.
__________________
Chuck Norris's sage advice to America: "The best defense is not to offend". "

Perhaps you should heed Chuck's advice before you pass it on.

Vlad, that waterfront project sounds very ambitious and would definitely help Buffalo a lot. Probably the most ambitious project ever in Buffalo since the defunct Adelphia Tower. Thanks for the update. I only hope its a matter of time before the project begins after the approval and finances are in place, unless if they are already in place.

Yes it is a very ambitious idea.

Although I'm not liking the Convention Center aspect of it. There is currently a glut nationwide and there is space being added in NYC and a new convention center being built in Albany. I just don't want something built that's going to fail, but hey if it works out that would be even better. Who knows what things will be like a few years from now...

The sooner they get this done the better. I just hope it will integrate well with the rest of the city and not look like it's in it's own world. Plus it will bring high-rises, and that's always good :D

Hey there's an aquarium too! That's awesome! :cheers:

Planning Board OKs project on artist lofts
By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
2/6/2005

Efforts to convert a former printing plant on Main Street in Buffalo to artist lofts have cleared the first hurdle.

The Buffalo Planning Board has approved a preliminary blueprint to turn the Breitweiser Printing building at 1219 Main St. into the Sarabeth Artist Lofts.

Initially, 60 living/working units for local artists will be constructed by overhauling the industrial building and constructing a cluster of new residential buildings behind it.

Will Law of Artspace Projects of Minnesota, which is overseeing the $16 million project, said the goal is to bring the circa 1915 building back to its "original glory" with the clean-lined, modern units juxtaposed behind it.

"We plan to re-establish the main entrance, fronting Main Street, with a first-floor storefront that leads into a gallery. There'll be a lot of glass at the front and back that will let you look straight through the building to the courtyard formed by the new units," Law said.

"We think it will provide a view that reflects the past but speaks to the future."

The existing structure will house 36 units, with the remaining 24 in six new four-unit structures. The lofts will range in size from 900-square-foot efficiencies to 1,800-square-foot, three-bedroom apartments. The courtyard area between the structures will provide common space where the artists-in-residence can work, perform and garden. The first floor will offer space for a gallery, local arts organizations and arts-related businesses.

Law, whose group has overseen nearly two dozen similar projects around the country, said interest in the combination studio/residential units has been better than expected.

"We knew Buffalo has a strong, emerging arts community, but the response to this project is even stronger than we expected. So we are planning for 60 units instead of the original 50," Law said.

The expansion also bumps the expected price tag from $12 million to $16 million.

"What started off as an arts building is becoming an arts village," said Mayor Anthony M. Masiello, who invited Artspace to consider Buffalo for one of its developments. "We have so many talented and creative people in this city, and this development will give them a place to grow their art and flourish."

As the project starts to gel, work is continuing on critical funding applications. The project team has until the end of the month to submit a New York State Unified Application, which will put it into consideration for several million dollars in tax credits, grants and low interest loans.

The city has already pledged $450,000, while $250,000 in federal funds has been earmarked for the project. If the necessary funding comes through, construction will start late this year, with the first residents taking occupancy in early 2007.

Artspace has retained two Buffalo firms, Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects and Savarino Construction Services, to act as architect and construction manager for the project.

A community information session is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday in Belmont Shelter Corp., 1195 Main St., to provide information about Artspace and the Buffalo project.

ArtSpace is a great project for a section of Main Street that can use some new life. Plus it may help bridge the divide between the two neighborhoods on each side of Main- one prosperous, the other struggling.

Buffalo...get some

Ah, good to see some Buffalo talk in the SSC forums, well shitscraperpage has their forum, but that site has become a joke in my opinion, and I will keep my comments on that site to myself and to those who ask privately.

Buffalo's going through some rough times right now, I mean machanically like the merger idea, the Erie county budget and all the waterfront talk. If they can downsize government to scale, and gut that damn metro rail off main street, they might just see a big turn around.

I hit up the rail because its crap, go to Buffalo and see who rides it, and ask yourself if they are actually doing business downtown, are they living downtown, are they even employed? and shopping will suffer downtown till we get a Nordstrom mall in main place, and who knows if the rail depletes those chances.

Some "urban" gurus will tell you night and day about having this rail and how great it is...it's a burden on the taxbase (not welfare base) and is a symbol of status, not function. all the ridership numbers are whacked so NFTA can keep getting money to run it...not because its some great success. And to finish this point, a metro rail should connect the metro right? why does it stop in North Buffalo?

the Blue Cross / shield building should be interesting, and the AM&As redevelopment will be a wild one because thats prime realestate and the preservationist freaks wanna save that shitty warehouse behind it.


Dont worry, you all will see more of my comments on this stuff as time goes by...thats if these folks don't can me too (lol) and if that happens, Im gonna create my own scraper site. Keep Rockin' your metros out there!

hey buff, long time no see. welcome back man. :)

Buffalo...get some



the Blue Cross / shield building should be interesting, and the AM&As redevelopment will be a wild one because thats prime realestate and the preservationist freaks wanna save that shitty warehouse behind it.


Dont worry, you all will see more of my comments on this stuff as time goes by...thats if these folks don't can me too (lol) and if that happens, Im gonna create my own scraper site. Keep Rockin' your metros out there!


Sorry Buff. Can't disagree with you more on the AM&A's site. It is those older buildings that make Buffalo unique. Buffalo has worked very hard for many years to eliminate its uniqueness, its one strength. those buildings represent one of the few intact blocks from that era. It will be a very short sighted decision if they put up some crappy cheap new building in its place.

I am not saying that new is necessarily crappy but based on the track record of those who have shown interest I am not holding my breath for high quality. And the idea that Buffalo needs to tear down buildings to create room for develpment is just plain idiotic!

The AM&A's site is going to be an interesting discussion over the next few months. Its the classic debate of development vs. preservation. Throw in a greedy owner, a somewhat crooked RFP process, and a connected developer and you have a classic battle shaping up.

My take on it is to try to save the Washington Street facades. They're designed by EB Green who has done some of the best work in Buffalo. I'd also like to see the Washington Street warehouse saved. I believe it is terra cotta or maybe even glazed ceramic? It would make an awesome residential conversion. I can't see tearing it down for more parking when you have the ramp right across the street. Anyone have any Uniland connections- I really want to see their new proposal! If they really have a tenant with 250 jobs in line, I say let them have at it. But if they're seeking $8 million in subsidies, then it better be a great project.

The pedestrian mall needs to go. It won't be the savior of downtown, but it can only help.

guys Im not saying that EB Greens building on washington is a dump, they are all really nice on washington, and if the Uniland folks can some how incorporate them into a new "impressive" modern on Main Street, then both sides win.

That was a good comment on that warehouse, and Buffalo has alot of lots as well downtown, I guess it depends on the owners, the urban renewal planners and just capitalism all together (who wants to sell or develop)?!

I like the looks of old Buffalo, dont get me wrong, but I do think that they are saving some shit as well here...I mean just because something was designed by a guy who designed nice buildings 100 years ago does not always mean that the building can be reasonably made hi-tech so that Buffalo can grow downtown, some can, some can not. And Buffalo also has some giant old classics, and some oddities as well (Dun, Guaranty, Brisbane) at the same time alot of people would like to see a Key Center or a Bank of America Tower type building here...something that looks impressive and has function.

Either way, if we all keep our heads up...do our research and see the future Buffalo is gonna come back...and we can all say we watched it happen.

whats up mancuso? lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/BATAVIA/IMG_3811.jpg

guys Im not saying that EB Greens building on washington is a dump, they are all really nice on washington, and if the Uniland folks can some how incorporate them into a new "impressive" modern on Main Street, then both sides win.

That was a good comment on that warehouse, and Buffalo has alot of lots as well downtown, I guess it depends on the owners, the urban renewal planners and just capitalism all together (who wants to sell or develop)?!

I like the looks of old Buffalo, dont get me wrong, but I do think that they are saving some shit as well here...I mean just because something was designed by a guy who designed nice buildings 100 years ago does not always mean that the building can be reasonably made hi-tech so that Buffalo can grow downtown, some can, some can not. And Buffalo also has some giant old classics, and some oddities as well (Dun, Guaranty, Brisbane) at the same time alot of people would like to see a Key Center or a Bank of America Tower type building here...something that looks impressive and has function.

Either way, if we all keep our heads up...do our research and see the future Buffalo is gonna come back...and we can all say we watched it happen.

whats up mancuso? lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/BATAVIA/IMG_3811.jpg


Buffalo has enough vacant downtown land to support many "modern" shiny buildings and the oportunity is there to build any shiny new building that any city its size has. What it can never do is replace the buildings from its history that are removed. Stupidity has eliminated many valuable buildings in Buffalo which could be fueling its rebirth. The Pheonixs and Charlottes of the world can never reproduce what Buffalo has. Buffalo should not try to model istelf on the bland sprawly office park theme park cities that are in vogue today. That trend is not going to last.

The best downtowns are dense jumbles of new and old buildings with a lot of street life. Buffalo has successfully eliminated the street life and is now still trying to eliminate the older buildings.

The build it no matter what idea in Buffalo has resulted in some real clunkers. It would be a shame to knock down these quality buildings packed with history in favor of a smaller ticky tacky building and another parking deck.

Come on Buffalo! You have to wake up at some point. Other historic cities capitalize on their historic buildings. You know, not too long ago they wanted to tear down the Guarantee builiding and they used the same damn arguments as they are using for AM&As. " We need shovel ready sites, It is outmoded, it is too expensive to renovate" One of the most important buildings in architectural history came within inches of being demolished!!! Buffalo had already allowed the Larkin Building to be destroyed and still had not learned anything!

One of the last dense street walls left in Buffalo
http://ah.bfn.org/a/main/377/image/17.jpg

http://ah.bfn.org/a/main/377/image/18.jpg

Very rare early modern architecture in Buffalo
http://ah.bfn.org/a/main/377/image/12.jpg

I see great potential in these buildings. They add great diversity to the street http://preserve.bfn.org/bpr/spr04/1/image/05.jpg

http://preserve.bfn.org/bpr/spr04/1/image/08.jpg

A very nice corner building was just recently destroyed for no good reason
http://preserve.bfn.org/bpr/spr04/1/image/12.jpg

Check out some of Uniland's typical projects
http://uniland.com/search_results.cfm?city=Buffalo%20District&type=&minimum=&maximum= (http://)

I totally agree that these buildings are awsome, but there is some stuff that makes no sense (at a owners standpoint) to retain. If they can build a new building for 20mil, and spend 1mil a year in utilities...or pay 10mil for renovations and spend 3mil a year in utilities, why would they not build new and more efficient?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying tear the city down and start over, I'm just saying that it's possible that we are over extending the "landmark" excuse. Yea there are alot of parking lots, and the owners of them are making alot of cash, and until the city declares eminent domain for development, there will be no pressure on them to develope.

The Buffalo Niagara Convention Center completely ruins Ellicotts street plan, as well as the Hyatt and Main place mall, and when you mess with the natural or birth design of the city grid, it messes with you later on...see.

lets face it, Buffalo is still doing good, we have a load of old classics, and everything else in between. I think some new Good stuff is Key Center, City Centre Condos, and M&T tower (Yamasaki). Some newer but BLAH stuff includes HSBC, Rath, and Bank of America.

Anyone seen anything as far as what they are looking to build for Blue Cross?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%20Arena%20Skyway/IMG_3138.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%20Government%20District%20and%20Cathedral%20Park/IMG_3149.jpg

man, if buffalo had a healthy economy, i would have moved there instead of houston. the city has so much potential.

I read this on a planning website and thought I'd share- its a topic that seems to be an ongoing controversy in Buffalo. We'd be wise to listen. I'm just listing one of the ten, the remainder can be found at the link below.

Making Better Places: Ten City Design Resolutions

6. Save That Building

How many buildings do we need to tear down before we learn our lesson? Almost every city that deeply regrets the 1960s destruction of its 1900s structures is happily permitting the 2000s destruction of 1940s structures. Need the march of time only confirm our current ignorance? Historic preservation may be our best way to respect our ancestors, but it is justified on economic terms alone. Don Rypkema reminds us that in market economies, it is the differentiated product that commands a monetary premium. This is why cities like Savannah and Miami Beach can point to historic preservation as the key ingredient in recent booms. It isn't always easy to find a productive use for an empty old building, but tearing it down makes that outcome impossible. In these cases, remember the old adage: "don't do something; just stand there!"

Link:
http://www.planetizen.com/oped/item.php?id=141

Blue Cross- they selected Duke as the developer. Kind of scary since they appear to be primarily a suburban developer, though they do have some high rise projects in Cincy and Indy. Including one that looks like AM&As strangely enough:

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=100907

I would be willing to bet hands down that if the Taxes in Buffalo are the key ingredient to it's image and lack of growth. If the taxes where more reasonable, you would see competition between top developers to make the biggest possible icon in the city everytime. They would have tenants ready before construction, and would be able to develope both parking lots and classics. So when we talk about success in development, lets also include the burden created by taxes and Buffalo becomes the case study.

There is no reason for the taxes here, they benifit only the socially dependant now, the common payer carries more than their own weight.

Taxes, that why Buffalo looks the way it does...part run down with crime, and partly government financed construction projects, very little from the private sector.

Let Giambra get his way...let the merger happen, and get the morons out of city hall!

BuFF

I would be willing to bet hands down that if the Taxes in Buffalo are the key ingredient to it's image and lack of growth. If the taxes where more reasonable, you would see competition between top developers to make the biggest possible icon in the city everytime. They would have tenants ready before construction, and would be able to develope both parking lots and classics. So when we talk about success in development, lets also include the burden created by taxes and Buffalo becomes the case study.

There is no reason for the taxes here, they benifit only the socially dependant now, the common payer carries more than their own weight.

Taxes, that why Buffalo looks the way it does...part run down with crime, and partly government financed construction projects, very little from the private sector.

Let Giambra get his way...let the merger happen, and get the morons out of city hall!

BuFF


It is partly a catch 22. The prosperous south western cities scoop up the creame of the crop and leave behind a concentration of extremely poor and uneducated. So the result is a burden for the remaining educated and motivated people to pay the price. In a wierd way Buffalo pays for the poor so that the Southwest can have lower taxes.

It is like a national version of white flight to the suburbs. Leave the poor in the city so we don't have to think about them. Just in this case it is leave the poor back in the north east so we don't have to think about them.

yes you are right, but if it's a catch 22, they need to lower taxes and become a southwestern or southeastern city in concept...I mean, if they continue to overtax, overspend and do nothing but dream...then alot of our northern champions will fade far into something like...Erie PA or Dayton OH?

We all on this website must have half a damn clue, we have figured out that our taxes are too high and slow if not reverse growth...and the more educated the public becomes on the issues in their metro, and the gov't of which runs that metro...we should see some progress, it all starts here.

Don't mind me, I'm unpopularly fiscally conservitive...but I can atleast explain my plans...lol

^ all of upstate new york is plagued by high taxes and incompetent politicians. :bash:

^ all of upstate new york is plagued by high taxes and incompetent politicians. :bash:

What else is new?

I see that apparently Erie County are going to lay off a huge number of its county workers, thus preventing an even higher tax increase in the county and city, which might or might not be a good move, depending on how you look at it. I kind of look at it as a possible small step towards a city-county merger (?) and the hope that the local government is becoming aware of the high taxes problem, and will do everything it can (and will) to keep taxes where they are or even lower them. "Incompetent" certainly does describe a lot of the hard-working and stressed politicians in New York State.

My thread I have created is now STICKY! That's good, because, IMO, any sign of good news for Buffalo will always be welcome! :) Same goes for any city!

Buffalo just has more to offer than what it has in the last 30 years, and NYS has created a bad socialized mess that is dragging down Buffalo, NYC and everything in between.

I bet we see the workers get laid off, and unfortunate it will be at that level, it will be a big boost for the county...and there is alot of talk about the merger, which is supported by a clear margin of 10-20% in Erie county, and thats a running figure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%20Skylines/IMG_3960.jpg

Here is the AM&A's building in better times for Buffalo, 1960 and downtown was hopping

http://wnyheritagepress.org/features/ama_1.jpg

actually they signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the deal today...which is a critical step.

taxes stay the same and they are cutting county jobs...I Love this! it's just what needs to be done...and it wont take long to see the positive effects of this.

Bass Pro Deal Signed For Buffalo

Created: 2/16/2005 3:56:35 PM
Updated: 2/17/2005 12:16:55 AM

Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday with Bass Pro and Empire State Development Corp., to bring an Outdoor World store to the city's vacant Memorial Auditorium.

"Things are starting to change here in Buffalo when you have a national retailer like Bass Pro," said Mayor Masiello before adding his signature to the document.

It is not a guarantee the store will open in 2007 as planned, but it lays the groundwork for the deal, including the demolition of the Donovan State Office Building within 18 months, and Bass Pro coming up with final plans within nine months.

"It's not a done deal," said Tom Kucharski with Buffalo Niagara Enterprise. "It is a major commitment on behalf of Bass Pro and all the government partners that they're going to spend money now."

The deal must be approved by Buffalo's Common Council.

"The council has not seen any details and we'll go over it carefully, but the council has already passed a resolution in favor of the Bass Pro project," said Common Council President David Franczyk.

Bass Pro founder Johhny Morris made an announcement in Buffalo back in November that the company planned to build a 250,000 square foot Outdoor World store in the old Aud.

"I can't think of any one where on one side of the store we've got parking garages, and out the back door you got a chance to catch 100 small mouth bass in a day," Morris said.

It took two and a half months for the memorandum of understanding to be signed.

"This has been a long, difficult deal," said the Mayor, who denied that the deal had anything to do with Tuesday's vote by the Erie County Legislature against a sales tax increase.

Some had feared the potential for a sales tax hike, and the ongoing budget work, could scuttle the deal with Bass Pro.

"We're very comfortable that it is going to happen and there's nothing in jeopardy from the city/county side," Mayor Masiello said.

The deal gives $66 million in public incentives to Bass Pro, including the cost of gutting the Aud. Of that, the city and county are to chip in $14 million. The money will come from $14 million in bonds floated by the county. The city and county still have to work out what percentage each will pay back on those bonds, according to Masiello's staff. They said they are confident the sales and property taxes generated by the store will cover the cost.

During a separate news conference today, Erie County Executive Joel Giambra said the county's recently decreased credit ratings could hurt the deal.

"Hypothetically, if we lose access to short term and long term credit markets, our participation in Bass Pro is going to be severely impacted," Giambra said.

However, Erie County Comptroller Nancy Naples said the picture is not that grim. "If we had to go for that bond money tomorrow, I'd be concerned," Naples said. She said it will likely be months before the county floats the bonds, and by then the county's credit rating will, she hopes, improve. Othewise, it will cost the county more to borrow the money.

The agreement signed by the mayor calls for the Donovan State Office Building to be demolished within 18 months to build a parking ramp and transportation center connected to the Bass Pro store. He said state agencies have been notified they will have to be out by the end of the year.

Buffalo's Bass Pro deal was more than three years in the making. If it happens, it will be the third largest in the chain's fleet, and will include a hotel, restaurant, Great Lakes-theme museum, and combination parking garage/transportation center at the Donovan building site. The store would employ 400.

The $123 million project includes at least a $57 million investment by Bass Pro.

The "M.O.U." calls for the store to open in spring, 2007.

"We have a signed document by all the parties, and I assume 12 to 14 months from now we'll have a shovel in the ground," Mayor Masiello said.

It is anticipated the store will attract as many as three million visitors and generate $14 million a year in sales tax revenue.

Bass Pro recently opened locations in Toronto and in the Finger Lakes Mall in Auburn.

Three bits of good news in the February 2nd real estate closings:

'Washington Condos' bought 504 Washington Street for $125,000; I beleive its the Flint-Kent building, a seven story, very narrow building almost across from the Holling Place Lofts project. Good news for that area of downtown- now if the rest of the 500 block of Main was redevloped....

112 Genesee Street was sold for $90,000 to 112 Genesee St. LLC- that is Steve Calvaneso. He's talked of plans to renovate the four story building into an office for his restaurants and a couple of apartments on the upper floors. This builds off the Ellicott Lofts around the corner and the Genesee Block (hopefully finally seeing some progress towards reuse) across the street.

470 Pearl Street was sold for $1.2 million by M&T Bank to 470 Pearl LLC (Uniland and Croce). Not bad for a vacant lot! Hmmm- surprised Uniland didn't ask for a subsidy for that purchase like it wants with the AM&A's site. They've talked about an office and entertainment project. IMO- residential makes more sense for the Pearl Street side.

So can anyone tell me how they feel about the Erie county budget cuts?

I just watched the whole thing unfold, and I am actually suprised that they didn't raise the taxes. Buffalo/Erie County is beginng to become aware of it's failed overspending and now I think we are seeing those people in Erie County, both republicans and democrats take action.

So services will be cut, and most of the problems will only be concurred by those who are service dependent (ie...mass transit, community group funding, County employees not mandated by county charter) This is the right direction for the county and if the merger didn't seem like a bright idea before to some people, wait till we see what this will do to the idea.

