Downtown housing boom continues: Buffalo is the location to invest, build and expand

Buffalo's renaissance is continuing! Since 2006, the city of Buffalo has seen over $4.5 billion in economic development projects announced, from business headquarters, to a new federal courthouse, to the rebirth of the city's waterfront. Buffalo continues to be the location to invest, build and expand! Downtown Buffalo continues to be the premier address for the region. This year, more units have come on line and have been snapped up by those eager to be a part of the Downtown renaissance. In March, the city of Buffalo helped cut the ribbon for the new lofts at 210 Ellicott St., the former Seneca Paper building. The project includes 30 loft-style apartments and commercial space. The project was financed by $3.25 million construction and a $2.75 million permanent loan provided by the Community Preservation Corporation, as well as $2 million in financing provided by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency. The apartments, both one and two bedroom, feature hardwood floors, high-end appliances, wood cabinetry and open floor plans. Monthly rents range from $1,295 to $1,995. The principals of Historic Warehouse Lofts, LLC are Charles Schneider, president of Schneider Design Architects, P.C.; Thomas Kiener, P.E., Principal of Jansen Consulting Engineers, P.C.; and David Resetarits, president, Resetarits Construction Corporation. In Buffalo's historic Theatre District, the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation renovated the Market Arcade apartments. There are eight two bedroom apartments and two one bedroom apartments that received a facelift, which includes new tile floors, hardwood floors, new kitchen cabinetry, all new stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, washers and dryers in unit, new window treatments, granite counter tops, new lighting, new carpet and fresh paint. Rents range from $950 to $1,250. The total cost for the renovations was $359,000. Ellicott Development Company continues to work on the $40 million residential waterfront development to be known as "Waterfront Place." The land, formerly owned by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA), sat vacant for the last 30 years. Designed by Chaintreuil, Jensen & Stark Architects in conjunction with Charles Gordon, The Townhomes at Waterfront Place will offer 15 luxury residences in the heart of Waterfront Village. The Pasquale at Waterfront Place was designed by Charles Gordon in collaboration with KNY Architects of Burlington, Ontario. It will offer 49 luxury residences in an 11-story condominium tower set atop two levels of private indoor parking. The plan successfully complements and enhances the existing housing by creating a walkable, attractive community to complete the area's original Waterfront Village concept. This is also the first significant development of housing for sale being constructed in downtown and along Buffalo's waterfront in several years. There are other exciting changes downtown as well. The former Dulski Federal Building at 200 Delaware Ave. is getting a literal "facelift," the former concrete "skin" has been removed and a new, modern glass façade is being put on the building, which will be the new home to Embassy Suites, Damon and Morey LLP, a Buffalo law firm, retail space and condominiums. Uniland Development Company and Acquest Development are partnering on the project. Total project cost is $78 million. Buffalo continues to grow and change every year. This summer, the new Federal Courthouse is being built, asbestos abatement and pre-demoltion work continues at the Memorial Auditorium and General Donovan State Office Building near the HSBC Arena for the Inner Harbor developments, and just down the street from there, work continues on the new Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. I encourage everyone to come and take a look at the new Buffalo! Byron Brown is the mayor of the city of Buffalo, N.Y.