2016 Year in Review: Darra Kubera, Carmina Wood Morris, DPC

Darra Kubera, Carmina Wood Morris, DPC

Name & Title: Darra Kubera, Marketing Coordinator

Company Name: Carmina Wood Morris, DPC

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2016?

Our firm is continuously contributing to the resurgence of downtown Buffalo, but our most notable project this year was the Phoenix Brewery Lofts renovation. Located within the Medical Campus, this 50,000 s/f Washington St. building, originally designed as Buffalo’s first brewery by Otto Wolf in 1887, has become 31 apartments (one and two-story) along with 3,000 s/f first floor retail. A rooftop garden patio and enclosed parking is included in the building’s redesign. The front façade of the building was recreated with corbeling brick masons. This project was also the winner of Buffalo Spree’s “Best Preservation Project” this year!

What project, transaction, market trend or product had the greatest impact on your industry this year?

After more than seven years of planning and work to save a pair of long-vacant historic buildings that faced demolition, we completed work on the redevelopment of the historic Bosche Building at 916-918 Main Street. The Bosch Lofts were turned into one and two bedroom apartments featuring an atrium that all tenants have access to, exposed brick and duct work, high loft-style ceilings, and handicap accessibility. The units include granite counter tops, brand new stainless steel appliances, convenient in unit washer and dryer, central air, and natural lighting thanks to large Pella windows. All tenants have access to a shared rooftop patio space, overlooking the downtown Buffalo skyline, putting new residents across the street from the growing Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.