Buffalo is in a budget crisis, Erie county as well, they both need cash and both have been forced to cut spending, this has been highly publicized and given much media attention for the last couple years. IMO people are going to remember these budget issues and combined with the amount of savings the merger will add up to (est. 30 mil /yr) this will be a success and Joel Giambra will have changed Erie County, and punked out Maciello and taken Buffalo back to the top...the whole time playing a big trick on the politically weakminded.

Buffalo is moving forward, and doing so fast and quite well in most aspects, they have some gound to make up and in the next couple years...mark my words we will see the merger metro make gains and begin a successful turnaround.

I've been following the drama from a distance and also reading some of the local message boards. The common thinking is that 'this will show the elected officials'. While reducing taxes and shrinking government is great- this crisis hasn't solved anyting. Since Medicaid costs continue to rise, this is only a stop-gap measure. Whats left to cut next year? Is the public really going to allow all these services to be axed? Until the Medicaid crisis is solved and structural changes are made (i.e. consolidation of local government AND schools), its still a sinking ship. However if anything, the public has finally woken up and changes are LONG overdue.

Life will go on- it always takes a crisis for any change in WNY- see the NFTA shut-down a decade or so ago or the control board in Bflo. Hopefully this is the straw that changes everything. I'm not overly optimistic unless Albany changes too. But, Buffalo is on a roll: finally but slowly.

medicare...lol yea...you hit it.

The costs there are state mandated and thats what drags every county down in NYS.

reforms need to be made.

504-12 Washington Street- future loft project....
http://img105.exs.cx/img105/8066/50412washington7ks.jpg

So can anyone tell me how they feel about the Erie county budget cuts?

I just watched the whole thing unfold, and I am actually suprised that they didn't raise the taxes. Buffalo/Erie County is beginng to become aware of it's failed overspending and now I think we are seeing those people in Erie County, both republicans and democrats take action.

So services will be cut, and most of the problems will only be concurred by those who are service dependent (ie...mass transit, community group funding, County employees not mandated by county charter) This is the right direction for the county and if the merger didn't seem like a bright idea before to some people, wait till we see what this will do to the idea.

Buffalo is in a budget crisis, Erie county as well, they both need cash and both have been forced to cut spending, this has been highly publicized and given much media attention for the last couple years. IMO people are going to remember these budget issues and combined with the amount of savings the merger will add up to (est. 30 mil /yr) this will be a success and Joel Giambra will have changed Erie County, and punked out Maciello and taken Buffalo back to the top...the whole time playing a big trick on the politically weakminded.

Buffalo is moving forward, and doing so fast and quite well in most aspects, they have some gound to make up and in the next couple years...mark my words we will see the merger metro make gains and begin a successful turnaround.


The problem is they do not eliminate the unneeded burocrats and layer and layers of unneeded workers. What they do instead is eliminate parks and grass cutting and other infrastructure t. They have a 13 story building plus several others that are loaded with patronage.

Another thing nobody talks about are the services that the county gives to the wealthy towns free of charge at the expense of Buffalo. The same towns that complain about Buffalo's constant needs for what they call "Handouts" ... these are the towns that suck up most of the County services. For instance Cand Orchard Park etc. The county does not maintain ANY roads inside Buffalo! Why do these same far flung towns get free police services via the COonty sheriff. Why does Orchard Park get free parks via Chestnut Ridge Park on the county dole? Also why does Buffalo sholder ALL of the burden of supporting and educating the poorest people in the region. Why does the poorest municipality take on the responsibility of funding the cultural intitutions which are used by the entire community?

Something big needs to change. This will not happen untill the people in the suburban twons learn to have a nuchual responsibility for the entire region.

Developer of M. Wile, Trico buildings has died

Stephen B. McGarvey, the Erie, Pa., developer who rejuvenated the former M. Wile building and was tackling the former Trico industrial complex, has died at 36.

Financial problems made McGarvey decide to partner with Paul Ciminelli of Ciminelli Development Co. in Amherst to jump start the stalled Buffalo projects. The deal did not close before McGarvey's death, but Ciminelli said it will not stop progress on the buildings.

"We plan on moving ahead and not letting this set us back, and we will carry out Steve's vision," Ciminelli said. "He was very driven and never let his physical inability affect what he did."

The Trico site, which is now called Century Centre, has 580,000 square feet with on-site parking and is near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. While the interior is half-completed, it could accommodate tenants who want as much as 80,000 square feet on one floor. Most city buildings have much smaller floors, often forcing tenants to have staff and operations on several floors.

McGarvey envisioned commercial tenants on the first few floors of the Trico building and lofts on the top two floors.

The former M. Wile plant, now called Century Centre II, has 160,000 square feet of commercial space and is 80 percent leased.

http://img125.exs.cx/img125/9360/mwile8df.jpg

http://img240.exs.cx/img240/253/trico3en.jpg

I wonder if Ciminelli is still considering residential at the Trico Building.....

I have no doubt that Ciminelli will continue progress on the location...being right next to the medical campus gives it a big edge in tenant leasing.

As for the budget, I can finally say I am hearing pro-development folks talking very conservitive in a liberal NY state city (WOW!!!) lol There is alot of these patronage jobs that are sucking up cash quicker than rick james snorting a line of coke. In my opinion there are still too many firemen and police officers sitting at desks instead of doing the job at hand, and 90% of all these "admin" support jobs need to go...these are the people who also take a big cut of the pie without actually justified purpose. The reason Buffalo has to pay for its own police and roads and all the finer stuff which villages and towns get from the county coffers is the fact that Buffalo is a City, and in the city charter they are responsible for all that under their own budget. They also get seperate federal and state aide.

This merger is making more sense all the time huh?

I'm thinking I would like a loft downtown, anyone have ideas on prices???

They need to tackle the school issue. Too many districts and too much administration. And unless Erie succeeds from NYState- count on a tax raise next year. Medicaid costs and every other cost will continue to rise and though some would like to believe that Bflo will now boom since a sales tax increase was halted, it won't happen.

Lofts- everything to date has been rentals. I think the Sidway is the cheapest of the new and there is a waiting list. Prices start at $700-ish if I recall correctly for a one bedroom. Bergers, Ellicott Lofts and Elk Terminal are more expensive. Holling Place is supposed to be cheaper but it may also be income-restricted since they used tax credits. Clover is planning condos in the 700 block of Main and the BenLin warehouse might also be for-sale units when they go on the market. Check out the St. Mary's Square condos (Elmwood and Edward)- they can be had for under $100k, relatively small square footage, but they have high ceiling and exposed brick walls. Anyone seen the new addition to Ellicott Lofts- the new construction is a great match to the building renovated that houses Washington Market.

I have no doubt that Ciminelli will continue progress on the location...being right next to the medical campus gives it a big edge in tenant leasing.

As for the budget, I can finally say I am hearing pro-development folks talking very conservitive in a liberal NY state city (WOW!!!) lol There is alot of these patronage jobs that are sucking up cash quicker than rick james snorting a line of coke. In my opinion there are still too many firemen and police officers sitting at desks instead of doing the job at hand, and 90% of all these "admin" support jobs need to go...these are the people who also take a big cut of the pie without actually justified purpose. The reason Buffalo has to pay for its own police and roads and all the finer stuff which villages and towns get from the county coffers is the fact that Buffalo is a City, and in the city charter they are responsible for all that under their own budget. They also get seperate federal and state aide.

This merger is making more sense all the time huh?

I'm thinking I would like a loft downtown, anyone have ideas on prices???

They still get the county sevices and it does not have to come out of their town coffers. Buffalo is burdoned with taking care of the least educated and people who are least able socialialy (why do the taxpayers of Buffalo have to shoulder the education of the poorest least educatable children by its self.) I can guarantee that those repubilcans would drop school vouchers in a NY minute if they knew it meant that some inner city kid could go to Amherst East High School.

Buffalo supports places like Kleinhans Music Hall, Sheas, the Sabers, Albright Knox, several colleges and untold other non taxable properties and institurions which benefit the entire region and yet these towns collecting their free services call any aid to Buffalo a hand out.

It just bugs the crap out of me that people can sit so smugly in Amherst. The richest town in the area has never come up with one dime to house the poor or even provided one grant to a world respected institution such as the Albright Knox Art Gallery while looking down its nose at Buffalo struggling to make ends meet. The City of Buffalo holds the high moral ground. The towns need to start to see the big picture and really understand how regionalism works.

well I guess that by saying that Amherst should help pay for places like Kleinhans and Shea's, Albright Knox and D'Youville is that saying that the city of Buffalo should subsidize Boulevard mall? I personally think that if a city has a gem, and that gem leads to tourism for that immediate area...well they need to support that gem. The problem becomes that there is alot of buracracy trying to govern all these gems, and to make Erie County and Buffalo a growing region...we need this merger.

I really do feel as if the metro rail has a chance, but the key is building it to places besides poor neighborhoods. Amherst didnt want the rail, and it never went north, it does not go south and it does not go east, until Erie/Buffalo can save enough cash to extend the rail, they should consider other ways of linking the segregated metro back together.

Without Buffalo the region would not have Geico, or UB...and the first step to create demand here is to lower taxes, force out welfare and drugs and replace it with work ethic and taste for higher learning. Nobody like driving down genesee street in Buffalo...its a shithole, and I hate seeing a bunch of loosers hang out and cost me thru taxes. with more workers going off the county tit (layoffs) we should see a reduction in retirement and insurance costs...now they need to tackle drugs and unemployment...to repeat, force the tax rates to be lowered...screw the social programs.

can anyone explain to me the comment on school vouchers?

-if Amherst has schools and some kid from the east side of Buffalo wants to go there...he needs to hope that the district would bus him in, and even then, they might not pass such legislation. Plus, how long would it be before the rich would just make private schools with tuition rates so high that inner city kids could only dream?

once again, the key is taxes...cut them, create demand for business, replace the old with new and watch!

The buolevard mall pays taxes to the town. The Town makes money from the Boulevard mall. The Boulevard mall is a local asset for local use and is no different than any crappy mall in any crappy suburb in America.

The Albright Knox is a world renowned institution. It is one of the most highly respected contemporary art galleries in the world (this is not some boosterism exageration ...it is true). It is a non profit organization and pays no property taxes. It generates no income to the city so the city in essence provides an operating subsidy to the Galllery. On top of this the city has provided operating grants to the gallery and many other cultural institutions over many many years. The Gallery is a treasure in Buffalo which adds greatly to the whole metro area. It brings world wide respect to the area and in no small way plays a part in attracting business. The announcement that Geico would build in Amherst was made at the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo not in Amherst. That is not a coincidence.

The point I am trying to make is that the suburbs are built on the basis of selfishness and the talk of consolidation and regionalism is just talk. They will not accept it untill they see the benefits for themselves. Amherst does not see the benefit of aiding a place like the Albright Knox because it is not within its boarders. If they can not even support a classy joint like the AK what do you think will happen if they are asked to share their school district with kids from Buffalo?

These towns are happy to suck up free services ( for instance most of the roads in Clarence are maintained by the County and 85% of the police calls on Grand Island are made by thr County Sherriff) but ask them to give a little help to the city and they call it a wastefull handout.

http://img209.exs.cx/img209/2427/800main2kj.jpg


'Urban village' project ready for construction

A $3 million project to turn a string of derelict buildings on the 800 block of Main Street into an "urban village" has been taken out of limbo. :righton:

The project to convert the properties to 29 apartments and five commercial spaces was put on hold last fall when the state Office of Historic Preservation raised concerns about plans for interior demolitions. First Amherst Development and state preservation officials have now reached agreement on a redevelopment strategy that will save interior elements where possible.

Mayor Anthony M. Masiello and First Amherst signed a memorandum of agreement at Thursday's Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency meeting that should lead to a spring construction start.


This is a critical project for that stretch of Main- it will help bring together the Theater District, Allentown and the Medical Campus. First Amherst has a proven track record- the delay caused by the State was inexcusable.

Hey Ecoast,

You don't need to use the [img] brackets if you are linking your pics from imageshack. They put them on for you.

Interesting idea, Buffalo is now seeing beyond its borders to create some economic ties with the Golden Horseshoe, and now Halifax!?
_____
Buffalo-to-Halifax trade route seen as part of 'Atlantica'
By FRED O. WILLIAMS
News Business Reporter
2/25/2005

New York and London. Chicago and New Orleans.

Buffalo and Halifax?

Those last two cities also sit at the ends of a trade route which, but for national borders and transportation snags, could be a route to wealth for both.

That's the pitch of Brian Lee Crowley, president of the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, a free market-leaning think tank in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

"Globalism is an opportunity, but not everyone is connected," he said. "Places join the network and places fall off the network all the time."

Crowley made the remarks during a talk to the Rotary Club of Buffalo on Thursday at the HSBC Arena's Harbour Club.

Outfitted for supersized freighters too big for the Panama Canal, Halifax could shoulder more global freight now squeezing through congested New York harbor, he said. Buffalo, with its underused transportation capacity, could be the distribution point into the U.S. for Atlantic cargo.

In Crowley's view, the two cities bookend a region called "Atlantica" that extends along the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario to the Atlantic.

"Atlantica is an underdeveloped region within a wealthy continent," he said.

But trade bottlenecks at Niagara border crossings stand in the way of developing the route, as do weak rail and highway links and likely resistance from backers of the New York-New Jersey port.

Crowley is a former professor who taught politics, economics and philosophy at Halifax's Dalhousie University. His non-profit Atlantic Institute has lately been taking aim at issues like unemployment insurance reform in Canada, while chiding U.S. health policy for manufacturing the recent flu shot shortage here.

In Buffalo, some business people applauded the idea for a trade corridor.

"I believe the way we can grow our economy here is to take advantage of that (trade) infrastructure," said Pat Whalen, president of PJW Transportation Services. In past eras, being a hub of transportation on the Erie Canal and Great Lakes fueled Buffalo's industry, he noted. It was 200 years ago in March that Buffalo was designated a U.S. Port of Entry for customs purposes.

Canada hasn't taken a position on the idea, said Roger Marsham, Canada's Consul General in Buffalo, who attended the talk. Local officials from states and provinces along the corridor are meeting informally in a process that should shape joint recommendations to Ottawa and Washington, D.C.

Crowley's "Atlantica" isn't the first idea to recognize the economic ties that bind Canada with Buffalo and other parts of upstate New York. Other economists argue for treating Buffalo as part of the "Golden Horseshoe" that bends around the rim of Lake Ontario, embracing an industrial area from Toronto to Rochester.

Man, the good news just keeping pileing up and up for Buffalo, doesn't it? :)

Man, the good news just keeping pileing up and up for Buffalo, doesn't it? :)

That new trade route should help bring in business, goods, and make the city more economically important. :)

Here's the block of buildings targeted for rehab. The City had them stablized and enclosed after a fire about a year ago. They didn't think they were worth saving and the city was taken to court to block their destruction.

http://img33.exs.cx/img33/6449/800main30hh.th.jpg (http://img33.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img33&image=800main30hh.jpg)

Sorry only a thumbnail....I need to reduce the file size!

going thru some old stuff I have managed to save from the net...

There has been talk, still of Carl Paladino building that several story office building on court street, downtown.

can't remember I picked this one up...but here is a rendering, and yes it looks alot like the new office building on S. Elmwood.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/webpics/1213sketch.jpg

I've heard Paladino redesigned the building. I can only hope. The building thats rendered here is horrible. Looks like the same architect who designed the Rath Office Building. ICK A prominent site like that needs something with a little more detail in not height. :dunno:

Well on that block, which would be the very back of that building is a 8-9 story parking garage. I think that height would also be an issue if the parking ramp was taller than the building. In my opinion, it will likely look about the same, a bit more fine tuned, and maybe they will use more glass on it? lol

This is a prime spot for a skyscraper, it's between city hall and the liberty building and along court street, which is actually quite busy.

anyone finds an updated rendering, post it please.

Local construction activity up 23%

Western New York's construction sector began 2005 on a positive note, according to figures released Monday morning by McGraw-Hill Inc.

Contracts for future construction in Erie and Niagara counties totaled $73.7 million in January 2005, up 23 percent from $59.9 million in the same month a year ago.

Activity moved higher on both sides of the sector.

Residential construction in the two-county area increased by 38 percent -- at $37.1 million this January, compared to $27.0 million in January 2004.

And nonresidential activity grew by 11 percent -- at $36.6 million in January 2005, up from $33.0 million a year earlier. Nonresidential projects include stores, office buildings, industrial plants, churches, schools and hotels.

© 2005 American City Business Journals Inc.

800 Block of Main Street Images:

http://img195.exs.cx/img195/8973/800main24qc.jpg

http://img11.exs.cx/img11/6540/800main30jp.jpg

wonderful buildings, I hope that somebody can develope these gems, they are also in an area that deserves to be preserved.

See post 60, your wish is about to come true :cheers:

very cool.

OKay, I have a question...
Does anyone else feel that the Buffalo Convention Center location (the part covering Genesee Street) is a great example of stupidity in Buffalo planning?

I mean could the building allow traffic to pass under it, or actually remove that corner all together? the YMCA building, the most elegant YMCA in the US has a front door right there, but you have to go down an alleyway which used to be Genesee Street to access it. The YMCA Building is wonderful, and is a hidden gem in the Buffalo cityscape.

Bringing back Ellicotts streetplan is very important to the rebound of buffalo.

I could bring up the same idea for bringing back Shelton Square and ridding Buffalo of the awsome Rath Building (LOL) and also the loss of our Main Place Tower. I guess that is out of the question, but the convention center modification is worth spending capital dollars on, not some goofy waterfront.

well, yes!
come on, the convention center is a disaster- it was built on the cheap and in a horrible location. Its removal would be a good thing. But you also would have to deal with the Hyatt Regency if your goal is to reopen Genesee Street. They Hyatt redo would be expensive because their kitchens, ballroom, and atrium are built on top of the old Genesee right-of-way. I doubt Snyder would put up any of his money for a make-over. But I've read that he may be selling. If there was a desire to make changes, the ballrooms and other functions that would need to be moved could be put on the site of the Convention Center Parking Ramp that is being demolished. A nice big 'shovel ready' site (that everyone claims we don't have enough of- liars) across from the hotel.

A new convention center should be built behind the HSBC Atrium Bldg. at the foot of Main. Or at the Gas Works site that HealthNow is moving to. And get HealthNow on Main Street! :bash:

I have heard that the Hyatt may become the Marriott soon, that might have to do with the selling possibly. In the old pictures of Buffalo, that corner of Genesee and Main, now right where the Glass atrium is, was almost a Time Square area of Billboards and small stores...thats what Buffalo needs.

As for the Convention Center site as of present, I think its in a good location, but they should aquire a building to give the center more main drag frontage like Court Street and Delaware. The old Gas Works site will be good for HealthNow, they are going to need parking and a view, with accessibility...sorry main street is horrible for accessibility. Lets just Imagine Downtown, the waterfront, the Erie basin...all without the Skyway...wow that would open the door to some awsome pieces of property that could be developed. Accessing Downtown from the East is easy and nice, but trying to access the waterfront areas from downtown sucks...that may be one of the problems with development.

Shovel ready, half of downtown is shovel ready.

Anyone seen the graphics from the "vision of buffalo"? Awsome stuff.

Hey guys, is Buffalo still going to build that very tall 700 ft.-plus monument tower thing? It was proposed a year or two ago. :D

Hey guys, is Buffalo still going to build that very tall 700 ft.-plus monument tower thing? It was proposed a year or two ago. :D


If you are talking about the Virgin Mary arch I sur hope not! That thing is nasty looking.

Yeah, that's it. :laugh:
I didn't like it much, but it was a wild idea.
I just wondered what become of it. You know? :)

Some of Buffalo's recently completed downtown loft apartment projects


Elk Terminal Lofts
http://www.rent.com/media/property/478515/675004_w.jpg


???
http://www.wned.org/BuffaloBM/images/apartment-interior.jpg

Bellasara
http://a1724.g.akamai.net/7/1724/2850/20030925184646/images.apartments.com/propimages/108975/002/BL010232.JPG

Belasario
http://a1724.g.akamai.net/7/1724/2850/20050207204409/images.apartments.com/propimages/108975/004/OT010132.JPG

http://a252.g.akamai.net/7/252/2850/20040429133151/images.apartments.com/propimages/108975/004/BL010132.JPG

http://www.ellicottdevelopment.com/images/dynamic/Belesario/luxury%20loft%202story%20window%20view%20web%20gallery%202005.jpg

The Sidway
http://www.clovermanagement.com/apartments/ny/city/images/sidway4.jpg

http://www.clovermanagement.com/apartments/ny/city/images/sidway1.jpg


Ellicott Lofts
http://www.ellicottlofts.com/photos/loft/KITCHEN.jpg

damn- nice view of Olympic Towers from the Bergers loft! When they tear down the federal building- it'll have a waterfront view too! :)

haha, Virgin Mary Arch? lol wtf.

when they tear down the Dulski, we will likely see development right off, but from what I hear from government types, the old Federal Building might not come down at all.

These lofts are great, If I could land a job in Buffalo...I would not think twice about getting one.

lets ask a hypathetical question of all of you Buffalo Forumers...

If M&T decided to build a 700-900 footer, where would be the best spot...in your opinion?

when they tear down the Dulski, we will likely see development right off, but from what I hear from government types, the old Federal Building might not come down at all.


