[sullymon54]

Notes for Buffalo Place Inc. Meeting 5/30/2007
1. Budget Items this month 46K under budget, revenues are up, expenses down, year to date 170K under budget however may change because not all acts have been paid for summer concert series. Overall in financial condition good, equal to expectations.

2. Marketing summer concert series, all 3 local news outlets covered it as well as buffalo news, BuffaloRising, Artvoice, front page of gusto.

3. Farmers market opened Tues. 5/29 and will be open every Tues./Thurs.

4. Operations Pump installed at fountain plaza, new trees planted, annual plantings are arriving this week, “red top is painted”, new banners are coming 80 posts total expect to have 2/3rds occupied.

5. Transportation Nothing new for cars on Main, NYS DOT continues to be very helpful, traffic counts and signal timing still being adjusted for elm/oak corridor. $7 mil contract to get traffic to flow better, project runs through 2012. NFTA to dedicate 3 bus routes to new HealthNow HQ, this will free up some on street parking through route change. New electronic meters to be installed DT, may make parking easier. GBNRTC finalizing their short and long term plans they’re delaying the plan to spread out money.

6. Security 8 arrests for “car poppers”, since arrest took place incidents of break-ins have decreased significantly, New graffiti is being painted over in some cases faster than it can be cataloged, however now re-painters are issued cameras to document it before painting takes place.

7. Living DT Broadway building opening in July with 3-8 units, Spaghetti Warehouse just sold with intent of converting the building to 27 units, tours of DT homes for Buffalo Old Home Week coming up soon, Talks about the 500 Block continue.

8. Misc. NFTA considering adding 3rd train car to trains to accommodate higher volume of riders during peak times. “Flippers” are hurting two significant DT properties namely the Tishman Building/AM&A’s. DT was done “a great injustice by National Fuel” when they not only left but sold the Tishman building, a building that has limited use and is in poor condition, to a downstate developer for an extremely low price in a sense fooling the developer because of the developers lack of knowledge of the area. They thought they were going to receive a great financial windfall when in fact they are stuck with a property they are not equipped to handle. Similar with AM&A’s however worse because the buildings continued decay has caused the city to take action to close off Eagle Street. It is the feeling of many board members that in order to be able to reopen Eagle Street and realize the properties value some portions of AM&A’s need to be demolished.

Buffalo Place Inc. Meeting Adjourned
Buffalo Place Foundation Meeting Opened

1. They are working to implement the Queen City Hub Plan as well as keep DT safe and clean etc., basically read a mission statement.

Buffalo Place Foundation Meeting Adjourned

[steel]

Interesting to read that with all the incorrect info.

Spaghetti warehouse not for sale no current plans for residential conversion.

AM&A building is not falling down. The warehouse behind the store building has some facade pieces fall.

City says that AM&A's main store building has corrected 95% of code problems and that remaining issue are no danger to the public.

You would think these people running this organization would know this stuff!

[westcoastperspective]

I bit on the Spaghetti Warehouse story that was in Biz Journal...turns out to be incorrect. Building is still for sale. :shrug:

Big deal of the week was Issa's purchase of the future tower site. The mystery tenant is now talking about leasing 300,000 sq.ft. That's up 50k in the last few weeks- who's growing so quickly? :D

Steel is one away from 1000 posts...make it a good one.

[believeinbflo]

sullymon54 or WCP...anything new on dunkin donuts going in at the corner of main and chippewa?

[westcoastperspective]

sullymon54 or WCP...anything new on dunkin donuts going in at the corner of main and chippewa?

Maybe one of the locals can tell us if they started work. They were just at the Planning Board (or Preservation, I forgets) for sign-off on their signs. Supposed to be open in July.

CityView says they have a letter of intent out on the balance of the space for a 'retailer.' That's all they'll say for now.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

Has anyone noticed work being done on the Statler... Amazing what can happen when someone keeps their promises :)

Any word on 50 court street?

