2025 Year in Review: Michael Montante, Uniland Development Company

What transaction, project, or key moment best reflected the direction of the New York CRE market this year? 

Beyond the new Buffalo Bills Stadium, one of the largest active construction projects in Western New York is Uniland’s role as construction manager for a $110 million, 200,000 s/f warehouse facility in Hamburg, NY. This complex will serve as the new headquarters for FeedMore WNY, the region’s largest hunger relief organization. The cutting-edge campus is located on 73.8 acres and will significantly expand food assistance capacity, create jobs, and stimulate the regional economy. It features a 76,735 s/f warehouse and a 46,950 s/f commissary, plus modern office, meeting, and support space.

What accomplishment, milestone, project or transaction stood out for you or your firm in 2025? 

A standout Uniland project is our collaboration with D’Youville University to house the region’s first College of Osteopathic Medicine, which will transform healthcare education and address the growing physician shortage in WNY and beyond. Located at Uniland’s 285 Delaware Ave. in downtown Buffalo, the medical school and its 700 new students will transform a 5-story, 117,000 s/f Class A office building into an innovative $85 million medical school campus. Strengthening downtown Buffalo, D’Youville projects the hub will generate nearly $2 billion in economic impact over its first 15 years.

What emerging trends or shifts will shape opportunities for you, your firm, or market sector in 2026? 

Uniland is strategically extending its established third-party construction and property management services to external partners. The benefits are mutual: new clients (like municipalities, academic, and healthcare groups) efficiently access expertise, capabilities, and resources quickly, while for Uniland - the CRE company - this diversifies our portfolio and expands market reach while utilizing existing resources. Successful 2025 3rd party partnerships include our work with FeedMore WNY, D’Youville University, Evergreen Health, University at Buffalo, the City of Buffalo, and other clients.