:badnews:

Please no! I can't see a reuse for that building unless they take off the exteriors and reclad it. The windows are too small for residential and I can't imagine any office tenant relocating to that clunker of a building. I say tear it down and use it for residential (unless the casino is built at the Statler or Conv. Center- than a new hotel would be ideal).

M&T Bank- hmm. Good question. Take down the Main/Court Bldg. and Rite Aid and put it right there on Lafayette Square. Or the lot across from the Library. Or the 500 Block of Main where the old Burger King is. Or the lot at Main/Swan next to Ellicott Square. Maybe even redevelop Main Place Mall and keep back-offices in their present HQs. :-)

Site of convention center...great old pics on that website

http://www.wnyheritagepress.org/photosofweek/convention_site.htm

thats a good shot from city hall back in '73 man...Buffalo looks so much the same IMO, lol

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/smilies/suicide.gif

That is the most disgusting avatar I have ever seen before. It's sickening! :)

I heard it was called the "Right to Life" Arch...either way they are both terrible names.

Buffcity, glad to see you posting. Haven't seen you on skyscraperpage in like 6 or 7 months.

thats because they kicked me off for being a Republican...lol

^ and they kicked me off too for my problems with Toronto and area and for me supporting Buffalo, Detroit, Rochester, Windsor, and other cities, but, hell, SSP sucks anyways, and those punks never let me back in! I deserved it, though, in a way, cursing and swearing weren't necessary, I was an idiot back then. But then again, sometimes in our lives, we can all be idiots, I guess. :)

More updates on that ambitious waterfront development, and this involves a connection between downtown and the waterfront (Route 5, I am assuming).

Outer harbor link called key to future plans

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focus is on Route 5, Fuhrmann Boulevard

By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
3/7/2005

An ambitious proposal to develop Buffalo's outer harbor has reopened the long-standing question of how to improve transportation links between downtown and the waterfront. Currently, the best way to get to the outer harbor from downtown is a trip over the Skyway, exiting onto Fuhrmann Boulevard, then negotiating a circuitous path along the one-way road.
An alternative route is to cut through the city's Old First Ward and over the Ohio Street bridge to Fuhrmann Boulevard - again encountering the one-way maze.

In both cases, drivers travel miles to reach a site that is situated only a few thousand yards from the downtown waterfront.

"You can see it, but you can't get to it," said Mayor Anthony M. Masiello. "That's one of the big reasons it wasn't developed before now."

Getting there has always been an issue for outer harbor development. The failures of Shooters, Breakers and The Pier restaurants/nightclubs on the prime harborfront site were all blamed, in large part, on lack of direct access.

The Lakefront Group, which has been selected as master planner for the 120-acre parcel that stretches along Fuhrmann Boulevard, has begun exploring options to make it easier to get to the site. Lakefront is relying heavily on easy access for its $750 million plan to reinvent the nearly vacant swath of land as a place to live and play.

"This isn't a new conversation," said Carl M. Montante Jr. of Amherst's Uniland Development, a principal in the Lakefront Group. "There have been a number of projects on the boards for many years, but we're to a point where we need to move the process forward."

One of those long-stalled efforts - the Southtowns Connector - is viewed as the primary solution to improving access to the outer harbor, while also upgrading the flow of traffic between downtown Buffalo and the Southtowns. First proposed in the early 1980s as a grand expressway linking downtown Buffalo to the Route 219 Expressway, the project died with a whimper in 2000 as planners adjusted their goals to effect a "more doable" upgrade that will fit with economic development hopes.

There are currently three fixes that focus on Route 5, between the base of the Skyway to the north to as far south as the Route 179 interchange:

• The boulevard alternative would turn Route 5 into a six-lane, low-speed thoroughfare, with at-grade intersections, extending from the Skyway to Route 179.

• The improved alternative would convert Route 5 to a four-lane roadway, from the Skyway to Ridge Road, with Fuhrmann Boulevard becoming two-way.

• The "hybrid" alternative would make Route 5 a six-lane road, between the Skyway and Route 179, with the section of Fuhrmann Boulevard between the Skyway and Tifft Street carrying two-way traffic.

While the state Department of Transportation has not released firm cost estimates for the three proposals, sources have put the minimum price tag at approximately $60 million.

"Improving access to the outer harbor and Southtowns is one of the state's priorities in Western New York," said Susan Surdej, a DOT spokeswoman.

Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo, a member of the House Transportation Committee, said he already has begun an effort at the federal and state levels to keep the project moving forward.

"I've met with State Transportation Commissioner Joseph Boardman to let him know this is a very high priority for me and I'll be pushing it every step of the way," Higgins said.

The congressman has received preliminary approval on a $10 million federal funds request for the project, which would be added to $5 million previously authorized. Higgins said he hopes $32 million can be raised between federal and state sources to get Phase One of a Route 5 redo - reaching from the Skyway to Ohio Street - under way by the spring of 2007.

"I've been somewhat skeptical of the Lakefront Group's outer harbor development proposal, but regardless of what plan is ultimately approved, these improvements are critical to making it a reality," Higgins said. "We've spent $9 million studying ways to improve access, and now it's time to do something about it."

While the Lakefront Group is interested in Route 5 and Fuhrmann Boulevard as the "front door" to its development, the master planners also are looking to establish a "back door" to the outer harbor.

That link would take the form of a bridge from downtown to the outer harbor, offering a permanent, alternative link to the site. It also would give the developer unobstructed access to the outer harbor during what is expected to be simultaneous construction of the harborfront site and revamping of Route 5 and Fuhrmann Boulevard.

On the top of its list: a 110-foot-long lift bridge at the foot of Michigan Avenue, spanning the City Ship Canal.

A 1999 city study identified the Michigan Avenue bridge as the least expensive of five possible connections between the inner and outer harbors, at $31.6 million. But re-establishing the bridge, which was removed in 1957, is not without controversy.

The bridge site is located in the middle of the General Mills plant, and replacing the span will cause serious logistical problems for the cereal maker. The cramped industrial setting also would preclude construction of a span that would include bike/pedestrian lanes, something planners had envisioned as key to promoting access to the waterfront land.

General Mills officials previously have threatened to pull operations out of Buffalo if transportation planners pursue a Michigan Avenue bridge. However, despite the apparent drawbacks, company executives have met with the Lakefront development team and local transportation and development officials to discuss how the impact might be mitigated.

Meanwhile, planners also are taking another look at other potential bridge connections, including a dual span from the foot of Main Street, across the Buffalo River and the Union Ship Canal. The double-arch lift bridge is viewed by some as the most compelling link to the outer harbor.

Jay,

Man SSP did you wrong, let me explain...

In issues like Urban Planning and Regional and even National politics, constructive criticism is everyones best friend. The problem with SSP is that nobody is wrong and their view is supreme and can't be proven otherwise. That means no matter who well you prove your case on an issue, as long as the majority disagree or that some of the Moderators (German for Asshole retard) lol you will be shunned.

Toronto seems to have an big problem with criticism, I can't stand it there myself, so I just ignore em' up there.

As for the waterfront...Eh...I will write up my opinion later on tonight.

Here's a couple renderings of the BenLin Warehouse renovation project:

http://img202.exs.cx/img202/734/benlin7cs.jpg

http://img231.exs.cx/img231/7664/benlin23wt.jpg

Savarino Construction Services Corporation has partnered with Avalon Development of Buffalo to redevelop a block of abandoned warehouse buildings along Mississippi Street in Buffalo's historic Cobblestone District into a mix of luxury apartments/condominiums, restaurants, retail spaces, and offices.

The $15,000,000 project will feature 36 luxury apartment/condo units with attached interior parking, a 10,000 square foot restaurant, a fitness center, and commercial office space with attached indoor parking. Construction of the first phase of the project is slated to commence in the summer or fall of 2005.

The project will be within walking distance of the HSBC Arena, the proposed Bass Pro store and related museum, and the Inner Harbor area.

Holling Press Lofts- interiors and City Hall view:

http://img85.exs.cx/img85/1586/00003408hc.jpg

http://img85.exs.cx/img85/8746/00003371zv.jpg

http://img85.exs.cx/img85/8247/00003492gw.jpg

Not bad for affordable!
:cheers:

The one cobblestone street in Buffalo's so called cobblestone district. I hate these cutsie neiborhood names. But hey if it sells.

http://ipa.buffalostate.edu/~rocketgirl/photos/cobblestreet.jpg

I really thought there was more than one single cobblestone street in the district. I had to take a friend down what I think was Mississippi street a month ago, he was like "what the hell is wrong with the road?" I was like No, it's the cobblestone district...his reply "they need to pave this shit" LOL

If they could develope this area it would still be building downtown, look at old photos of downtown before the skyway and arena...it was full of 3-4 story buildings, and dense enough to make us wonder today.

Well hope it developes nicely, it is a nice area all together, they need some trees to be planted either way to give some green space.

I noticed that the Ross Eye Institute will be building on Main near the Medical Campus. Has anyone seen anything about this? Constrcution management is by Savarino Construction Services.

Have not heard anything about it, how big is their operation and what lot are they looking at if known?

has anybody seen this site? www.freebuffalo.org

UB, Olmsted share vision for sight center
Annemarie Franczyk
Business First
A collaboration between the University at Buffalo medical school and Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted M.D.. Center for the Visually Impaired will add a dimension to the growing downtown medical campus.

UB's Department of Ophthalmology and the Olmsted agency are jointly creating a center for what leaders are calling high-end vision research, education and clinical care.

The $8 million project will consist of a two-story complex at 1176 Main St., next to the Olmsted Center and on the edge of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Work is expected to begin in late 2005 and be completed the following year. The project also involves research facilities on the university's south campus.

Plans call for the ophthalmology department to establish offices at the downtown site, where faculty will conduct applied vision research, educate residents and medical students, and provide patient care in cooperation with the Olmsted center, located next door at 1170 Main St. The site also will provide community education to patients, practicing physicians and other health professionals. The buildings and the neighboring National Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Service, a division of the Olmsted center, will be physically connected.

Medical school officials said the location is ideal because of its inclusion in the medical campus and because it allows the university to serve a diverse population.

well, sounds like this campus is ever growing...IMO this is the future industry of Buffalo, and if any big investments are made, it should be in or around this industry. Between the loft development, Medical campus and the Federal offices dispersing throughout downtown, things are starting to come together...finally.

This summer we should see a start to Paladinos "McGuire Building" on court street or the HealthNow HQ over at the gasworks maybe too soon though. With the Bass Pro construction to begin soon this might be a good year in Buffalo.

Buffalo is going White Collar...Finally!

Apparently according to an article, the Buffalo area has actually gained 2,300 jobs

Surprise: Area gained 2,300 jobs in year


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revised data upturns previous picture

By DAVID ROBINSON
News Business Reporter
3/10/2005

http://www.buffalonews.com/graphics/2005/03/10/actualsize/0310jobbox.jpg

Strong growth among local finance and insurance companies, which offset shrinking factory and government employment, helped the Buffalo Niagara region add 2,300 jobs over the last year through January, the state Labor Department said Wednesday.
The 0.4 percent increase in the number of jobs in the two-county region over the last 12 months signaled a major turnaround in the health of the local job market, which the labor department's statistics had shown to be slumping before new data was released Wednesday.

Revised figures for last year also show that the region's job market was much stronger in 2004 than the department's statistics initially indicated. Rather than losing jobs for most of last year, as the statistics originally indicated, the revised data shows that the area has added jobs at a modest pace for six straight months and enjoyed its first full year of job growth since 2000.

Including two months where the local job market was stable, the region has gone a full year without losing jobs during the preceding 12 months - the first prolonged period of improvement in local employment since the last recession began in early 2001.

"We are growing, and that is a very positive sign for the area," said John Slenker, the labor department's regional economist in Buffalo.

All of the job growth came from the region's service-providing firms, which added jobs at a 0.5 percent rate over the last year, led by a 2.9 percent increase in finance and insurance employment as insurance giant GEICO began hiring for its customer service center in Amherst that eventually will employ 2,500 people, along with a 1.6 percent gain in leisure and hospitality jobs.

Those gains offset the continued decline in the region's manufacturing base, which has lost 1,000 jobs over the last year - a 1.5 percent decline that left employment at the area's factories at its lowest levels since at least the 1970s. Local factories now provide 65,500, or 12 percent, of the region's jobs.

"The decline is slowing there," Slenker said.

However, the region continues to lag far behind the rest of the country - and even New York state - in the pace of job creation. The 0.4 percent job growth locally was less than half the statewide growth of 1.1 percent during the last 12 months and less than a quarter of the 1.7 percent growth nationally.

Even among the 14 major metropolitan areas in New York, the 2,300 jobs that the Buffalo Niagara region added over the last year produced a growth rate that was than half of the pace of improvement in the 10 other metro areas that created new jobs over the last year. Rochester, Binghamton and Elmira all lost jobs over the last year.

The region's unemployment rate inched up to 6 percent during January from 5.6 percent in December as holiday-related jobs came to an end. That left jobless levels in the Buffalo Niagara region above the 5.7 percent unemployment rate nationally and the 5.6 percent rate statewide.

The unemployment rate in Erie County rose to 5.9 percent in January from 5.5 percent in December, while the jobless rate in Niagara County increased to 6.5 percent from 6 percent in December.

Here are the unemployment rates for January, December 2004 and January 2004 for other Western New York counties.

Allegany - 6.9 percent, 6 percent and 8.3 percent.

Cattaraugus - 6.4, 5.9 and 7.7.

Chautauqua - 5.9, 5.4 and 7.4.

Genesee - 6.4, 5.9 and 7.8.

Orleans - 7.7, 6.9 and 8.9.

Wyoming - 6.9, 6.4 and 9.2.



^ the Buffalo area is doing something right to reverse the job losses just a bit and actually gain during last year. :) This hopefully could be a sign of things to come. GOOD THINGS!

sweet, but time these pecker heads found some jobs lol

ah ,I just wanted to be #100 for the thread...Hells Bells Bitches

According to the most recent census "estimate" the City of Buffalo actually gained population by more than 4000. Remeber it is just an estimate but WOW!

Must be alot of baby-making going on! :runaway:

If its true, its great news and hopefully the beginning of a trend. I think the $1 billion investment in the schools can only be a plus as far as keeping (or even attracting) families in the city. The real estate market is hot in the Delaware/Elmwood/Parkside/North Buffalo areas, and is getting better for west Allentown/Kleinhans area. Plus new residents downtown.

if Buffalo can fix the East side ghetto problem as well as the West, North and Downtown are...Buffalo might even go close to 400k again someday...only if the jobs come back ofcourse.

From Artvoice- DEAL DEAD! :eek2:

The AM&A's-UNILAND Deal
--------------------------------------------------------------------
by Jamie Moses


Good news for preservationists: the Uniland proposal
to develop on the site of the former AM&A’s
in downtown Buffalo has been taken off the table.

After several weeks of being maligned in Buffalo
News articles and editorials filled with misinformation and
personal attacks, businessman Richard Taylor, who owns the
property, has decided not to extend Uniland Development’s
option to buy.

Taylor said he isn’t interested in being a pawn any longer
for Buffalo News editorial games. He instructed his lawyers to
convey to Uniland that their purchase agreement would not
be extended beyond their final date to close. Uniland had
until February 28 to complete due diligence and 20 days beyond
that to close the $3 million dollar purchase. Although
Uniland expected another two-month extension (it’s already
been extended more than once) the deal is now dead unless
Uniland comes up with the $3 million in the next week and
a half, which is unlikely.

“Quite simply, I’m pissed off and that’s all there is to it,” said
Taylor. “I don’t need to see my name black washed every
other day in the Buffalo News. That $3 million sale price for
the building won’t change my life one iota. I’d rather see the
building saved anyway. So I’m just going to hang onto it and
find a way to redevelop it without tearing it down.”

The probability of Taylor doing that is pretty high. Artvoice
contacted more than one developer capable of accomplishing
such a large-scale rehab and there is tremendous enthusiasm
for such a project. Indeed, one of the areas largest developers
is already in discussions with Taylor.

No doubt, not everyone will be pleased. There seemed to be
a very clear agenda on the part of the News to push the city,
the county, ECIDA and AM&A’s owner, businessman Richard
Taylor, to demolish the AM&A’s property at taxpayers’
expense to create a “shovel ready” site for a $40 million
construction project by Uniland Development.

Taylor had signed an agreement with Uniland agreeing to
sell the property for $3 million and demolition costs were
estimated at $5 million. But Uniland didn’t appear to want
to pay either of those costs and expected the government
to lift the load. Which leads one to believe that before Uniland
went out on a limb securing an agreement with Taylor,
plunking down a hefty deposit and investing thousands in
architectural work, they must have been given assurances
that the acquisition and demolition expenses would go away.
They almost did!

The Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA)
stepped in with a plan to acquire and demolish the property
with public funds and then turn it over to Uniland. Of course,
that added another $2 to $3 million in fees to be paid to
ECIDA, so now the sought-for public subsidy figure jumped
to $11 million. The justification for this was Uniland’s claim
to have a “secret” tenant that would bring 400 jobs to downtown.
While Uniland called it a secret, every educated guess
among downtown developers and business people has been
that the secret tenant was AM&A’s next-door neighbor, M&T
Bank.

More or less confirming that speculation, a higher-up M&T
employee suggested the bank might be interested in moving
investment services, pension, and clerical division jobs
downtown from their Apple Tree Mall location when their
current lease there expires. But since the bank currently
has free parking and a very reasonable lease agreement with
Ciminelli Development at Apple Tree, Uniland would need
to bring them into its new building with a lease agreement far
below market rate. If M&T’s tenancy was contingent on Uniland
guaranteeing substandard rental rates, then Uniland
absolutely had to have the taxpayer subsidy to make it work.

Which really means that multi-billion dollar M&T Bank is the
one benefiting most from the $11 million taxpayer subsidy.
Since M&T takes great pains to paint itself as the areas largest
philanthropic business, it’s little wonder the bank might
be reluctant to admit being Uniland’s secret tenant. This
would make them look like they were posing as a benevolent
business while they were simultaneously picking taxpayer’s
pockets for $11 million. Nevertheless, the Buffalo News began
greasing the skids for the deal to proceed. This was no
surprise since the newspaper is believed by many to be the
mouthpiece of M&T Bank, if for no other reason than the
fact that Buffalo News owner Warren Buffet, the second richest
man in the world, is also the third largest shareholder of
M&T Bank with $723 million worth of shares.

To soften the public up for the Uniland subsidy the News
published numerous articles supporting the demolition of
AM&A’s as an essential move toward revitalizing downtown
Buffalo. They used their often-repeated routine of quoting
the little gang of self-important “business leaders” at the
Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and getting the mayor and the
county executive to also pipe in. Other Buffalo area developers
complained loudly about such a large public subsidy for
a private construction project and the News dutifully logged
and printed their complaints, but its editorial column always
remained solidly behind the demolition of the property no
matter what the cost or who paid.

This deal was in the works for almost two years, and Taylor
was for the most part completely left out of any editorial
coverage or public discussion of the project. That is, until
the ECIDA money for demolition began looking shaky. The
public funds for Uniland were not included in a recent
redisbursement list of old Adelphia Tower funds that the state
had been sitting on for some time. To further exacerbate the
problem, the county budget crisis was making any taxpayerfunded
giveaway difficult and very unpopular.

It appears that the News came up with a Plan B––turn the
AM&A’s building itself into a crisis requiring immediate action,
preferably demolition. So the News proceeded to create
an exaggerated ghastly picture of AM&A’s as an unstable
and dangerous property ready to burst into flames at any
moment. In preachy editorials they blamed the city, inept
inspectors and building owner Richard Taylor for creating a
terrible threat to downtown. They put pressure on the mayor,
the fire department, inspections department, the county executive,
and the courts. A most remarkable demonstration of
arrogance and aggressiveness on the part of the Buffalo News
appeared in a March 2, 2005 editorial when the News gave
specific instructions to a sitting judge, City Housing Court
Judge Henry Nowak, on exactly how he is to deal with the
City and Richard Taylor when they appear before him in a
dispute between the parties.

The News took the opportunity in that editorial to again trot
out their new boogeyman––AM&A’s. “City inspectors should
be far more concerned than they have been over the potential
risk in the heart of the city.” How absurd! There was no “risk in
the heart of the city” when the News believed Uniland was going
to get an $11 million cut of the Adelphia money. All they
talked about then was that we needed a “shovel ready” site in
the heart of downtown. A group of city inspectors toured the
building last spring and found nothing wrong with it other
than a flooded basement, which Taylor had pumped out immediately
afterwards. Furthermore, the flooding, according
to Taylor, was caused when the city opened a water main to
the building that had been previously closed.

The News also kept insinuating that Taylor was refusing to
allow city inspectors inside his building, as if he was hiding a
multitude of building code sins inside there.
“That’s absolute bull****,” said Taylor. “The buildings department
has never said this. Bob Stasio (Chief of Fire Prevention)
has never said this. But the News is implying they’ve
asked to get in the building and I’ve denied them. There’s
never been a time when they’ve asked to come into the building
and been denied. The door has always been open. The
News is making it up.