[BUFFALOVE!!]

P.S. some one who knows what their doing needs to post the Gates Circle tower on the diagram list and draw in in addition w/ the courthouse and change the courthouse to construction insteaded of proposed.

[mrussell83]

Dunkin looks to be almost done.

[believeinbflo]

P.S. some one who knows what their doing needs to post the Gates Circle tower on the diagram list and draw in in addition w/ the courthouse and change the courthouse to construction insteaded of proposed.

amen...our diagram needs to enter the 21st century.

[Downtown Bolivar]

Hey I'll be at the Adam's Mark on business all this weekend. Anyone want to get together for a drink downtown or just poke around the waterfront a bit?

[WIGS]

When ever the drum sounds to get rid of a building the same old tired phases are dragged out.

It is too far gone
It can't be saved
We can't save everything
It is filled with asbestos (as if the asbestos would not need to be renmoved prior to demo)
New construction costs less than renovation and reuse
We need more shovel ready sites
The floor plates are too small
There is no parking

All of these catch phrases have been proven wrong time and time again even in the case of some of Buffalo's most neglected and burned out buildings.
Submit a real plan for something better before you propose demolition or shut up is what I say.

steel,
I completely agree.
and if "The Webb" building can be saved, practically anything can!

[BUFFALOVE!!]

steel,
I completely agree.
and if "The Webb" building can be saved, practically anything can!

True that!
Everyone i dont think we should be complaining to much, look at all the progress going on around us... personally its blowing my mind! The next few years are going to be very exciting

[westcoastperspective]

True that!
Everyone i dont think we should be complaining to much, look at all the progress going on around us... personally its blowing my mind! The next few years are going to be very exciting

There's not a heck of a lot underway- lots of plans though.

UC: HealthNow, Webb, Ellicott Commons, Seneca Warehouse, 504 Washington, Courtyard Mall, Statler (kinda), ArtSpace, Temp. Casino, 285 Delaware. 5 townhomes in Waterfront Village

:rolleyes:

[steel]

I am thinking Dulski is gunna make news soon.

[mrussell83]

FYI:
Went to the Snooty Fox tonite, AWESOME PLACE!

[Downtown Bolivar]

I am thinking Dulski is gunna make news soon.

Dulski better make news, otherwise Issa is just going to embarass local developers by spending millions without tax breaks and doing it pretty subtlely too. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if Dulski and Gates Circle get all the attention while Buffalo City Tower and Statler quietly fill up and get completed.

[sullymon54]

hey guys i just went next door to the washington market for lunch then to the bank on the opposite corner of main and chip from "dunkin donuts" and the place was a torrent of activity. Its the first time ive even seen the lights on down there since that building was built, that coupled with the fact that there were 2 cargo trucks and dry wall everywhere inside says to me that dunkin is on its way.

[mrussell83]

hey guys i just went next door to the washington market for lunch then to the bank on the opposite corner of main and chip from "dunkin donuts" and the place was a torrent of activity. Its the first time ive even seen the lights on down there since that building was built, that coupled with the fact that there were 2 cargo trucks and dry wall everywhere inside says to me that dunkin is on its way.

yea, they have been working on it for a few weeks now, Good news :tup:

[mrussell83]

For once I beat WCP to the punch :cheers:

Key Center owner to buy BofA building
Business First of Buffalo - 12:53 PM EDT Tuesday, June 5, 2007by James FinkBusiness First

Bank of America's downtown Buffalo headquarters building is about to be acquired by a New York City real estate investor whose holdings include the neighboring Key Center at Fountain Plaza twin towers.

Erwin Zafir confirmed Tuesday that he is pursuing a deal that will see him acquire the eight-story, 204,000-square-foot building that overlooks Fountain Plaza. Terms were not disclosed.


"Am I considering it? Yes," Zafir said. "Given its proximity to Key Center, it makes sense. I can run everything as one big campus."

