TM Montante Development begins construction of 616 Niagara project

Niagara Falls, NY According to TM Montante Development, construction has started on its $5 million mixed-use development project – 616 Niagara – at the corner of 7th and Niagara Sts.

The project includes an adaptive reuse of all existing structures, as well as the construction of a new glass atrium, and will result in a mixed-use development with commercial space and a corner café on the ground floor, as well as 17 market rate residential units on the upper floors of the building.

“The 616 Niagara project will represent the rebirth of three beautiful historic buildings at the corner of 7th and Niagara Sts., and ensure that they have new life for generations to come,” said Chris Campos, president, TM Montante Development. “Vacant structures will become vibrant again, housing new residents and workers that will call downtown Niagara Falls their home and their place of work. And the connection point between John Daly Blvd. and Niagara St., a gateway to downtown Niagara Falls, will be reinvigorated, extending the energy that has been building on 3rd St. eastwards all the way to 7th St.”

616 Niagara will be anchored by the Niagara Global Tourism Institute, an affiliate of Niagara University, which will relocate its headquarters to the ground floor commercial space and open TReC, one of the first co-working and incubator facilities in the city.

616 Niagara is being supported by a $750,000 grant from the WNY Regional Economic Development Capital Fund as well as a $100,000 grant from National Grid’s Main Street Revitalization Program. The Niagara Global Tourism Institute also received a $176,000 grant from the Niagara Falls Tourism Target Zone Program which is administered through the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.

“TReC by NGTI serves as a prime example of Niagara University’s commitment to economic and social progress in Niagara Falls. But NU will benefit as well through experiential learning opportunities at a new ‘second home’ in the developing downtown corridor. Students will have access to real-world career experiences, while faculty can take advantage of a dynamic classroom,” said NGTI executive director Patrick Whelan. “TReC will also serve as a link between the local community and entrepreneurial opportunities in Niagara Falls.”

“I am very pleased for work to commence at 616 Niagara St. This project has the potential to serve as a catalyst for innovation and downtown living in Niagara Falls,” said mayor Paul Dyster. “616 Niagara St. will not only serve as home to 17 new, market-rate apartments, it will also house Niagara University’s Global Tourism Institute and business incubator, TReC. The synergy of new first-class residential options and the expansion of the innovation economy in our downtown is a tremendous win for our city.”

“National Grid’s grant will cover costs related to building restoration and construction, and was made available through our Main Street Revitalization program,” said National Grid regional manager Ken Kujawa. “We’re always proud to play a role in projects such as 616 Niagara; it’s a natural fit for our grant program, as it focuses on site development and urban revitalization.”

According to Empire State Development, 616 Niagara continues USA Niagara’s strategic investments in downtown Niagara Falls, which include new hotel and restaurant properties; redevelopment of Third Street; and the Buffalo Billion II Strategic Land Acquisition program to develop key properties within a city block of Niagara Falls State Park, which have been vacant, partially vacant, or underutilized for up to 30 years. Investment in this neighborhood will help to rebuild the area as a vibrant and walkable downtown, strengthen the gateway into the City’s tourist district, and further enhance the significant state investments that have upgraded Niagara Falls State Park and are improving access to the City’s waterfront.

Five Star Bank is providing financing for 616 Niagara and the project is being built by Montante Construction. Other significant contractors include HHL Architects, Preservation Studios, Tredo Engineers, and Advanced Design Group.