“The only thing we haven’t done is furnish a report. Bob Stasio
called for a sprinkler system report that you’re supposed
to have done once a year for an occupied building.
“Private firms come and check out your system and you’re
supposed to keep it on record. And if Stasio calls for their
report you’ve got to produce it. It’s a very reasonable expectation
for an occupied building. But he knows the building is
unoccupied so why would you be calling for the thing? Nevertheless,
he asked us to send him a letter. So we sent him
a letter and told him the city has flooded the building and
nothing works.

“Now the News is trying to make him look inept and he’s not.
If Stasio thought there was a danger in that building I guarantee
you he would have been all over me like a rash. The
man is not stupid.

“Two years ago while we were preparing to bring a charter
school into the building we invited Bob Stasio’s office-- and
city building inspectors over for their input on fire protection
for the school. They did an extensive walk-through of the
building from top to bottom. For the News to suggest that Stasio
or city inspectors would have walked away if they thought
anything was unsafe is insulting. The fact is the building is
safe and structurally sound.”

Unfortunately, the News has never let the facts get in the way
if they want something. I suppose it makes sense, in a twisted,
sick manipulative way. Turn one of Buffalo’s most treasured
architectural memories, J.N. Adams Department Store (later
AM&A’s) into a pariah, a diseased thing that needs to be destroyed
as quickly as possible. Then after Uniland builds its
office tower have M&T Bank and its CEO Robert G. Wilmers
ride in like a knight in shining armor to occupy the new
building and bring jobs downtown (jobs which they will simply
move from some other location).

It’s unlikely that scenario will play now that Richard Taylor
has yanked the rug. It is, after all, his building, and if he decides
to rehab it, God bless him. No doubt this will warm the
hearts of preservationists and city dwellers who would much
prefer to see a multi-use building with retail, residential, and
office space that preserves the rich history of Buffalo.

I'm actually happy about this...that building does not need to come down, it's fine. Plus now tax dollars wont be spent to build a new ugly lowrise.

Nice to see all this stuff finally going on. And what's this about a population gain?

Give me a job there and I'll move back in a heartbeat. Then tack 2 more to that gain.

Have you heard any news about the future of the Skyway? I remember reading stuff ranging from rehabing it to tunneling it, and they all seemed to cost the same. Heck a tunnel would be cool, as long as we didn't ^%*#$& it up like Boston (Mass Highway) did. That's one thing where governent should be involved, letting a huge private coporation have charge over a massive public works project is just asking for disaster.

the skyway to a tunnel? come on, just need to do away with it and make a boulevard or something that can handle the traffic, but not seclude the waterfront from downtown...and let the Army corps of engineers do it...give em something to do that won't involve them getting attacked by nutty islam crazies.

Erie county is hurtin huh?...good, they need to.

http://img185.exs.cx/img185/7830/24520north7mg.jpg

YWCA to be converted to senior apartments
By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
3/16/2005

A Buffalo developer plans to convert the YWCA on North Street into 65 affordable apartments for seniors.
"We had a market study done, and the demand for senior housing is huge, especially affordable senior housing," said Eran Epstein, owner and principal of E Square Capital.

Epstein said preliminary plans call for converting the five-story structure into one- and two-bedroom apartments, with rents in the $525- to $600-a-month range. Residency would be restricted to seniors whose household income is less than 60 percent of the region's median income level.

"It's an ideal location for seniors because there are so many services available in the Elmwood Avenue/Allentown neighborhood that can be reached by walking or by bus," he said.

He also cited the recent announcement that the former Quality Market, whose parking lot is behind the Y, will reopen this spring as Latina Foodland Fresh Market, a full-line supermarket operation.

The framework for the senior housing project is similar to one the development firm recently launched at 937 Broadway. That $3.4 million project to create 40 units for low-income seniors is being aided by nearly $700,000 in tax breaks from the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.

While Epstein will pay $700,000 for the YWCA building, he expects the total cost of the project, which requires extensive renovations, to top $8 million.

YWCA Chief Executive Officer Tanya Perrin-Johnson said she expects the facility to close in October. The building, within the Allentown Historic Preservation District, will remain virtually untouched on the exterior, according to Epstein. But behind its front hallways, major reconfiguration will take place.

"There are many partition walls that we'll demolish to create one- and two-bedroom apartments in the 500- to 800-square-foot range. They won't be huge, but they'll be quite comfortable for one or two people," he said.

Epstein's firm will partner with New York-based CWG Development Associates on the project, and the team plans to apply for state Historic Tax Credits as a partial funding mechanism.


Cool deal- puts the property on the tax rolls, saves a historic site, puts more residents downtown and continues Epstein's involvement in downtown. He's finishing up the Holling Place Lofts. :cheers1:

not a bad idea at all, atleast it won't sit empty

Now if we could get a few of these built:

http://img12.exs.cx/img12/6026/10th2020g20view2048va.jpg

:clown:

thats freakin sweet, but we still gotta have jobs for these sims people.

anyone have any ideas on how to build a tax base without increasing taxes or relying completely on residential tax? Buffalo needs to think in this direction if any of these buildings are gonna be worth it.

i guess this is the best place to ask this. what place has the best wings in buffalo? i have tried a few places. to me, the original is automatically the best, because an improvement on the original thing makes it a different thing. i have also tried duff's, and my parents say that many (including themselves) say that duff's has the second best wings besides anchor bar.

Duffs or Anchor Bar, it's a classic Battle...it's like asking "Beatles or Stones?"

I have heard that Anchor Bar has slipped quite a bit since the originals, so must be they used to be much better.

-in the navy we would have wings, but they would get this really cheap chicken and it still had feathers on it. lol

Buffalo can build on its good bones

3/23/2005

By DONN ESMONDE

He didn't have to say good things about Buffalo, but he did.
He doesn't have to believe there's reason for hope, but he does.

He didn't need to pretend, and he didn't.

All of which matters. It matters because what John Nordquist thinks means something to this city. He knows about cities like Buffalo. He used to be mayor of a city a lot like it that got a lot better.

Just like Buffalo can.

That's what Nordquist thinks. And that's good to know.

Nordquist is a tall, bearded, laid-back intellectual who for 16 years was mayor of Milwaukee. He visited last week, bringing a welcome dose of optimism.

Buffalo is in the shadow of a state financial control board, the county is laboring through a painful rebirth, pink slips are flying, and county parks are closed. Plenty of people around here perceive our potential - on our waterfront, in our downtown. Nordquist brought a confirmation borne of experience, a helpful slap to the head to remind us of what we have.

"Your governments are stressed," Nordquist said, "but your underlying potential is strong."

Milwaukee and Buffalo are similar in size, look, ethnicity and petrified political culture. One difference is that Milwaukee arguably had the country's best mayor in the '90s. Nordquist injected initiative into City Hall and prospered while rejecting government handouts.

Milwaukee's downtown added 6,000 housing units. It added millions in property values by opening up its waterfront. It did it by knocking down an elevated thruway that cut it off from downtown. Sound familiar?

We're the "Before" picture. Milwaukee is the "After" we could be.

"Even if your governments are stressed, your economy can still function quite well," Nordquist said. "You have to figure out how to regenerate your real estate market. That's what built the city in the first place."

Prime real estate is downtown and on the waterfront. The key to the waterfront is to connect it to downtown, to turn expressways into boulevards, to build bridges connecting downtown to the virtual frontier of the outer harbor lying just across the Buffalo River.

"You separated your downtown from the lake with that (Skyway)," Nordquist said. "We took our (elevated freeway) down and replaced it with a boulevard, and the waterfront real estate values shot up."

We're frayed at the edges, but have good bones - the basics to build on: A downtown of great buildings. A waterfront of vast potential. Great commercial/residential strips on Elmwood, Hertel and in suburban villages, the kind that towns across America try to recreate.

"There's a depression people feel here," Nordquist said, "that isn't justified to the level that people feel it."

We have what it takes. And with Brian Higgins in Congress, we have somebody in the right place who knows what it will take. Higgins jump-started waterfront development with Gallagher Beach. He wants to build bridges and boulevards to reconnect downtown to the waterfront. It worked in Milwaukee. It can work here.

Downtown is slowly being repopulated. One thing we didn't do - sacrifice another stretch of downtown to a new convention center - is helping us now. It would have killed the streetscape and taken out the same buildings we're turning into apartments.

"The number one thing in making a downtown attractive is more housing," Nordquist said. "For a Buffalo or a Milwaukee, a bigger convention center is not a good idea. They all lose money. You don't want to tear down a neighborhood for it."

We didn't - and it's paying off.

"You've got the potential," Nordquist said, "to have a strong growth period."

Thanks, John. We needed that.

e-mail: desmonde@buffnews.com

http://img12.exs.cx/img12/6026/10th2020g20view2048va.jpg

What is this building? Just curious. I think I know, but my memory needs to be refreshed.

Buffalo possibly gaining 4,000 people? That's actually quite a lot, if you think about it, but it just an estimate, so I shouldn't hold my breath yet. Too bad about the AM&A-Uniland deal going dead, although I don't know, if the deal had gone through, what significance it might have had, but it could revitalize downtown even more. That sucks.

That YWCA is one beautiful building, and would certainly make a good place for seniors apartments.

I think its some new proposed condo for downtown someplace, steel might know more.

I think its some new proposed condo for downtown someplace, steel might know more.


It looks like it would be on lower Elemwood but I think this is a student project or something. I have not heard of any project like this in Buff. Would be nice though. Maybe someone could forward this over to some of Buff's imaginative developers as a hint. Not enough parking for Paladino though.

While it would obviously be good in some amount for the city, am I the only one who finds that buliding somewhat ugly? It looks like something out of Miami!

Sorry about getting the juices flowing. I posted that as an example of the scale of new development that would work well in Buffalo (height is good, density is better). Its actually a development in San Diego- thus the tropical colors. It would be a perfect addition to upper Main Street or the vacant lot behind the Market Arcade IMO. I like the generous retail on the first floor and the massing.

Buffalo has a ways to go before these start poping up. This is the size and type Buff need though. Everyone craves the super talls but it is density that makes a city. Look at houston for example. Sure it has a super tall downtown but it is surrounded by massive parking lots. Tall is only good when it is backed up by density at the base.

One of Buffalo's best buildings is not its prettiest for just this reason. The apartment building at Elmwood and Delevan built in the seventies is a 10 or 12 story slab built right up to the street with retail at the bottom. It adds tremendously to the city even though it would not win any beauty contests.


By the way. Does anyone have pictures of the new Lexington Real Foods Market at Elmwood and Lancaster Ave? That has started construction and I can not find anything on it.

Other stuff we need to know about is the status of the proposed new Burchfield Penny Museum, The art Space Lofts and the Eye Institute.

the State recently approved money for the Pierce Arrow FLW gas station and the Westside Rowing club FLW boat house construction. Those should start soon.

In other Frank LLoyd Wright news. The Martin House Foundation has started reconstruction of the demolished portions of the Martin House. Construction will aslo start soon on the vistitor's center which will be a very very nice high quality contemporary building which shoud generate a lot of national pub for buff

http://img94.exs.cx/img94/9936/043fo.jpg

No pics, but a rendering of the Lexington Co-Op. While the old bank building it replaces was nice, this is much more urban built out to the sidewalk.

You're right about the Elmwood/Delevan Bldg- a dark slab but not set back and it has retail. Related Cos, one of the largest NYC developers bought it and is updating it. No news if that includes exterior changes.

I haven't seen any renderings of the Burchfield museum. I'm hoping it lives up to its prime location across from the Albright Knox.

density is definitly the way to go

Buffalo can do it, talls are for egos, buffalo just needs morale

well put Buff.

I don't think we'll be seeing any office building more than 15 stories for a long time unless M&T desires a new signature tower. We'll be lucky if HealthNow is more than 10 and I'll believe Paladino's Court Street Tower is for real when I see shovels in the ground, and I'm not talking gold ceremonial shovels.

I can imagine a medium-rise residential building downtown near the theater district- say 15-20 stories. Anyone know what Clover is planning in the 700 block where the Schmidt Bldg. used to be??? I'd be shocked if he built anything over 5 stories but that is a prime location especially the Main/Goodell corner- you don't get much more 'gateway' than that. Another prime location is the parcel next to Admirals Walk on the waterfront- it would be great to get that developed before Uniland starts anything on the outer harbor.

All eyes are going to be on the sales for the first condos downtown- whoevers out of the gate first. If that project sells quickly- I think the rush will be on. Rumors are that Elk Terminal and Belasario may both be converted to condo- they'll be competing with BenLin and Clover if they do. It'll be fun to watch. :cheers:

This is the prposed new West Side Rowing Club with building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. I believe it will be starting constrcution this year

http://www.wsrc.org/assets/images/FLWRBH1.jpg

where is that supposed to be? Lasalle Park or Black Rock...I dunno is it even on the Niagara?

M&T Bank is growing like crazy it's big in Baltimore, Southern PA and even northern VA, not to mention to foothold it has here in WNY from Buffalo to Syracuse. If they build a signature (which I really wish they would) I don't see anything happening for a couple more years.

question is...where to you put an 800 footer?
-AM&A's
-The Black and White building across from the Tishman
?

just speculating.

The Wright Boathouse is going up near the Buffalo Rowing Club- its Buffalo State college property between LaSalle Park and the Peace bridge- technically I think its in Black Rock Canal at that point.

800 footer- I love speculation too. AM&As would be a good location- they could keep space in their existing building. Other locations: Main/Seneca or Main/Swan- both have existing vacant lots. Also across from the Library on Lafayette Square. The Main/Court site (black and white building) is an ideal candidate for demo. The 500 block of Main needs some work too- especially that damn old Burger King- that sucker needs to go! The bank owns the lots behind the old Goldome Center and behind the Market Arcade- both along Washington Streets. I wish the bank would sell them for residential development but with our luck- thats where they'd stick a new HQs. :bash:

M&T has a parking ramp behind the current HQ, and underground parking under that site as well. IMO, and my uneducated guess it would lead me to imagine that AM&A's would be the most likely candidate.

to balance the skyline and keep it from looking "Dallas" I imagine wherever they would build would be on Main Street or atleast in an area that has some density.

cool speculating huh? now lets hope for it.

M&T is too conservative to build a new mega structure. That is how they got where they are. slow quite moves. Buffalo just has to hope that they can keep them in town.

well if the company keeps expanding, and aquiring new smaller companies and moving south more and more...at some point the several locations that they have downtown are gonna be full (if not already) and they are gonna have to build something. The fact that HSBC moved to Delaware should not be looked at the same way...if M&T is ever bought out by a bigger bank, downtown will die because they would never stay here and anchor the community the way M&T has. Marine Midland was sold and Buffalo in all essence lost the most from it. M&T stays away from mergers, and if Baltimore never makes and offer (lol) maybe we will see a mega structure.

I do agree that M&T is conservitive, maybe thats why I like banking with them myself. But still if you need space, you need space.

knock on wood....M&T leaving Buffalo would be devestating. Goldome and Empire both left a few hundred thousand sq.ft. of space empty when they failed- Main Place (Empire) Tower still hasn't recovered. M&T occupies almost all of the old Goldome Center, their HQs, and a part of the Lafayette Court Building. Artvoice reported that M&T was the tenant Uniland had lined up for space in the new AM&As Bldg. New jobs to Bflo or from the 'burbs that would have been great news for downtown. The City would be wise to keep them happy! HSBC is officially HQ'd in Delaware, has a huge NYC presence, but a good portion of their back-office jobs are local. It was a bummer when they pulled out of the Main/Seneca, Roblin and Stanton Bldgs. last year.

Well one thing I have noticed, and this goes beyond Buffalo...is that Banks seem to put their logo on about 4-5 buildings in every downtown, maybe they buy a floor out and want a 20ft logo on the building I dunno, but for example in Buffalo you can find M&T on the Goldome Bank, M&T Center, M&T plaza. HSBC used to be on the Main Seneca Building, One HSBC Center, and also that glass building by the arena, plus the arena as well. Bank of American is on the Liberty Building, B of A Center at fountain plaza. Key is at the Key Center (both towers). I'm sure we all know this but these banks are not filling this space with jobs, they are just putting up a logo...as if they where.

This mixed use theory should work out great for Buffalo...bringing people back to the core should stimulate downtown growth somewhat. If Buffalo can permit itself to get more "green" space around downtown that would surely make a difference when trying to lure residential tenants.

Buffalo is starting to fill in some of the ugly holes that appeared after urban renewal thru the years, HealthNow will help bridge the gap to the basin, and Paladinos "McGuire" should add some more density downtown. With all the loft conversions along the east side of downtown, that should help void that gap to the neighborhoods, and finally the Medical campus expansion in a southerly and westerly direction is closing that gap. All in all, I think these things are gonna create some great density for Buffalo and if we get to some awsome density and full occupancy...then we might see some taller players at this end of the lake.

I couldn't agree more about Buffalo needing more green space in its downtown core. I have lived downtown for nearly 5 years, originally in the Spaulding Building (next door to the ballyhooed Sidway Building) and now in Buffalo's West Village. We have Johnson Park around the corner, but many of these new residential buildings are not anywhere close to useable green space at all. The theater district doesn't have a single park, nor does the 500 or 600 block of Main Street/Washington Street. I paid NYC rent for 8 years, and I never complained about paying $1100/month for my studio apartment, because my neighborhood had all the ammenities I could ask for. But I ask you, who is going to pay that kind of rent in downtown Buffalo, when you can't even take your dog to the park? Admittedly, there have been some imrovements made recently--the Washington Market is a great place to shop for groceries for some of the people who live downtown, but we could use more places like this. Until downtown residents can walk to stores, parks, laundry facilities, etc. they are going to continue to require cars. And that means more parking lots, which don't help the aesthetics of downtown a bit. Paladino does not continually include on parking for his developmetns because he hates the metrorail. He does it because it's just a reality that in Buffalo, people not only love their cars, but they need them. Have you ever had to walk 4 or 5 blocks through the wind tunnels of downtown in January or February? It's not comfortable; it's down right uncivilized. Now try doing it with a coupld bags of groceries in each hand and your laundry strapped to your back. That's why whenever I hear people talk about taking out the rail system on Main Street I have to laugh. It is actually very helpful to the people who live and work downtown, and need to go more than a few blocks down Main Street in the winter. And why do we keep insisting that it has to be one or the other, cars or the rail? Don't they think that drivers can share the street with the train? Haven't the planners ever been to Toronto? Haven't they ever seen photos of Main Street, from years ago, when the train and cars both shared the street? Sorry if I'm beginning to rant, but it just seems like every time a structure is demolished (a case in point would be that ugly parking ramp on Huron Street that is coming down as I type this) there is a rush to guess at what mega structure could be put in its place. I was walking by that site the other day, and thought how cool it would be to have some landscaping with trees and a fountain. That would accentuate the entrance to the Hyatt Regency, as well as being useful to the residents in the Bellario (in the former LL Berger Building). I just think that it might be a smarter move for Buffalo to beautify the buildings we already have--because we have amazing architecture in this city--rather than building more nameless, faceless buildings like Uniland's so-called "Niagara Center" on South Elmwood. Granted, it's better than what was on that site a couple of years ago, but doesn't anyone else think that the new building is more than just a little boring?

007 you need to post more often!
Great insight and the type of input our city 'leaders' need to hear!
I agree about the parks issue and thought the same thing when I read that Buffalo Place is now putting up dog-crap bag dispensers for residents to use when they're walking their dogs! I guess its a good problem to have (people living downtown with pets), but its not the right solution. A park is whats needed. There aren't many open spaces downtown (no- parking lots do not count). Lafayette and Niagara Squares are nice- but they aren't parks. The only other green space is along North and South Division Streets and that isn't utilized well. Cathedral Park isn't a park either.

At one time- back in the 80's, there was a plan to extend Johnson Park to Pearl Street to tie the two areas together, and provide a park or 'common' for residential development to build around. That went nowhere. With the new loft projects focused on the theater district- there is a need for a new park and I have the perfect site. Move the post office on Washington and put a park there- the building isn't ideal for the site- it looks like they thought they were building in Depew. The property is adjacent to the church and is one-three blocks away from Belasario, Ansonia, Sidway, Ellicott Lofts, Oak Street Lofts, Holling Press, Spaulding, City Centre, Saturn Building, and the Genesee Block. Thats about 300 units. The parking lot behind Market Arcade is pegged for additional residential (in my planning mind anyway!). Why Buffalo Place isn't pushing this I don't know.

Perfect timing, Buffalo Place is conducting two surveys this week on downtown housing- one for current residents and one for potential residents:

http://buffaloplaceereport.com/

I don't think there has been any talk of eliminating rail service on Main Street. I have only heard talk of adding traffic back into the mix.

just took the survey, some good questions on there. I hope to someday move downtown but there are some issues the city itself needs to work on before they are gonna see any influx of white collar office dwellers renting, leasing or buying.

till then I watch wait and speculate.

Thanks for the heads up on the survey. I just took it too, and there are a lot of good questions on it. Hopefully someone will pay attention to our suggestions, and they'll make a difference. I used to rent an apartment, first in Allentown, and then downtown in the Theater District for a while, and I just bought my house in the West Village. You're right that there aren't many of us white-collar office workers living down here, but I do believe that's changing. I love being able to walk to my office and go home for lunch almost every day. I only have to drive my car about once or twice a week. To me, that's worth a lot. Plus, I'm sure we're all feeling disappointed in our elected officials, with all the bad news constantly coming out of City Hall and Erie County Hall. So I decided that I cannot wait for our elected officials to address the issues that downtown Buffalo is facing. So, what I'm telling you is, move downtown if that's where you want to live! We are the ones who can help change things. Just your presence alone helps out, shopping, going to the movies or theater, etc... That's what downtown needs more than anything else. And if you're nervous about the neighborhood(s) you can add your voice to a group such as the ones in my neighborhood, The Johnson Park Community Association/West Village Renaissance Group. Don't get me wrong; I'm going to lie to you. We do have the some of the dregs of society living just a couple of blocks away on the Lower West Side. But I don't believe I'd be able to make a difference from Williamsville or Orchard Park.

perfectly said...NYC007, you live in Buffalo?

good to see talk of people moving to downtown Buffalo...this talk would have been for the insane only 10 years ago.

Yes, I know what you mean. I lived in Buffalo in the very early '90s but quickly left to go live in NYC, where I spent most of my 20s. I have been back now for almost 5 years, and I am amazed at the difference. Chippewa Street was one of the scariest places in the city. Now it's the so-called "Entertainment District." Allentown, particularly the Western side (near Wadsworth) has taken some great strides as well. Have you been to the first yuppie bar on that end of the neighborhood, The Allen Street Hardware Cafe? It's weird to see so many suburbanites trying to find parking for their SUV's around that corner. Like you said, 10 years ago those people would only drive through there as quickly as possible after attending concerts at Kleinhan's, looking for the on-ramp back to the 'burbs. I do think that the trend is catching and spreading out. Days Park and Johnson Park are once again showing signs of life, the businesses are following, so we just need to build on the momentum of bringing more "young professionals" (the new term for "yuppies") to live in the area. I think the Kleinhans Community Association, Allentown Association, Johnson Park Community Association, and West Village Rennaissance Group deserve a lot of credit for helping to revitalize their respective areas. Now what are we going to do with the mess that we call Niagara Street? It may be the last truly scary (major) street on the Lower West Side, excluding the Hope IV Projects or whatever we're calling it near the Thruway. This is me getting out of that area: :runaway:

Thats awesome 007- you're doing what I wish I was doing- putting your money and your roots where your mouth is. The big redevelopment projects get all the press but its the individuals who are buying and rehabbing houses that will turn the city's neighborhoods around.

I agree that Allentown is seeing another wave of investment- I am really impressed with what the Kleinhans group has done for the St. James/Hudson/Plymouth area and the non-stop press to get these changed for the better. Niagara Street is a mess but it is looking better with the new Tops and other rehab projects. It really needs a streetscaping project- it can tie the west side/downtown/peace bridge neighborhoods together.

I also took the survey- not that I'm moving anytime soon- but to get some input on the type of things I consider important to making downtown more of a neighborhood. I keep up on whats going on in other cities and we are actually ahead of the game. Most cities struggle with getting markets to cater to downtown residents even with much more development than in Bflo. Buffalo has two (Tops and Washington Market) with another coming (Latina). I think the 700 block of Main is going to become the neighborhood shopping area for downtown once the Schmidt lot condos are built.

Speaking of Niagara Street: Reported in this weeks' Business First-
Norstar Development is under contract to purchase the Shoreline Apratments on Niagara Street downtown. They are paying $13 million to acquire and renovate the 142 unit complex to make them more attractive to people seeking market rate apartments downtown. Work is to include removing two buildings and giving the remaining nine buildings a new facade and new windows and railings.

actually those could be some nice places if they where cleaned up a bit.

good to see that even developers wanna lure some more money towards downtown in terms of housing.

good news

Shoreline apartments by Paul Rudolph

http://img221.exs.cx/img221/9323/shoreline3cv.jpg

http://img221.exs.cx/img221/9675/shoreline26xi.jpg

They are fairly interesting buildings done by well known architect Paul Rudolph. Hopefully they do not ruin them. Although they are quite dense in terms of population the planning is fairly suburban with a lot of parking and set back from the street

They look nice from the aerial, but I've never been a big fan of this complex. I didn't even realize they were market-rate. I thought they were subsidized, or is the section closer to I-190 the subsidized complex? Anyway- it is good news that Norstar is putting money into them. Right now they look too much like concrete bunkers. Though they do have that industrial loft look to them so there is potential. The article said the units are studios and one-bedrooms and are 70 percent occupied, so we would look at it as 40 new residents if they fill it up. It will be the first upgrades in 30 years! Norstar worked on the Ellicott Mall redo and did a fairly good job. They also lost out on being named developer for the outer harbor and I also read that they have a new-construction residential project in downtown Syracuse. James Pitts is working for them now.

you know, between all the talk of these Loft conversions, new buildings and development of empty lots...I have seen many names of developers come up and actually start doing something now. Norstar, which I had not even heard of before jumping into the Buffalo development thread, has the oportunity to make a name for itself...all the developers do at this point.

These Shoreline joints look nice, they would be better suited if the Niagara strip was in better shape heading out of downtown, but maybe thats just on its way...like many other things.

one step at a time, Buffalo is making gorund people.

Two real estate tidbits:

678-682 Main were sold in early March to '678 Main St. Inc.' for $225k. This two-story building is between the Sid Birzon Jewelers 3-story bldg. that is for sale and the ornate Tent City Bldg. Could be the sign of a multi-bldg. rehab project???

Also listed as sold was 960 Washington Street for $410,000. Not sure what bldg. that is, but is up near the Medical Campus. It was sold to Evergreen Real Estate.

here is a question, there are two buildings on what I think is Huron St. and at the corner with Franklin...one is a white color the other a dark red maroon. I see these buildings downtown, they are gems themselves but nothing seems to be happening with them. Anyone know any news on these?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%20Chippewa/huron_II.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%20Fountain%20Plaza/IMG_3203.jpg

*not the Augsperger ramp...the ones behind it.

The red brick one next to the white terracotta building is the real gem. It is an old stable and was then converted to a parking grarge.

talk about a prime oportunity in terms of a realestate buy...wtf.

both of them add alot of charactor to the Huron area, sad that there is an ugly lot across the street from them. If Buffalo ever can kick it into high gear and begin building some new retail/office space...we are gonna see a beatiful downtown.

A stable, wow...it looks like a garage now yea...but I would have never thought a stable. The one on the corner is office space IMO, maybe lofts or Flats...either way, these are awsome.

Mark Croce (who owns most of upper Franklin Street) owns both of these buildings. He bought them about two years ago. The terra cotta buildings he has pegged for a boutique hotel- he announced that project before he bought the parking ramp (plus he bought the vacant lot were the Media Studies Bldg. used to be on Delaware). I don't know if his project has changed, but even recently he's talked of still doing the hotel project but it may have slipped on his to-do list. He finished the Laughlin's restaurant and Warehous Club and now he appears to be working on plans for the Saturn Rings renovation and his project with Uniland behind Sheas. So these may be unused for a while yet.

Mark Croce (who owns most of upper Franklin Street) owns both of these buildings. He bought them about two years ago. The terra cotta buildings he has pegged for a boutique hotel- he announced that project before he bought the parking ramp (plus he bought the vacant lot were the Media Studies Bldg. used to be on Delaware). I don't know if his project has changed, but even recently he's talked of still doing the hotel project but it may have slipped on his to-do list. He finished the Laughlin's restaurant and Warehous Club and now he appears to be working on plans for the Saturn Rings renovation and his project with Uniland behind Sheas. So these may be unused for a while yet.

Both of those buildinsg ARE currently in use and in relatively good condition

are you sure- the office building I thought was vacant after the health/insurance firm moved out. I know they were still parking cars in the ramp.....

what needs to happen is NO PARKING in the building, it's too nice to be a parking garage...lofts or offices could easily be made there...parking....wtf

ONLY IN BUFFALO

white terra cotta = offices
red (brick?) = parking

With some reative reuse the brick building would make great loft space. The more I see of the Augsburger Ramp addition, the more I like. Now if they'd only put in the retail space they promised! :bash:

retail, lol

IMO, Buffalo should lure a Nordstrom...a huge anchor to one of these buildings, like Main Place or the old AM&As...do some exterior work because Main Place looks like some Government Secret weapons testing facility or something....get a big city retailer....attract people and boom....there ya go.

I don't see any McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's or Arby's downtown....why? McDonalds will build a store in a village of 500, but cant seem to fit one in downtown? maybe it's just me, but downtown is lacking some essentials.

If Bass Pro can lure as many people as expected, we might see some cheaper downtown eat'n places and maybe that will also spur some growth in the retail market, atleast we can hope...but they really should do something like tax free clothing and shopping downtown, that would be awsome.

From today's Buffalo News:

ARCHITECTURE
Courthouse designs win excellence award

4/6/2005

Designs for the proposed $100 million federal courthouse on Buffalo's Niagara Square have won an excellence award for public architecture from the U.S. General Services Administration.
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC, of New York, the project's architect, was honored for its design work in the national review of government structures.

A jury of private sector professionals reviewed more than 140 projects in 20 categories as part of the annual awards efforts. A total of 15 projects were honored for their excellence.

The review panel cited the Buffalo courthouse design for its "complex urban context."

"It is a design that brings order to an otherwise chaotic urban realm and does so with a surprisingly quiet and dignified presence," the panel said of the proposed 10-story, semi-elliptical court building.

Chief U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara and District Judge William M. Skretney attended the award ceremony last week in Washington, D.

Now just get that courthouse built! We still haven't heard where Lawley Insurance is moving to. They are the anchor of 120 Delaware that will be demolished for the courthouse. I wish they'd commit to Uniland's Delaware Ave. project to get that building jump-started.

Here's some good news, two places catering to the non-college aged kids:


2 establishments opening in Chippewa district
The popular Chippewa Street strip in downtown Buffalo is about to welcome two new neighbors.

The Witz End Comedy Club and Guido Fienberg's Sports Bar, two adjoining businesses, are slated to open their doors Thursday night.

Both are being operated by local businessmen Dan Cane and Bill Denz.

Witz End is opening in the Delaware Court Building, taking over space that was once occupied by the Sherwin-Greenberg agency. The comedy club will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, beginning at 5 p.m.

The 300-seat club will feature a mix of local and national comedy acts. Guido Fienberg's, which also calls itself a full service deli and pizzeria, features 13 TV screens and will offer a number of menu specials. The restaurant will open daily at 11 a.m.

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :booze:

first...the courthouse
They need to build this thing, and I bet they are waiting for Lawley to close on whatever deal they are waiting on, here is a plus (my Step-grandmother works for Lawley here in Batavia) so I will do my damnedest to dig some details I PROMISE! The courthouse is very cool looking, its very modern and very flashy, something Buffalo needs, even at the 10 story level.

second...Chippewa
Once again this strip is gaining in popularity, it's wild, and it's crowded...good to see some more food vendors moving in and as long as we keep it at 4am, it's gonna grow even more. Summers in Buffalo are not boring, that I will admit.

JUST BUILD THE COURTHOUSE ALREADY

Last I heard, Lawley was close to signing a deal for the 300 block of Delaware- I don't know if that means Unilands proposed building next to Channel 2, or the former National Gypsum Bldg. next door. Then there's the former URS space across the street. Put the squeeze on step-gram! :-)

The courthouse was delayed by federal funding. They were hoping to get construction funds in the federal budget, but almost all court projects were placed on hold. Now we're looking at a 2006 start, thus Lawley has delayed moving.

There's another restaurant just about to open just across the street from the comedy club an sports bar on Chippewa. It's in the Hampton Inn, where the Shaker Lounge used to be. It's called Papaya, and it's owned and/or operated by the same people who own Saigon Cafe on Elmwood. I've read that it's supposed to be one of those places with the kitchen in the middle and no walls around it. So you can see the chef(s) preparing the food. I walk by there every day, and I can tell you that the tables, bar, lighting fixtures, etc. look pretty swank. It's the first time the hotel has had a full menu restaurant in it since it opened. There's the Subway next door (which I like) but it's just a lunch place. Finally, that block of Chippewa seems to be catching up with the rest of the strip!

a lady at work today was just asking me about Chippewa, she asked if it still was full of hookers and all kinds of crime and problems...so I asked her when the last time she was there. Lets put it this way, she was in Awww about whats happened...and we are only 30 miles to the east.

Time to Promote

I also read that Benderson signed a Fresh-Mex restaurant for space in the Hampton- its a new chain to the area and I don't recall the name of it. I'm glad they finally snagged one of their tenants for downtown, the restaurant is opening several locations in the area. Maybe Coldstone will be next! mmmm- they have them in Cali, you pick the ice cream flavor and then you add things (i.e. oreos, chocoloate chips, gummy bears, etc) and they mix it up for you.

Here's more good news:

Downtown housing above expectations
James Fink, Business First

The market for downtown residential units is a lot stronger than most people want to acknowledge.

In fact, it may be a lot stronger than one group thought three years ago.

A downtown residential unit demand survey, released Wednesday by Zimmerman/Volk Associates Inc., said the central business district can absorb about 375 new apartments, townhouses and condos on an annual basis.

In 2002, a group of architecture and planning officials said the downtown absorption was about 100 units per year.

So what happened?

"People started believing in the new Buffalo," said Mayor Anthony Masiello.

Laurie Volk, the consultant whose firm handled the survey, agrees.

"People are looking for urban neighborhoods," she said.

While the earlier study indicated that Buffalo was more prone to see apartments built in downtown, Volk said the tide has shifted. More people are looking for condos and ownership possibilities, she said.

"The baby boomer generation would love to be in downtown, if the appropriate place was there," she said.

Cold Stone is a shallow marketing gimmic from Arizona. Plastic ice creame for plastic people. No C S in Buff! (in my opinion)

Ice Cream...shit, Baskin Robbins or even a Ben & Jerrys would be welcome, as long as people would go for that. It's just tough because Buffalo is such a "seasonal" city.

Thompson Calls For City Stadium For Bills
WBEN Newsroom - Thursday, April 7, 2005 08:01 AM

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - It may be a pipe dream right now, but Buffalo Councilman Antoine Thompson says somone has to get the ball rolling.

Thompson is hoping to find a groundswell of support for a proposal to build a new football stadium downtown, near the waterfront and the coming Bass Pro store.

Thompson says the Bills have a 15-year lease with 'out' clauses and he wants to keep them here. He says Washington. D.C., Baltimore and possibly New York City have downtown stadiums, and Buffalo needs to keep up with them.

Survey finds consumers in area downcast

Budget crisis blamed for drop in confidence

By DAVID ROBINSON
News Business Reporter
4/7/2005

The Erie County fiscal crisis is putting local consumers in a particularly sullen mood.
Consumer confidence in the Buffalo Niagara region slid for the fourth straight quarter during the winter, leaving sentiment levels in the area far below any of the five other New York metro areas included in the quarterly survey by researchers at Siena College in suburban Albany.

The winter swoon in consumer confidence left sentiment levels in the Buffalo Niagara region at, far and away, their lowest point in the 31/2 years that Siena has been conducting the survey.

"Buffalo is not doing well," said Douglas Lonnstrom, the director of the Siena Research Institute, which surveys New Yorkers about their willingness to spend.

While confidence levels throughout New York were down slightly during the first quarter of this year, the plunge in consumer sentiment in the Buffalo Niagara region was almost four times greater than the drop in Rochester, which had the second-largest decline.

While rising energy prices and sluggish job growth, coupled with rising interest rates and inflation, are dampening confidence levels throughout the state, Lonnstrom said the prolonged budget crisis in Erie County is putting consumers in the Buffalo Niagara region in a particularly downcast mood.

"That really affects consumer confidence and it's really affecting your confidence for the future," he said Wednesday. "Western New York is looking particularly dismal."

Buffalo Niagara residents were the only consumers in the six metro areas surveyed who felt their current situation was getting worse. And when they were asked about their expectations for the future, they were the least optimistic of any of the other metro areas.

Confidence levels also weakened in Rochester and Syracuse, although sentiment improved in Albany, New York City and Binghamton.

The mixed results came as sentiment levels nationally are declining, according to the national index calculated by the University of Michigan, which uses the same methodology as the Siena researchers. That index showed that confidence steadily declined during the first three months of the year.

Local consumer confidence plunged to a post-9/11 low of 66.2 during the first quarter of this year, down from 71.6 in the fourth quarter of 2004. Confidence levels in the Buffalo Niagara region remained the lowest among all of the metro areas for the third straight quarter and are well below their high of 85.5 in the first three months of 2002.

The survey of 400 residents in each region found the highest confidence levels in Albany, where the heavy influence of state government on the local economy helps dampen economic volatility. New York City had the second-highest confidence levels for the sixth straight quarter.

Delaware North's plans for Boston. At least we get a small bone, his son renovated the Stokes Seed Bldg. in the 700 block of Main and is working on a couple buildings next door. He's also teaming with Savarino on the Benlin project....Still, small potatoes compared to this:

Game plan for Garden site
By Scott Van Voorhis
Thursday, April 7, 2005 - Updated: 04:07 AM EST

An ambitious and long-delayed plan to redevelop the vacant lots that surround the Celtics and Bruins North Station home is poised to take a major stride forward today.

City Hall's development arm is expected to give the green light to a proposed 37-story condo and apartment tower on a site near the newly renamed TD BankNorth Garden.

The tower will soar more than 400 feet into the Hub's skyline, featuring a mix of upscale condos and rentals.

With that key city approval in hand, BankNorth Garden owner Delaware North hopes to begin work on the residential tower by early next year, if not sooner, said arena executive Charlie Jacobs.

But that's just for starters.

With plans for the residential tower moving forward, Jacobs - whose family owns Delaware North - said new attention will be paid to long-dormant plans to build out a large site near the arena that was once home to the old Boston Garden.

While that rickety sports hall was demolished a decade ago, efforts to develop the site have languished.

But Jacobs said he expects planning for that project to accelerate now. A plan laid out years ago calls for two towers in the 40-story range, filled with offices, entertainment and retail uses.

He declined to comment extensively, citing today's pending city decision on his project.

But Jacobs acknowledged that the timing may be right for new development, given the changes that are helping transform the area near his family's sports complex.

A series of parks are slated to take shape near the North Station sports complex on land freed up by demolition of the old Central Artery.

In addition, the elevated rail tracks that for years darkened the street in front of the sports arena have been torn down.

``It is very attractive, especially for us,'' Jacobs said of the changes.

Still, any plan to build a large amount of office space will hardly be a slam dunk.

Even as the economy has rebounded, corporate suites in towers across downtown Boston sit empty, with the city's office-vacancy rate hovering near 20 percent. [continue]

Did anybody else notice this article in the Buffalo News today? It's good to hear more good news out of Buffalo...

Outlook upbeat for downtown housing


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research sees demand for 1,900 new units

By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
4/7/2005

An independent analysis of the downtown Buffalo housing market predicts that the urban core could support 1,900 new residential units over the next five years.
"Believe absolutely that Buffalo is at the beginning of what is possible in terms of downtown housing. You have enormous possibilities and potential," said Laurie Volk, lead researcher for the report on the future of the downtown residential market.

The city hired Zimmerman/Volk Associates of New Jersey last year to size up the downtown housing market and put numbers on what is generally considered a strong, emerging development sector. The firm found solid interest, particularly among young singles, empty-nesters and retirees, in living downtown.

"Young people are critical to bringing life to downtown, and they want to be there if you offer interesting, affordable space," Volk said, noting several successful rental developments that have come on the market in the downtown core in the last few years.

Meanwhile, she said, developers have all but ignored a "massive, untapped market" for owned condominiums, lofts, apartments and houses.

"For-sale units have to be reintroduced downtown," Volk said. "You've got baby boomers who would love to downsize and own something downtown, but there are very few units available. That could be a huge market."

The study concludes that the downtown housing market could readily absorb 375 units a year for the next five years, totaling nearly 1,900 new dwellings through 2010. To meet the demands of prospective downtown residents, the researchers suggest a mix of housing types that would include: 37 percent rental lofts/apartments, 25 percent for-sale units, 18 percent row houses and work-and-live units, and 20 percent free-standing homes.

Mayor Anthony M. Masiello said the findings affirm the sentiments of those who have pioneered the recent downtown housing boom. About 150 units came on the market in 2004; an additional 200 are in the design or the construction phase.

"Our gut feelings were that we have a downtown housing market that is going to continue to grow and expand," Masiello said. "We've got a great foundation to build on and we need to keep the momentum going."

Volk urged city leaders and developers to continue with adaptive reuse of existing downtown buildings, such as recent efforts to turn the former L.L. Berger department store, the Holling Press building, the Sidway Office Building, the Frontier Steam & Water warehouse and the Elk Food Terminal into lofts and apartments.

But she also encouraged incorporation of new-build residential and mixed-use developments that reflect Buffalo's historic architecture.

"People who want to live downtown want to live in urban-style buildings. Leave suburban architecture to the suburbs," Volk said, noting that entryways, porches and balconies should face the street, with garages and parking lots tucked behind the buildings.

Despite initial success in making downtown a hot residential address, a concerted effort is needed to keep the momentum going, said Volk, whose firm has completed similar studies of housing market in 50 cities nationwide.

Her suggestions included:

Offering gap financing to assist developers who take on projects that require hefty upfront costs and lengthy payback periods.

Marketing aggressively to boost awareness of downtown housing opportunities.

Targeting surface parking lots in emerging urban neighborhoods as building sites.

Making city permit and inspection processes developer-friendly to encourage creative reuse of existing downtown structures.

not to ill-review your post, but you should post this in the Boston developments...I think Buffalo is at the beginning stages of recovery and a boom, and Delaware North will likely be a player.

Its Official! E-Square Capital, the developer behind Holling Place, is the developer for a building across Washington street:

http://img131.exs.cx/img131/9919/brownstone3hn.jpg

"The BrownStone" @ 504 Washington Street
After closing on the building on January 31, 2005, ESC engaged the services of Silvestri Architects to design 6 high end for sale 2 bedroom condos. The units will be three stories tall, have spiral stairs, overlooks, skylights, patios and indoor parking. Once the design is finalized, ESC will commence soliciting bids from contractors for the build out the project which is expected to commence by mid April 2005. :eek: :applause: :eek:

awsome

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - Another brand new restaurant opens (opened) in the Hampton Inn on Delaware and Chippewa this morning. Papaya Restaurant joins the "Chip Strip." Papaya specializes in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.

Steel firm to build plant with 100 jobs in city
By DAVID ROBINSON
News Business Reporter
4/8/2005
A Michigan-based steel processing company plans to build an $18 million plant that will employ about 100 workers beginning early next year in the Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park.

Delaco Steel Corp. plans to build a factory and warehouse in the waterfront industrial park that will produce steel blanks that will be used primarily by auto makers. Blanking is a process to cut steel coils into shaped pieces before it is stamped into a part.

Local economic development officials said Delaco executives were drawn to the region because of the auto parts manufacturers in the area, as well as in southern Ontario, along with the access to railroad transportation within the industrial park.

"Direct rail and the proximity to (the auto plants) were really what drove this deal," said Thomas Kucharski, the president of the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise economic development and marketing group. "From all the auto industry that's here and up the road in southern Ontario, we were just ideally positioned."

Just when we were giving Paladino a hard time:

Demolition on Main St. sets stage for 'right mix'
By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
4/8/2005

Two neglected buildings in the 400 block of Main Street downtown, which have stood empty for a decade, are seeing signs of new life.
Buffalo developer Carl P. Paladino this week started interior demolition of the Baker Shoes building at 456 Main St., and will proceed next door to gut the remaining interiors of the Courtyard Mall at 460-470 Main. Paladino is planning a mixed-use project that will bring high-end apartments, offices and retail to the prime Main Street site.

"We've been talking about this for a while, and now we're ready to move on it," Paladino said. "We wanted to make sure we've got the right mix and it's the right time."

Paladino, who is partnering with Buffalo businessman Frank J. McGuire on the project, plans to convert the 73,000-square-foot Courtyard Mall from all retail to primarily office use, with a first-floor retail component. The building's basement would be converted into an enclosed parking garage, accessible from Pearl Street.

Plans for the Courtyard Mall site will be filed this spring, with hopes that its first office tenant will move in later this year.

Next door at the Baker Shoes site, plans call for the one-story section of the structure that fronts Main Street to become commercial space. The eight-story tower that rises behind it will be converted into luxury apartments.

Paladino said his very positive experience turning the former L.L. Berger Co. department store into the 30-unit Belesario apartment complex has convinced him that the building has strong potential as residential space.

"Twenty-four of the 30 units at Belesario are filled, and we know the demand is there to do a dozen really great apartments at Baker," Paladino said.

Work will be concentrated on the Courtyard Mall building in 2005, with the housing project to start next year.


80 percent leased at Belasario is pretty good since these are the most expensive units downtown. I hope retail means retail and not offices in Courtyard/Baker- All of Belasario has been turned over to offices, when you walk by the front windows you'd never know the building is occupied! :weird:

I emailed Eran Epstein to give him some kudos for Holling, 504 Washington, and his other projects in the city.......here's his reply:

Thank you so much for the kind words. Its through a collaborative effort between all who want Buffalo to be a great place to live and work that the city will actually make a turn around. I do believe we are at the cusp of such a "revolution", as there are so many people like yourself that have expressed their great enthusiasm to me which keeps me motivated to do more projects!

Thanks again

-Eran


RE: Steel plant. Ironic that the property is returning to its roots. We got rid of the Donna-Hanna plant and now a new steel firm is coming in. Its a 'win' for Buffalo, especially a new firm from outside the region. I wonder how the front of that property facing the Union Canal will be developed- if they're looking for manufacturing/distribution or something more flex/office.

In case anyone missed this, here's a link to some great planning principles Buffalo would be wise to follow:

http://www.planetizen.com/oped/item.php?id=141

Buffalo's biggest downfalls: #1, 3, 4 & 6 in my opinion.

FOCUS: WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT
Waterfront watchdogs


Officials are seeking the governor's approval for a team to oversee and coordinate in a timely fashion any projects slated for Buffalo's inner and outer harbors

By DOUGLAS TURNER
News Washington Bureau Chief
4/11/2005

Derek Gee/Buffalo News
Rep. Brian M. Higgins visits Gallagher Beach, the first part of a waterfront revitalization plan he pushed for as an assemblyman. He warns that federal funding for further improvements may be lost if action isn't taken soon.

WASHINGTON - A proposal to establish a nonprofit corporation to coordinate development and progress in both Buffalo's inner and outer harbors has quietly been put together and now sits on the desk of Gov. George E. Pataki, awaiting his support.
The properties that would be overseen by this entity would be under the control of a board of directors representing Buffalo, the county and a half dozen state and federal agencies. But no coordinating body now exists.

Rep. Brian M. Higgins, County Executive Joel A. Giambra and Mayor Anthony M. Masiello support the proposal, which needs the governor's approval for political as well as legal reasons.

A special-purpose development corporation "represents the best hope our community has for significant and lasting waterfront development that can be accomplished over a short period of time," Higgins wrote to Pataki.

The effort will go nowhere without the support of the governor, who appoints the commissioners of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which controls most of the outer harbor land, and the head of a state agency that will take over operation of the Small Boat Harbor late this year.

The governor's office said it has not received Higgins' letter and could not comment.

Giambra, though, said the governor's staff has been examining the nonprofit corporation plan for weeks.

And locally, Giambra said, "this has been under discussion for months."

Representatives of the city, county, other stakeholders in the harbor areas and community leaders would make up the board of this quasi-governmental body, Higgins said. It would have a limited life span, he added, unlike an authority that can last forever.

The corporation builds on an agreement between Giambra and Masiello to set up a nonprofit company to coordinate the Bass Pro Shops project and all inner harbor construction.

Giambra and Masiello quietly approved the Bass Pro/inner harbor corporation plan, similar to one that created the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Campus, about a month ago. Masiello said it was drawn up by an attorney at Rich Products, whose president, Robert E. Rich Jr., has acted as a kind of matchmaker for the Bass Pro initiative.

Since then, Giambra and Masiello said, the plan has been expanded to embrace both the inner and outer harbors.





Voice of experience

Higgins wants Lawrence Quinn, the managing partner of the Buffalo Sabres who oversaw construction of HSBC Arena, to take a leadership role in the creation of the corporation.

Quinn said he will help the agency only on a "civic, nonpaying basis." He said the proposed nonprofit corporation is modeled not only after the one that coordinates activity at the medical campus but also resembles one that facilitated construction of Baltimore's successful inner harbor development.

One key to its success, Quinn said, is "creation of a board of directors who can transcend politics."

Quinn, who is also a former Buffalo community renewal commissioner, is an informal adviser to Higgins, Masiello and the Giambra administration.

Laurence K. Rubin, Erie County's Environment and Planning commissioner, participated in designing the proposal, officials said.

Higgins said the contrast between the brilliance of Baltimore's harbor development and the bleak "mess" of Buffalo's outer harbor illustrates the need for the corporation.

"In a side trip, I looked at what Baltimore has done and what we haven't done and I decided enough is enough," the Buffalo Democrat said.

"The appearance of the Buffalo waterfront area is a source of regional frustration and evokes feelings of disgrace and embarrassment in the community," Higgins said. "It looks like an abandoned construction site," he said.

Little has been done with more than $54 million in federal aid that has been reserved to improve both areas, he added, and the region is in danger of losing the money if it isn't invested.

"We do not even seem to have any local responsible official who can even speak for what the outcome is going to be for the Bass Pro project," Higgins said in an interview.





NFTA considers proposal

An example of waste and stagnation, Higgins said, is the $6 million that has been spent over the last decade on studies for the Southtowns Connector for the outer harbor.

Lawrence Meckler, the NFTA's executive director, said Higgins called him last Thursday and faxed him a copy of his letter to the governor, along with a fact sheet.

"Anything that will move this process forward," Meckler said, "is worth considering."

Meckler said the NFTA designated Lakefront Development Team, a partnership of national and local developers including Uniland of Amherst, as the preferred developer for the authority's 120 acres on the outer harbor. But he added that a memorandum of understanding with the company is still being discussed.

Higgins said the nonprofit corporation would not require approval of the State Legislature. He pointed to the transfer of property for Gallagher Beach from the NFTA to the state Department of Parks and Recreation as an example.

The nonprofit corporation's board must represent stakeholders in the two areas, Higgins said.

"I think equally as important is the participation of concerned citizens and others in the community who want to see progress here," he said.

Anyone else see this? From the Sunday Buffalo News (pageK8)

Legal Notice:

The General Services Administration (GSA) is soliciting offers for
the transfer of ownership and relocation of the historic house
located at 91 Niagara Street, Buffalo, New York.

Please direct all inquiries to Arnold Feinsilber of GSA at
212-264-8826 or by e-mail to arnold.feinsilber@gsa.gov. Offers
will be accepted until May 31, 2005. Offerors must meet certain
stipulations which Mr. Feinsilber wil supply to interested parties.

http://img87.exs.cx/img87/1738/89niagara4wm.jpg

Okay, here we have a huge story, one of which has been dabbed into a bit here and there...but nobody here or on SSP has given a full assessment on the project, it's future and a straight up common sense opinion on the matter.

First, let's look at Buffalo...a city built on the banks of lake Erie and the Buffalo river. considering the city was build because of location and because of the lake, we would all imagine that it would be concentrated there as well...well not Buffalo. The waterfront is a huge piece of property, the outer harbor is about the size of Delaware park, and the inner harbor is about the size of Lasalle park, together HUGE. With such a huge lot, no development and an expressway running down the middle, why not develope? right!

Downtown stops at the bank of the Buffalo River and to most driving into Buffalo from Lackawana...the city doesn't start till you are on the skyway.

From what I can see, Buffalo is badly tattoo'd with old rail beds, they seperate Buffalo and south Buffalo, and the waterfront and South Buffalo. A serious problem considering linking these three components is vital to create development overall. They can spend 70 billion on the waterfront, they could spent .65 cents, it would not matter if they dont give people a way to actually get there. Behind Tift farm reserve is a massive rail bed like 14 lines deep, actually bigger than the reserve itself...how much of this is being used? another spot...the area southeast of central terminal...right on William street. I see two beds of rail, both about the size of the one by the Tift reserve, and I imagine they are not too busy to give up some acres in favor of development. Next, lets demolish some of the old grain giants that "honestly" nobody in Buffalo gives a damn about...clear this stuff out, leave whatever in operating or repairable. Now after all this has been evaluated, look for brownfields and clean up the soil. Now that land is safe to use and able to be developed, I would have to say then come up with a plan....we are talking about an area (unused) (undeveloped) the size of West Buffalo...imagine the growth oportunities if this land was able to be developed.

I would say the waterfront is not as vital as actually getting people to the waterfront, if people can't go there...it wont matter. What should be built there? well honestly I would let the market decide that, not a politician...we cant afford to build a new stadium or convention center, and high rise condos are a ways away from where we are now. Parks are good, as long as they are functional. With so much land available, there should be a committee yes, but getting all these politicians involved makes me weiry, look at the city and county now, even the state...and ask yourself if you want to see these people running the development of Buffalo's prime hot spot on the lake.


BuffCity's Plan

1. consolidate railbeds to minimal area needed and use eminent domain to aquire land for the "linking process".
2. clean up all railbed sites, factorys, and empty residential zones with Brownfields and EPA assistance.
3. Re-zone all the city land between Buffalo and South Buffalo as well as the land between the waterfront and South Buffalo.
4. NFTA, County and City land should be auctioned off to developers with plans in hand or buyers with the intent to build.
5. Empire Zone the waterfront and Harbors for tax incentives for high value tenants.
6. develope a plan (using community insight) for the waterfront with developers and owners choosing what they want to build instead of being told what to build.
7. create a tax incentive for owners, buyers and employers in the area of discussion.
8. ensure that the city has an agressive "pro-development" urban renewal and zoning board, so that the development does not stagnate.
9. allow federal and state money for infastructure, cleaning and safety funding.
10. allow for community projects like parks, public housing on the land if any vacancies are left after a given time period.


*in reference to Baltimores' harbor...very nice, and it's good to see Buffalo looking out to get inspiration.

This can't happen soon enough...wish they showed rederings of each proposal:


2 developers vie to add housing in Erie Basin Marina area :)
By SHARON LINSTEDT
4/12/2005


Two local developers are proposing competing plans to add a significant amount of new housing stock to Buffalo's Erie Basin Marina neighborhood.

While both proposals would increase the number of residences in the vibrant Waterfront Village from some 320 units to nearly 500, the style of the new housing is quite different.

Ellicott Development Co. and Norstar Development USA, both based in Buffalo, have submitted ambitious proposals for the vacant, city-owned parcel located adjacent to the 11-story Admiral's Walk development.

The $39 million Ellicott Development plan calls for a total of 148 new brick-and-stone residences, clustered in three buildings on the five-acre site, including a 15-story, 58-unit condominium tower at the corner of Lakefront Boulevard and Waterfront Circle.

A set of three, 31/2-story owner-occupied townhouses, located along Ojibwa Drive, and a luxury apartment complex, composed of a four- and six-story connected structures on the north side of the parcel, would complete the plan.

The units would vary in size from 900 to 3,200 square feet. Purchase prices would range from $210,00 to $480,000, while rental units would go for $1,035 to $2,640 per month.

The development would take shape in three phases, with the condo tower to debut in mid-2006. Residents of the development would have access to an outdoor swimming pool/fitness/spa facility proposed for the center of the parcel, with a retail component facing Lakefront Boulevard to serve all Waterfront Village residents.

"We're looking to following in the steps of what's already been built on the waterfront and fit with the trend of suburbanites looking to come into the city. So we're going for high quality, strong visual appeal and great amenities," said Ellicott Development principal Carl P. Paladino.

Norstar's $31 million plan proposes construction of 10, 3.5-story, townhouse-style buildings offering a total of 166 owner-occupied dwellings. Described as "townsuites," the brick, stone and stucco-faced units would be scattered across the parcel, some facing existing exterior roadways, others located on a new, interior street system.

The units would range in size and price from $116,900 for a 584-square-foot flat, up to $325,900 for a 2,160-square-foot multilevel townhouse.

The plan also includes two free-standing retail buildings to house such things as a grocery store, deli, coffee shop, dry cleaners or bank branch. A third retail/commercial site would be incorporated into the first floor of one of the residential buildings along Lakefront Boulevard.

Norstar also proposes a highly landscaped arterial - Genesee Vista Boulevard - running through the development. It would terminate in a traffic circle leading to a small, public plaza.

The proposed development would provide homes for a diverse range of buyers, from upmarket professionals to empty nesters to first-time buyers looking for a waterfront lifestyle, according to Norstar Executive Director James W. Pitts.

"We wanted to put something on the table that was unique, a new product, that would fit with existing neighborhood, but would appeal to broader range of buyers," Pitts said.

He said the "townsuite" concept makes it possible to group units in varying sizes and price points together in an exciting, urban neighborhood.

"The city also made it very clear that they wanted service retail in the mix and we think we've come up with an appropriate way to blend it into the new neighborhood," he said.

Neither developer is requesting public subsidy beyond applicable Empire Development Zone benefits.

Mayor Anthony M. Masiello, who announced plans to employ a formal request for proposals process for the first time to decide the future of the prime development site last fall, said he is pleased with the quality of the plans from Norstar and Ellicott.

"This is going to be a very delicate decision because we have to select a development that is going to fit into a very successful neighborhood where residents have made significant investments and demand is very high," the mayor said.

The proposals will get a thorough review from the city's Office of Strategic Planning, with final selection by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency board by early summer. Input from a panel of Waterfront Village residents and the Downtown Neighborhood Development board also will be weighed.

Carole Z. Holcberg, president of Buffalo-based Holcberg Limited Real Estate, called the Waterfront Village site a "rare gem" and said the city is right to approach the selection of a developer with caution.

Ellicotts idea sounds nice, at the same time Norstars does as well...good to see competition for sites, this is only the beginning.

The key to me will be the renderings- I'm a visual kinda guy. Whatever looks like it will fit in will get my vote. But I do like the sound of Paladino's proposal, a mix of rental and condo plus some varying height. Though I'm not a fan of the his eight units he built at Lakefront Common, he probably wanted to match the existing units. Hopefully he'll be more creative if he's given this property.

Not really development....but this is an interesting map of Buffalo's growing entertainmant district.

http://www.buffalotheatredistrict.com/assets/images/Map2flat.jpg

Green = bars
Blue = restaurants
Red = theaters
Orange = hotel

Not too bad but lots of room for improvement.

Needs more yellow = residential :-)

Raise your hand if you saw this coming:

Developer abandons plans for AM&A's site :cry:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lack of public funding dooms office complex
By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
4/13/2005
Uniland Development Corp. has abandoned plans to tear down the former AM&A's flagship store in downtown Buffalo and build a new office complex on the site.

Uniland Chairman Carl J. Montante Sr. confirmed Tuesday that the lack of public financing doomed the $40 million project.

"We've pulled the plug," Montante said. "We said from the start it would be a risky and complex project that would require governmental support. Unfortunately, we weren't able to secure that help in a workable period of time."

In unveiling the project in early 2004, Montante sought $11 million in government aid "to make the numbers work." In making the request, he cited the high costs of demolishing the 325,000-square-foot retail structure at 377 Main St. and preparing the site for construction - estimated at upwards of $8 million.

"It's too bad for downtown, too bad for Buffalo. This would have brought new life to a section of Main Street that's really crying out for a fresh start," Montante said.

Uniland never revealed its prospective office tenant, referring to it only as its "tenant in tow." The mystery tenant was expected to bring about 400 new jobs to downtown.

Early on, it appeared that the project would be a perfect fit for a share of funds set aside for the never-built Adelphia Communications operations center. But support from state lawmakers quickly eroded.

The Amherst firm's request for government aid raised the ire of a number of local developers, who contended that the aid would create an unlevel playing field for other private developers taking on difficult downtown revitalization projects.

The proposed demolition of the former Adam, Meldrum & Anderson Co. department store also drew harsh criticism from preservationists, who argued that the Main Street landmark should be renovated, not razed.

The Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Empire State Development Corp. and Buffalo Niagara Enterprise continued to work with Uniland for several months on various assistance scenarios, including having a government entity acquire the site and do the demolition, ultimately putting it in the hands of a private developer. However, as months passed, such issues as the availability of funding, the precedent the deal would set and the true economic impact of the project combined to stall discussions.

Montante acknowledged the willingness of economic-development officials and others to continue to explore ways to keep the project alive but said the time has come to explore other options.

"We are looking at two suburban sites and one urban site that's a long shot," he said. "Our tenant needs to make plans, and we are working to accommodate them."

Mayor Anthony M. Masiello, who supported the Uniland project, said he is not giving up on finding a new use for the AM&A's site. "It's totally unacceptable to just let that building sit there," he said. "There has to be a plan for either a reuse or new building, and it has to be sooner than later."

Thomas A. Kucharski, president of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, said the site remains at the top of the list of downtown addresses that are ripe for an economic renaissance.

"It's obviously a strategic site, but it's a difficult site," he said. "It's disappointing things didn't work out within Uniland's time frame, but I still believe there's a way to inject public dollars into the right private project there."

Businessman Richard Taylor, the building's owner, confirmed that it is back on the market and that he wants to find a reuse.

"This building is one of the most significant buildings in Western New York," he said. "It has played a part in just about everybody's life who grew up here. Every opportunity to save this building through redevelopment should be explored."

George C. Hamberger of Hunt Commercial Real Estate, who has marketed the building on Taylor's behalf since 1999, said he started showing it again last week. "I've always felt the right buyer is out there," he said. "Maybe it will take someone with a great vision and a lot of cash, or maybe someone with a great vision who can leverage a lot of government incentives, but it's going to happen."

Uniland's expired purchase contract with Taylor was for $2.9 million, but the building has attracted several offers in the $4.5 million to $5 million range over the last five years. Those deals unraveled for various reasons. :cry:

I love how they throw out the suburban threat. well since you did not give us money our only option is to go to the suburbs with our tenant in tow. Who is this looser tenant who can't get a decent developer to n work with?

I believe it is M&T Bank. They've made no secret they aren't happy with the vacant building next door to their HQs and I think they teamed up with Uniland to propose a demo and new building in order to get the building down. Taylor has come out and said that is what he suspects. M&T took the sneaky route but in retrospect they should have been above board with it. If it is M&T and they're serious about bringing more employees downtown, there's plenty of existing space nearby, include almost half of the Main Place/Liberty complex available for lease across the street. If not there, Uniland has several properties available: Genesee Block on Elm-Oak arterial, 300 block of Delaware next to Channel 2, and Pearl Street behind Sheas that M&T sold them! The other large tenant out there looking for space is Citibank, but they stated they were only looking in Amherst.

(Lackawanna, NY, April 13, 2005) - - Big plans are in the works for the old Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna. You saw details about this major brownfield initiative.

Erie County leaders have signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Lackawanna and Tecumseh Development to clear away about 1100 acres from the site on Route 5.

About one fourth of the area will be transformed into public areas and greenspace. Business parks will fill in much of the rest.

Windmills will be installed near the Lake Erie shoreline as a natural source for electricity.

Government and development leaders will elaborate on this multi million dollar project during an afternoon news conference.

The cleanup of 1,000 acres of former Bethlehem Steel property in Lackawanna could begin later this spring, according to a new development pact made official Wednesday afternoon.

County leaders, including Erie County Executive Joel Giambra, along with officials from the City of Lackawanna and Tecumseh Redevelopment Inc. of Richfield, Ohio have signed a memorandum of understanding that will clear the way for the redevelopment of the long fallow property.

Unaffected will be the ongoing operations by Buffalo Crushed Stone, Buffalo Specialty Steel and GTC Inc.

Tecumseh, part of International Steel Group which operates a mill adjacent to the site, will oversee the demolition and clean-up of some long-standing Bethlehem Steel buildings while the county will secure $10 million in public sector funding for roads, recreational facilities and utilities.

Part of the project includes making about 300 acres of prime Lake Erie shoreline available for public use.

A long-term plan calls for the development of a marina, retail shops and restaurants along the lake shore with more inland property reserved for commercial projects.

One thought on the Waterfront Village proposals- sounds like Paladino has the more desirable project since he's proposing a 15-story condo plus several other buildings, but if he puts off his other downtown projects meaning more delays for Graystone and his Cobblestone projects, forget it. If the guy was smart he'd get going on all of them to beat others to the market.

BREAKING NEWS....

New LSI Buffalo location is a three story on the corner of Delaware and Tupper. They will be adding on to the back.


- I have inside sources at Lawley, this is credible


*courthouse will be on the move now!

BuffCity

so you all have an idea...here are a few shots of the Tupper/Delaware corners

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%20Delaware%20Ave/IMG_3041.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%20Delaware%20Ave/IMG_3040.jpg


*130 people work in the offices for Lawley, I imagine that they are gonna need alot of space more than any one of these buildings can provide...which brings about the new structure to be constructed.

FOCUS: LAKEFRONT
New activity on an old site

Former Bethlehem Steel land to undergo cleanup and development by a steel company that has done this type of reclamation project before

By PHIL FAIRBANKS and JANICE L. HABUDA
News Staff Reporters
4/14/2005


Derek Gee/Buffalo News
County Executive Joel A. Giambra announces the memorandum of understanding reached with Tecumseh Redevelopment Inc. to remediate the former Bethlehem Steel plant site.

Lackawanna residents 10 years from now hope to look at their sprawling lakefront and see a marina, park and waterfront greenway instead of belching smoke from a steel plant.
They also may find a golf course and a 300-acre business park.

But is this new plan for reusing the two miles of lakefront - once home to Bethlehem Steel - real or just another waterfront pipe dream?

"I'm here to tell you today this is for real," Keith Nagel, general manager of Tecumseh Redevelopment, said during a news conference Wednesday. Tecumseh is a subsidiary of International Steel Group, which bought Bethlehem Steel two years ago.

The financial and environmental hurdles are almost as big as the 1,100-acre site.

Chief among them are time and money needed to clean up contamination. The owners estimate a full cleanup would take up to a decade and cost $64 million.

But ISG, which recently merged with Mittal Steel Co. and is now part of the world's largest steelmaker, has both.

"We want to develop the land, but we want to do it right," said ISG spokesman Charles Glazer. "We want to get this land back into useful production for the community."

Even before ISG announced its ambitious plans Wednesday, company executives were laying the groundwork for public money to help finance a cleanup.

Executives met Wednesday morning with officials from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and made it clear they intend to seek brownfield funds from the state.

"We're committed to working with them," said DEC spokeswoman Meaghan Boice-Green.

ISG already has signed a consent order to clean up a portion of the site.

Erie County is prepared to commit $10 million, said Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra.

"Our money would go for the infrastructure and sewer and roads that would be the last phase of the redevelopment," Giambra said.

Included in the $10 million is $1 million from block grants, $1 million set aside in 1980 by the County Legislature and $2 million in state multimodal funds for rail improvements on the site. And, despite what other lawmakers might say, several-million unspent dollars from the county's share of the tobacco settlement are available, Giambra said.

Range of contaminants

Contamination at the former Bethlehem property ranges from solid waste sites and acid tar pits to polluted slag areas and old tank farms.

"We know what (we've) got," said Tecumseh's Nagel. "We've done this before in several other cities," including Pittsburgh and Bethlehem, Pa. "This isn't new to us and we can make this happen."

While the company's plans may seem overly ambitious on paper, executives say the 8-to-10-year timetable and the phased approach to cleaning up and reusing the site make the project viable.

Asbestos abatement already has begun in the coke plant. And, according to the preliminary remediation schedule released Wednesday, work will begin this year on the benzol plant and acid tar pits.

Remediation work is scheduled through 2012 and multiple projects are slated to begin next year.

ISG, which inherited the problems when it bought Bethlehem two years ago, is targeting one of the site's less problematic areas to start the project.

The first phase, which could begin this year, is a 102-acre business park - the first of three business parks - on land next to Route 5 away from the lakefront.

State officials said that part of the site is contaminated with petroleum, but the problem is not as serious as the contamination elsewhere.

"We have ways to deal with petroleum," said Boice-Green.

Piece by piece cleanup

ISG plans to clean up the massive site piece by piece with an eye toward selling and redeveloping about 1,000 acres of prime lakefront land.

The project would include the demolition of the old Bethlehem coke ovens - one of the few remaining structures, and relocation of existing railroad tracks along Route 5 and of Smokes Creek, a small creek running through the middle of the former steel plant.

The old administration building will be marketed, Nagel said.

Nagel avoided specifying future uses for the site, beyond "mixed use."

"You don't want to be rigid and say, "This is what we're going to do,' " he said.

However, the tentative plan provides for approximately 300 acres to be kept for public access and recreation, Giambra said. "We are going to do as much . . . on the water's edge as possible."

The site redevelopment will get done, Giambra emphasized. "I know there are a number of people who are skeptical," he added.

During the past 15 years, other proposals that failed to get off the ground included a tire-burning plant, medical waste treatment plant, golf course and a series of light industrial uses.

Giambra points to Tecumseh's experience in such remediation projects.

"This is not the first time they're doing this; they have experience, a track record," Giambra said. "Now it's in the hands of the world's largest steel manufacturer. You've got real players with real money."

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20050414/1044002.asp

Buff- you just beat Business First to the scoop (good job by the way- and great pics!)- Two bits of news from this week's edition:

-Lawley Insurance, being forced to move from 120 Delaware for the new courthouse, is looking at the Pleu Building, 361 Delaware at Tupper. Paladino the owner is proposing a 31,000 sq.ft. addition to the rear. Lawley would take all of the addition plus the 2nd & 3rd floor of the existing building for a total of 50,000 sq.ft.

-IBC Digitial is moving from Delaware Ave. into 3500 sq.ft. at the Elk Terminal. Elk Terminal has 25,000 sq.ft. of commercial space for lease plus the 50+ units of residential.


^^^Guess that means that the prime tenant for Uniland's Delaware Ave. office building is going elsewhere! I didn't even know that First Amherst was renting part of Elk Terminal for offices.

I just stopped by to see what the scoop was, it's possible that I coulda got this info a few days sooner, but now knowing I beat out Business first, lol...I get a ribbon for first place (fuckers)

Okay Im drunk and I need sleep...the forum continues.............

I LOVE the Kleinhans Community Association. These are the type of people who will save Buffalo. Here are a few tid bits from their site.



KCA INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING TO SAVE ABANDONED HOUSES IN ALLENTOWN

http://www.kleinhansca.org/364hud.jpg
http://www.kleinhansca.org/32stjohn.jpg

364 Hudson Street (top photo, beige house) and
32 St. John's Place (bottom photo), vacant and at risk
are planned to be restored.
=======================================================================
After several years of diligent efforts, the Kleinhans Community Association has helped to save two historic houses in Allentown: 32 St. John's Place and 364 Hudson Street.

The two houses, while architecturally and historically significant, have fallen on hard times. The house at 32 St. John's Place suffered a small fire and was abandoned by its previous owner. The house at 364 Hudson Street was part of an estate, but became involved in a mortgage scam. It was was then vandalized and looted of its plumbing and fixtures. About three years ago, both properties were foreclosed by the City of Buffalo.

In 2004, the KCA, through the efforts of David Granville and Chris Brown, began a marketing effort to find a new owner for the houses:

* A sign "BUY THIS HISTORIC HOME" was installed in front of 32 St. John's Place to market the property, based upon successful efforts in Galveston, TX.
* A web site was developed to market 32 St. John's Place.
* Articles about the efforts to save 32 St. John's Place were publicized in the Allentown Neighbor, the newsletter of the Allentown Association, Inc.
* In the fall of 2004, Al Litto, (a real estate developer who has restored the house at 292 North Street at Arlington Place) along with David Granville, Chris Brown and Tim Wilkinson put a tarp over the damaged roof helping to secure the building.
* Meetings were held with Harvey Garrett of the West Side Community Collaberative; Hon. Brian C. Davis, Ellicott District Councilman; John Hannon, City of Buffalo Director of Real Estate as well as representatives from the tax assessor's office and corporate council on strategies to sell the houses at a reasonable sum to someone who could demonstrate the ability to restore them.
* In October, 2004, the Kleinhans Community Association with help from Dinah Gamin, Joyce Berg, Mark Goldman, Chris Brown and David Granville sponsored a series of neighborhood walking tours highlighting these homes, among others for sale. Over several weekends, nearly 100 people attended the tours.

These efforts paid off. In addition to speaking with people who attended the walking tours held in October 2004, the KCA also spoke to over 100 prospects interested in the properties generated by the marketing efforts. At least three serious parties came forward. On March 2, 2005, a contract was signed between the City of Buffalo and Ted Flemming, a developer who has a successful track record restoring historic properties.

The houses were sold as a package deal, as the rear of the properties abut one another; 32 St. John's Places does not have any offstreet parking, while 364 Hudson Street has offstreet parking and a garage. Therefore, the packaging of the two properties will provide offstreet parking for both structures. Mr. Flemming has previously completed restorations in the West Village Historic District. He plans to convert 32 St. John's Place into two townhouse style apartments and 364 Hudson Street into three apartments.

The community is thrilled that these buildings will be saved and continue to contribute to the historic fabric of the Allentown and Kleinhans neighborhood. 364 Hudson Street was built in 1880 and its steeply pitched roof and carved window moldings are good examples of the High Victorian residential style of architecture popular in Buffalo during the late 1870s and early 1880s. During the first 12 years of the building’s existence it served as the home for two distinguished mariner families: James J. H. Brown and later, Thomas Maytham, owner of the famous Maytham tug boat line. Maytham lived at 364 Hudson Street until he built the mansion at 26 Richmond on The Circle in 1892.

32 St. John's Place is a distinguished shingle style house built in 1887 for Howard Bryant, a writer for the Buffalo Evening News. Sometime later, Howard’s wife Jennie was widowed from him and remarried William R. McNiven who moved from Symphony Circle into this home. The home features a front porch with short clustered Doric columns that support round and segmental arches with saw-tooth edging and a shed style roof. The hipped dormer on the third floor shelters a recessed porch with a paneled balustrade and French style windows.

A meeting with Mr. Flemming, the Kleinhans Community Association and Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. is scheduled for March 8, 2005.




PLYMOUTH VALIANT! BLOCK RECLAMATION PROJECT IS ON A ROLL

http://www.kleinhansca.org/34plym.jpg

============================================================
Several important changes have occurred within the last several months on the first block of Plymouth Avenue:

* 31 Plymouth Avenue http://www.kleinhansca.org/31plym.htm has sold to an owner-occupant who has renovated a major portion of the interior of the property.
* 314 Hudson Street http://www.kleinhansca.org/hud314.htm has sold to an owner-occupant who plans on renovating the property.
* 18 Plymouth Avenue http://www.kleinhansca.org/18plym.htm has sold to Joseph P. Dallos, Jr., who also owns 24-30 Plymouth. Mr. Dallos, who has been a great property owner, plans to renovate and restore the grand 18 Plymouth Avenue as his primary residence.
* 306 Hudson Street http://www.kleinhansca.org/aalive.htm has sold to Cathy George, a professor at Buffalo State College, who plans to renovate the property.
* 23 and 44 Plymouth Avenue are scheduled to be renovated in 2005 by Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc.
* 49 Plymouth Avenue, the property that has long been vacant, is now occupied.
* 34 Plymouth Avenue, a long-vacant house has avoided demolition and will be restored.
* 136 Cottage Street, the long-vacant beautiful brick Victorian house is being restored by architect Joe Delaney.

For more information on the Plymouth Avenue block reclamation project, be sure to visit the Plymouth Valiant! page.http://www.kleinhansca.org/pvaliant.htm

:wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:
The City Presevation Board will be scheduling a public hearing on the proposed demolition of 109 E. Genesee Street, at the corner of Genesee and Oak Streets. Long time owner of this and adjacent “Genesee Village” properties, Willert Genrich, proposes to replace this corner building with a 33 car parking lot.

109 E. Genesee is not in a historic district. The City process to consider the demolition request starts with the Preservation Board holding a public hearing and then making a recommendation to the Commissioner of Permits and Inspection. “Site Plan Review” by the City Planning Board will also be triggered because of the cost of the demolition and the number of cars in the proposed lot. The Site Plan Review decision of the Planning Board is final. The only recourse for the property owner would be a court challenge.

Issues to be considered in this demolition request include the recommendation of the Queen City Hub Plan that no additional buildings be demolished for surface parking in Downtown Buffalo, and the importance of retaining the integrity of this blockface of historic buildings. We will include the public hearing date in future E-reports.


:soapbox: Parking Lot!?!?! :soapbox:

This is crazy, this guy needs to be overruled and have his property aquired...this block of Genesee is vital to the downtown plan and the proper layout of downtown itself. Honestly, I dont think the city will okay his plan for a parking lot...they know if they tear down classics right there in plain view, it will be hell to pay. Channel 7 needs to help out the preservation of this block, the other networks as well.

amazing!

Well the dumbasses in charge don't instill alot of confidence that they'll turn down his demo request. I emailed Masiello and Donn Esmonde from the News to speak my mind. Donn is up with downtown issues- hopefully he'll hammer them before the hearing about how dumb this would be.

one thing that has changed is the amount of vital criticism that the Buffalo public gives its politicians now, after the control board and the budget crisis...things have changed.

If they let this go to the media, he will never have a parking lot. IMO

3 companies bid to replace city's parking ramp operator

4/18/2005

Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps, the private board that has operated the city's seven parking ramps and two surface lots for 51 years, is facing competition from three parking companies that say they can do better.
In the first formal bidding on city parking operations, the Buffalo Board of Parking received proposals from BCAR, as the current operator is known, as well as from Pro Park, Standard Parking and Central Parking Systems.

"We have a special session scheduled for next Thursday, when a subcommittee will give the proposals a closer look. We're also seeking for outside help in analyzing the bids," said Henry Gorino, the parking board's newly installed chairman.

The board will select a certified public accountant to analyze the four proposals.

The proposals, he said, appear to offer a variety of approaches.

"We'll know a lot more after we work through the numbers and compare them," he said.

The proposals, opened at a public session of the parking board, rely on a variety of formulas, some charging a management fee, others a percentage of parking revenues.

Central Parking proposed an annual management fee of $4,142, plus 5 percent of net income exceeding $5 million. Standard Parking is seeking a $2,500 management fee, plus 1.45 percent of total net income. Pro Park's proposal forgoes an annual fee in favor of 8.25 percent of net income exceeding $6 million.

BCAR submitted a more complicated plan, resulting from its status as nonprofit agency established in 1954 by downtown merchants and bankers to oversee city parking facilities.

In its budget for the fiscal year that will end June 30, BCAR pegged revenue at $8.5 million, with operating expenses at $3.6 million. Those expenses include the $80,000 a year salary of Kevin J. Helfer, its executive director.

The board also paid about $100,000 in consultant fees to its attorney and financial analyst. BCAR "shareholders" do not receive remuneration from parking operations.

After expenses, the balance of parking income goes to the city to help repay the debt incurred in building the facilities and to provide the city's parking enterprise fund a guaranteed $450,000 per year.

BCAR proposes to continue managing city parking operations under essentially the same terms as its current pact.

The city's decision to seek competitive proposals for operating its parking facilities has not sat well with BCAR executives, who maintain their expertise and the agency's nonprofit status offer parkers the best deal.

"There is no doubt in my mind that BCAR's relationship with the city is the best for all involved. It was progressive 50 years ago, and it has stood the test of time," Helfer said.

He cited the board's tax-
exempt status as a huge advantage.

"We don't have to tack 8.25 percent sales tax on parking fees, we don't pay sales tax on our equipment and supplies. The other bidders will have to calculate the costs of sales tax into their operations," he said.

:wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf: :wtf:
The City Presevation Board will be scheduling a public hearing on the proposed demolition of 109 E. Genesee Street, at the corner of Genesee and Oak Streets. Long time owner of this and adjacent “Genesee Village” properties, Willert Genrich, proposes to replace this corner building with a 33 car parking lot.

109 E. Genesee is not in a historic district. The City process to consider the demolition request starts with the Preservation Board holding a public hearing and then making a recommendation to the Commissioner of Permits and Inspection. “Site Plan Review” by the City Planning Board will also be triggered because of the cost of the demolition and the number of cars in the proposed lot. The Site Plan Review decision of the Planning Board is final. The only recourse for the property owner would be a court challenge.

Issues to be considered in this demolition request include the recommendation of the Queen City Hub Plan that no additional buildings be demolished for surface parking in Downtown Buffalo, and the importance of retaining the integrity of this blockface of historic buildings. We will include the public hearing date in future E-reports.


:soapbox: Parking Lot!?!?! :soapbox:

Downtown Buffalo needs and could use A LOT of things, but a parking lot is not one of them.

Downtown Buffalo needs and could use A LOT of things, but a parking lot is not one of them.

Darn tootin'!

When will they learn? If you really need parking, they ought to be consolidating some of these horrific "structures" into parking garages - at least they look like development and maybe we can keep our hands off the historic stuff and *gasp* start turning some surface lots into buildings!

Just my impression anyways...

Chris

This is the building he wants to demo- it hasn't had windows for 20 years and used to have a mansard roof that he ripped off:

http://img257.echo.cx/img257/3046/genesee33az.jpg

More buildings that he owns on the block, these aren't proposed for demo (yet). The first he has started some work on, but progress isn't noticable, supposedly he has a restaurant lined up to take the first floor:
http://img259.echo.cx/img259/4655/genrich21qj.png
http://img245.echo.cx/img245/1071/genrich31qi.png

This is an image from the City's own web site showing what they would LIKE the block to look like

http://www.city-buffalo.com/Files/1_2_1/Hub/Volume%20I/hubImages/genesee.jpg

tell me if you made these small offices and lofts that they would not fill up? lol

they need work...yes, but in the end, especially when the Electric Tower goes to class "A" office these properties are gonna skyrocket in value.

these people need to think about what they are saying before saying shit.

Uniland sells Exchange Street building for $5.5M

For the second time in the past month, an Omaha-based real estate investment trust has acquired a downtown Buffalo building.

Government Properties Trust has purchased the former Barrister Information Systems Corp. building at 186 Exchange St. from Uniland Development Co. Government Properties paid $5.5 million for the 34,500-square-foot building.

Uniland constructed the building in 2003 for Barrister, who moved there from elsewhere in downtown. Barrister has since shifted most of its operations out of the region.

The building, however, is not vacant. The Social Security Administration is in the process of moving its offices there from the Dulski Building on Delaware Avenue.

Government Properties' portfolio is filled with multi-tenant and single-tenant buildings whose primary occupants are local, state and federal agencies.

Government Properties, in early March, paid $71 million for the just-opened Niagara Center on Elmwood Avenue. The eight-story, 200,000-square-foot building is virtually 100 percent occupied with former tenants of the soon-to-close Dulski Building.

"That an out-of-town REIT is showing confidence in the Buffalo market is an encouraging sign" said Tom Widzinski, Uniland spokesman.

Now if Uniland would take some of that cash and start one of their downtown projects, I'd be really happy.

The Genrich demo request will be very interesting. It will be a test to see if the city is really serious about downtown and the Queen City Hub Plan which recommends no further demolitions and no more surface parking. They'll accept the APA award, now stick to the plan!!!!

Genrich bought those buildings in 1984. 21 years and still waiting....

Looking at these buildings I think to myself that these are really just a small piece of what downtown used to look like when it was a success. I can't imagine any reason to tear these down in favor of more parking area, considering the loft building going on...this would be a huge mistake. Like I said before, with the Electric Tower going class "A", we are gonna see changes in this part of downtown.

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - First quarter earnings for M&T Bank Corp rose by 19% compared to last year.

Walden Galleria plans ambitious expansion

Restaurants, theaters part of new addition

By SHARON LINSTEDT
News Staff Reporter
4/20/2005

The region's largest and most popular shopping destination is preparing to add "dining and entertainment hot spot" to its resume.
The Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga is expected soon to unveil an ambitious expansion - with a price topping $50 million - to make room for a stable of upscale national restaurants that includes Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Cheesecake Factory and Abuelo's Mexican Food Embassy.

The mall's venture will include a state-of-the-art, 18-screen cinema complex, plus other new tenants offering an array of activities such as pool and arcade games.

A new parking deck is also part of the project.

Syracuse-based Pyramid Cos., which owns Western New York's largest retail complex, has been contemplating a major expansion since 1998. The developer filed a revised blueprint in 2000 that called for a 650,000-square-foot, tri-level addition, which also focused on food and fun, but those plans never became reality.

A fresh proposal, which is expected to be made public in the next few weeks, would see a two-story addition on the southeast side of the mall.

The new wing, which will be easily visible from the Thruway, will have a facade that resembles a village streetscape. This design will give patrons direct access to the restaurants and offer outdoor dining options, and is in keeping with a national trend to add "lifestyle center" elements to traditional enclosed malls.

Galleria General Manager James L. Soos declined to comment on the expected proposal, but has reiterated Pyramid's interest in expanding the Galleria over the past five years.

Cheektowaga Supervisor Dennis H. Gabryszak confirmed he's talked with Pyramid about expansion plans, but declined to reveal specifics.

"It's going to be unlike anything we've seen in this area when it comes to retail construction," Gabryszak said. "It's going to be dynamic architecture. It will not look like the exterior of a mall."

Creating a cluster of high-profile food and entertainment tenants fits with a national trend among newer and larger malls, said Patrice Duker, spokeswoman for the International Council of Shopping Centers.

"It's certainly something we've seen over the past couple of years. A solid offering of dining and entertainment adds to the overall draw of the center. It allows a mall to be more things to more people," Duker said.

She noted that Cheesecake Factory is one of the country's hottest restaurant tenants.

"They are definitely a coveted tenant because there aren't very many of them out there and they do great numbers, averaging about $1,000 a square foot in sales (per year)," she added.

A typical regional mall tenant's sales averaged $366 per square foot per year in 2005.

This would be the first upstate New York location for the California restaurant chain, which operates 92 eateries. Its 200-item, book-like menus include items ranging from sandwiches and salads to steaks and seafood, as well as its trademark cheesecake selections.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is a nationally acclaimed purveyor of the traditional steak dinner, plus other comfort foods. The Louisiana chain of 85 upscale restaurants in 30 states and Canada includes two restaurants in the New York City area and one in suburban Toronto.

Abuelo's restaurant would be the first in New York for the chain, which currently operates 18 sites and plans to add seven more in 2005. The Texas company, whose name means "grandfather" in Spanish, specializes in the cuisine of the Mexican interior. Prices at the casual restaurant range from $10 to $15.

Gabryszak said Pyramid has been quietly reworking the expansion plans it submitted in 2000.

"They have taken their time, but it will be worth the wait," Gabryszak said. "This is going to give people a whole new reason to go to the Galleria. It's still going to be the area's top shopping destination, but now people will go there for great food, too."

At a current 1.6 million square feet, the Galleria is the area's largest mall, attracting more than 19 million visitors a year to its 200-plus tenants.

While other Buffalo area malls have upgraded their facilities to compete with the Cheektowaga retail center, the Galleria has maintained its edge with several singular stores, such as Lord & Taylor, Apple Computer, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Ann Taylor and Steve and Barry's University Sportswear.

Opened in 1989, the Galleria has undergone five physical expansions, the most recent being the construction of an 80,000-square-foot, two-story Galyan's store in 2000. That store was recently converted to a Dick's Sporting Goods.

The developer built a 600-vehicle parking garage in 1992.

oops....double post!

:doh: Speaking from experience, if downtown could have snagged Cheesecake, it would have been huge! They are always packed...at least the ones I've been to in Vegas, Seattle, San Jose, San Fran and Sacramento. (can you tell I'm a fan?) It should have been in the Theater District or next to Bass Pro. They aren't afraid of downtowns either....Seattle and SF are downtown, Vegas is in the Forum Shops, San Jose and Sacramento's are at a suburban-type mall. Haven't been to Ruth Chris but they have a good reputation. Unfortunately, Cheesecake usually only puts one restaurant in a metro area. All of these chains aren't good news for Buffalo's mom-and-pop restaurants. :puke:

Buffalo's local owned restaurants have nothing to fear form these chains. Most people (at least in the city) do not think of the mAll when it comes to fine dinig.

Ruths Chris is a high level restaurant and is not the typical chain type tourist trap that Cheasecake is. It is good for the Buff area to get these restaurants though. It shows that the site selectors finaly know that Buffalo exists. Unlike in the past when they thought of it as either a sister city to Green Bay or a grimy suburb of NYC along the lines of Newark.

On an unrelated topic, it lookes like excavation has begun on the parking garage behind the new Niagara Center on South Elmwood Ave. (The garage will actually be built more near Niagara Street.) They started yesterday, and they've dug a deep trench all around the perimeter, where I presume the construction site will be. It goes right up to the edge of that quasi-historical house that is slated for demolition. I read somewhere the garage is going to be 5 levels, which seems a bit imposing for a structure built just on the edge of a neighborhood and Historical Preservation District, the West Village. Anyone have any additional info on this?

I have never been to any of these, good to see the metro is getting them...but it does not help downtown at all.

I Emailed Hard Rock Cafe' and asked them to move the Niagara USA spot to Chippewa or to the waterfront...I can only hope on that one.

I still think we should look for some good spots downtown, come on nobody knows for sure how good Bass Pro is gonna jump start downtown...it might be a breaker for us.

*another key element to the downtown revitalization IMO is the retreat from Dulski (Fed Bld) they are filling vacant space within other city space...the more we decrease the vacancy rate, the more revenue the property owners will have to make upgrades making properties more economical and affordable, as well as appealing for new businesses or renters.
-Dulski would make a great Hilton Buffalo !? with some work

So is the old house staying or coming down? I'm sure it will look ridiculous with a five-story wall of parking behind it if it stays. Is the Corn Exchange/Hotel still on?

The Dulski needs a serious facade make-over if it stays up. It would make an ideal residential location- it'll be interesting to see if anyone buys the property or site when it's offered.

The problem with the Dulski is Aspestos...and if its gonna ever be used as a hotel or residential tower its gonna have to be cleansed of the insulation. I have heard from Government types who worked at Dulski that it never was "for sure" coming down, there has been talk that the land is worth quite a bit and if they leveled the place it would allow them to start over, shovel ready...(I just see another parking lot) afterwards.

If someone wanted to invest in the structure, which in all reality would be worth the venture, it has its own underground parking (limitied) and would also escape the dangerous need to fill retail at street level...all in all it would be a great spot of a nice Hotel...and thats is what I think will happen.

If Dulski does come down, it most likely won't happen until after the new Courthouse is completed, you know all that Government protocall bullshit.

I'm one of those "government types," and I can unofficially confirm that it's true the building never was for sure coming down. As far as I know it still isn't. I worked in the Dulski Building. There is an agency called MEPS (not sure what the acronym stands for) but they're like a recruiting station for the Marines, I guess, and they're not leaving the building now until some time in 2006. I know the government gets a lot of slack from the public for being slow and bureaucratic in doing things like relocating to new space and closing down the Federal Building. However, I should point out that it's also partly because of the private sector that it has been hard for many agencies to find new space. It's not that the space does not exist; it's more that many buildings don't want Federal agencies as tenants, particularly the ones that attract people who apply for benefits. Members of Congress get involved when they hear from their constituents that they're unhappy about a proposed new location. So it's really much more compicated than most people imagine. I heard that the Office of Hearings, which is part of Social Security, was lucky enough to get relocated to the Key Center at Fountain Plaza. They are going to occupy the entire mezanine level of both towers. However, they're moving from Olympic Towers (the old YWCA Buiding on Pearl St) because their 10-year lease is up. That's supposed to happen later this Summer. Other agencies, like MEPS, Social Security, Rail Road Board, and smaller components of DVA and IRS have had more trouble finding landlords willing to take them than what you've read about in the Buffalo News. As for the fate of the Dulski Building, the problem is that the cost of the asbestos removal would cost enough to classify the project as a "Major Renovation." Because it gets slated into that category, guidelines say that they cannot simply pay to do that part of the job, but they are required to perform several other unrelated upgrades, the costs of which exceed the value of the building. The last I heard--and this is strictly rumor from the cafeteria--they are trying to give it away to another government entity--well sell it for a nominal amount like $1. If that's the case, New York State may want the building to replace the Donovan Building which is supposed to be demolished to make way for the intermodal transprtation center (code for parking garage with a bus stop) for the Bass Pro Project. NYS could do the renovations under different guidelines, perhaps making it more cost effective. Doesn't Buffalo already have a surplus of hotel rooms? I thought I read that most hotels have plenty of empty rooms already. If so, I can't see adding hundreds of new rooms to an already saturated market. I think it would make an excellent apartment building, maybe with a supermarket (like the Washington Market or Lexington Co Op) on the ground floor. Have you ever seen the views from the 13th floor and above? The building may be bland and boring, but the views are sexy as hell! I know the windows are small for residential use, but there are several of them lined up side by side. And they open, though they've been locked for a while. Either way, it's going to be intersting to see what they decide to do with the building.

Saw this in a Charlotte thread- an office building converted to residential- the 'before' reminds me of Dulski, not a big fan of the 'after' but I'd take it!
Is the Dulski 300,000 sq.ft.? That would be a big conversion- 200+ units easily.

http://img123.echo.cx/img123/554/1155078415056ie.jpg

Anyone hear anything about the Tishman Bldg. At one time Paladino was looking at it for residences, then Ciminelli put a bid in and then fell out of escrow. Its been on the market for a year at least now. Another building that should be converted to help the office market is the Main/Seneca Bldg. It has waterfront and ballpark views. And of course the Lafayette Hotel!

I know the view are talking about from the Dulski, I went thru MEPS back in '99 when I joined the US Navy. They have a waiting area and I was mesmerized by the view of Buffalo up there...that was part of the beginning of my love for Urban "stuff".

Hotels, nobody knows whats going on with Bass Pro and the other (ideas) that are being tossed around for downtown, there is a chance there will be a demand for more rooms by 2006, so who knows.

while on the topic of Hotels, I have heard that the Hyatt may change names to the Marriott soon, anyone?

This Week At City Hall:

The City Preservation Board has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed demolition of 109 E. Genesee Street for Thursday, April 28th at 3:15pm in Room 901 City Hall. 109 E Genesee is at the corner of Oak Street and is part of the “Genesee Village” properties owned by Willert Genrich. The proposed demolition calls for taking down a three and four story corner building and replacing it with a 33 car parking lot. It is part of a block, long regarded by many as ripe for mixed-use residential development. The Queen City Hub; A Regional Action Plan for Downtown Buffalo identifies this block as a residential development priority.

http://buffaloplaceereport.com/planning/graphics/conventioncenterramp.jpg

109 E. Genesee is not located in a historic district. The City process to consider the demolition request starts with the Preservation Board holding a public hearing and then making a recommendation to the Commissioner of Permits and Inspection. “Site Plan Review” by the City Planning Board will also be triggered because of the cost of the demolition and the number of cars in the proposed lot. The Site Plan Review decision of the Planning Board is final. The only recourse for the property owner would be a court challenge. Issues to be considered in this demolition request include the recommendation of the Queen City Hub Plan that no additional buildings be demolished for surface parking in Downtown Buffalo, and the importance of retaining the integrity of this blockface of historic buildings.

Im thinking of going, anyone else game?

I grabbed a few shots of the Medical Corridor area while on the parking ramp, this area almost looks fake in the summer (it's so green and clean)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%202005/IMG_5491.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%202005/IMG_5492.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%202005/IMG_5493.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%202005/IMG_5494.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v69/Citysky/Buffalo%202005/IMG_5495.jpg

Buff- be sure to let us know how it turns out- My guess is they'll postpone a decision if a fair amount of people come out. If they have any backbone, they'll turn him down immediately.

Im gonna see what my planner says for thursday, most likely will have to be here in Batavia at the office, but I might be able to jump out early.

Im gonna Email the news outlets so they are there...thats pressure like you wont believe.

it's gonna get turned down, that block is about to go up in value, why would they want to have the downtown tax base a parking lot when it can be a loft and housing strip? you know the city can get money for having housing downtown from NYS and the Fed...watch

I emailed Donn Esmonde about the proposed demo- no response which is a first- I've emailed him a few times and he's always written back. I think he's on vacaton- I haven't seen a column in about a week. Bad timing I guess.

okay, channel 2 and channel 7 know...they have been Emailed, I'll get channel 4 and WBEN tonight.

Here is a view of progress on the Lexington Real Foods CoOp at Elmwood and Lancaster. It is not the most exciting arechitecture but it is a real good infill project whcih is eliminating a corner parking lot. It will add a lot of street life to an already great neighborhood.

Constrcution is moving fast!

http://img258.echo.cx/img258/1541/lexingtoncoop7it.jpg

here is some more

http://www.lexingtoncoop.com/Lancaster%20Brick%20w-car-thumb.jpg

Plan
http://www.lexingtoncoop.com/image002.jpg

This is the existing store
http://lexingtoncoop.com/fall6.jpg

And just so you all don't get too excited over any one project or group of projects here is a quote from the Buffalo papers back in 1929

"Construction of massive new central station will spur growth of second downtown district on Buffalo's east side"

http://www.buffalohistoryworks.com/terminal/history/construction.jpg

Here is a view of progress on the Lexington Real Foods CoOp at Elmwood and Lancaster. It is not the most exciting arechitecture but it is a real good infill project whcih is eliminating a corner parking lot. It will add a lot of street life to an already great neighborhood.

Constrcution is moving fast!

http://img258.echo.cx/img258/1541/lexingtoncoop7it.jpg

I drove by the new Lexington Co-op today and it was nice to see the old Willis & Lowe site taking shape. I also noticed serious rehab work happening to a couple buildings right across from the new co-op.

Anyone know whats going to become of the empty parcel next to Cecilias restaurant that housed a coffee shop before it was torched last summer in an arson? ?

The Lexington Coop project is awesome- wasn't someone going to build something in the parking lot next to Globe Market? Now if we can get Wilson Farms removed- the whole block would be done! Though the Blockbuster portion of the old supermarket needs a redo to match the better half of the building.

The market looks great, hopefully the rest of Buffalo will build these kind of cummunities that develope themselves.

As for NY Central Terminal, in all reality the terminal was built in 1929 and wasn't really going until the great depression really slowed everything down. By the 1940's, the US was so "automobile driven" that the huge station was not needed and rails gave way to expressways by the late 40's. My guess is that it was not a planning blunder, but rather a miss-reading of the future of transportation that really made NY Central Terminal look bad...and NOT Buffalo's fault.

Love him or hate him, Paladino is a rebel:
:gunz:

Businessman will challenge Thruway toll hikes
James Fink
Business First
A prominent Buffalo business leader will be taking his effort to eliminate two toll booth barriers along the Thruway to the courts.

Carl Paladino, one of the region's largest property holders, said Wednesday morning he has retained private counsel to fight the pending toll increases for the Ogden and Breckenridge toll booths -- and to ultimately have the two barriers removed from the New York Thruway Authority system.

"We think the case is pretty clear," Paladino said.

Paladino has at least one ally in his legal battle. Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello said he will instruct the city's legal department to join ranks with challenge.

Paladino, who has been a long time advocate of removing the Ogden and Breckenridge toll booths, said the final straw was the decision by the Thruway Authority on Monday to raise the fees motorists pay at the booths from 50 cents to 75 cents, effective May 15. The increases are part of system wide toll hike by the authority to raise money for repairs to its network of roadways.

Paladino noted the two toll booths collectively bring in about $11 million in revenues while operational costs for those operations run approximately $4 million.

"We've got Western New York subsidizing other parts of the state," Paladino said.

Cities like Rochester, Syracuse and Albany have no toll booths in their network of highways around the respective cities.

Paladino contends the tolls amount to a commuter tax and hurt the effort to bring businesses into Buffalo.

He is probably making this stand so that when he announces he has bulled the plug on his court street "Maguire Building" he won't look as bad.

I wish they would kill the booths in the system around Buffalo...but it's doubtful people, it's NY.

This City Center condo is for sale

$240,000
2 bed 2 bath 1000 sf
tax $216/ mo
condo assesment $500 / mo

Add in insurance and you could be in this unit for about $2,420 / mo

http://img201.echo.cx/img201/2139/citycenter5oe.jpg

Martin complex focus of WNED series
Annie Deck-Miller
Business First

Buffalo's public television station is producing a three-part series to chronicle restoration efforts at Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin Martin Complex. "Saving a Landmark: The Darwin Martin House," the first half-hour show in the series, airs April 27 at 8:30 p.m. on WNED-TV Channel 17.

The premier program in the series features interviews with John Courtin, executive director of the Martin House Restoration Corp., and Theodore Lownie, a partner in the firm of Hamilton Houston and Lownie LLC, .....

"Saving a Landmark" documents construction of a largely underground visitors' center on the Martin House campus and includes footage from Belden Brick Co. in Canton, Ohio, which is replicating the house's original bricks for the reconstruction.......

WNED is also producing a national documentary, set for release next year, about the role that businessman Darwin Martin and the City of Buffalo played in Wright's early career. .....

the view from that condo is awsome, the view alone is worth $400 / mo

"the view from that condo is awsome, the view alone is worth $400 / mo"

If the view is only worth $400 they are in trouble, because the inside of that room looks like a motel 6. Last I checked nobody was writing out $2020 checks to them.

man, when I wake up in the morning I see the house of an 80 year old woman across the street, next door to the sherriff and the city grass inspector...so to see downtown Buffalo everyday from that angle would be a nice asset, getting technical...I wouldnt spend the cash either.

hey, I lived in a city center condo for a month, and seriously, they're really really nice. That's just a weird view of the room. The development on Elmwood is great, I know my parents are excited about the Lexington Coop. I hope the downtown developments come along, I'd like to move there in a few years, although it seems like most the new downtown housing is geared toward the rich market. Hopefully there will be some more affordable stuff downtown in a few years, I think that could potentially be an exciting place to be. And if not, in 3 years I'll be in allentown.

Bone Machine, that is the most enthusiastic "I wanna live Downtown" post I have ever heard about Buffalo. I agree there should be some more middle income housing and rental flats downtown, I'm sure the developers are staying away from HUD stubsidized stuff so that the market stays in high demand from people with atleast some cash.

I thought the Holling Press Building was going to be more affordabale, and geared toward younger people. Here's the link: http://www.myredshoesllc.com/Holling%20Press.htm

Holling is nice inside, depending on the rent prices...then we will see how fast they fill up

"the view from that condo is awsome, the view alone is worth $400 / mo"

If the view is only worth $400 they are in trouble, because the inside of that room looks like a motel 6. Last I checked nobody was writing out $2020 checks to them.
:hahaha:
I think he was talking about the view out the window, not the K-Mart bed cover and IKEA furniture!

I thought the Holling Press Building was going to be more affordabale, and geared toward younger people. Here's the link: http://www.myredshoesllc.com/Holling%20Press.htm

"Holling Press Apartments"
With completion nearing, ESC starts accepting applications for the newest addition to downtown Buffalo housing.* The complex, which contains 82 units will provide residents of Western New York some much anticipated affordable housing in downtown.* With rents starting at $515 and $620 for one and two bedroom apartments, the complex will offer free high speed internet, hardwood floors, exercise facility and fully equipped kitchens.

$515 is much cheaper than most of the other projects downtown- I think the others are starting around $800. There are income restrictions on Holling too since he used Historic Preservation Tax Credit or some other financing that has some strings attached.

"I think he was talking about the view out the window, not the K-Mart bed cover and IKEA furniture!"

I know.. but he said that rent was $2420 a month.. get it? huh, huh, nudge, nudge.. know what i mean?

Nice, I worked around the corner from that building last summer, it's encouraging to see how it's turning out

Because Buffalo's assessed property values have risen more than $178 million during the past year, thanks to robust real estate market, the city's homestead property tax will decrease 3.4 percent and non-homestead properties will see their tax rate decrease by 3 percent, Masiello said.


Interesting that Buffalo is finaly collecting additional tax revenue based on increaased property value rather that increasing the rate of taxes.

This was from Buisiness First.

It also said that the Buffalo Garbage collection fee will need to be increased because Erie County can no longer tip the garbage (that means take it off the trucks at a trash handling facility) The city has to take over that function for the county. Just another example of the suburbs screwing the city.