Zafir acquired the Key Center towers seven years ago.

The Bank of America building, which opened 21 years ago, is anchored by the financial institution but also houses a number of prominent law firms including Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel LLP and Harter Secrest & Emery.

The building is about 80 percent under lease.

The building's current owners, First States Investors 5200 LLC -- a real estate investment trust -- acquired the property in November 2004, paying $8.23 million. That deal took place shortly after Bank of America completed its deal to acquire the former Fleet Bank.

The transaction is expected to close later this year.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

I just started a thread for 33 gates circle in the highrises section. Now Buffalo has two project in there. YAY

[westcoastperspective]

The 'new' Dulski building rendering to be unveiled at midnight. :cheers:

[steel]

I am thinking Dulski is gunna make news soon.


And no one believes me

[westcoastperspective]

Dulski, renamed 200 Delaware Avenue. $60 million rehab will include office, residential and hotel space.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9825/200delaware2zd4.jpg

[mrussell83]

WHOA! Nice. Reminds me a little of Unilands new building up the street.



• Floors 1-7 — 150 hotel rooms, plus a lobby-level restaurant, and second floor fitness center with a pool, meeting rooms and banquet space;

• Floors 8-12 — 125,000-square-feet of Class-A office space;

• Floors 13-15 — 40 units of condominiums, with prices starting at $300,000.



The developer said talks with a hotel operator and a half dozen potential office tenants are under way.

Preliminary renovation plans for the building-at-large call for the entire exterior to be peeled off and replaced with a glass and metal facade. A new two-story atrium with a portico is planned for the corner of Delaware Avenue and W. Huron Street, that will serve as the hotel entrance.

The Delaware Avenue side of the building will feature a sweeping, bumped-out design element that would extend from the roof line down to the fourth floor. A horizontal, rooflevel architectural element would also punctuate the east side of the structure.
If all goes as planned, Uni- Quest will begin abatement of asbestos, along with soil and ground water remediation work this summer, and the redone tower could be open for business in early 2009.

The Delaware Avenue/Niagara Square neighborhood has seen a major redevelopment spur in recent years, with additional projects under way to build a new $123 million federal courthouse, a $130 million rehabilitation of the Statler Towers, and plans for a $361 million, 40-story tower — which would be the city’s tallest building — at the corner of South Elmwood Avenue and West Mohawk Street.

[westcoastperspective]

According to Business First- Marriott, Wyndham and Hilton are interested in operating the hotel. Likely the sames folks Issa is talking to.

[Rue B]

According to Business First- Marriott, Wyndham and Hilton are interested in operating the hotel. Likely the sames folks Issa is talking to.

Is nice to see Wyndham is still interested in a Buffalo hotel after the Elmwood/Forest hotel debacle. Does anyone know how many underground parking spaces there are right now @ the Dulski Building?

[westcoastperspective]

180 underground spots.

I now hear that the chains listed in Biz First are inaccurate. UniQuest is having serious discussions with another well-known brand to operate the hotel.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

I am thinking Dulski is gunna make news soon.

How do you do that?

[Sulley]

180 underground spots.

I now hear that the chains listed in Biz First are inaccurate. UniQuest is having serious discussions with another well-known brand to operate the hotel.

Judging by the building's looks and size of the hotel, I'm going to guess and say Westin.

[Halovet]

When ever the drum sounds to get rid of a building the same old tired phases are dragged out.

It is too far gone
It can't be saved
We can't save everything
It is filled with asbestos (as if the asbestos would not need to be renmoved prior to demo)
New construction costs less than renovation and reuse
We need more shovel ready sites
The floor plates are too small
There is no parking

All of these catch phrases have been proven wrong time and time again even in the case of some of Buffalo's most neglected and burned out buildings.

Submit a real plan for something better before you propose demolition or shut up is what I say.Hey, maybe they herd you Sulley! At this point, I just want something, ANYTHING done with AM&As.

[Halovet]

P.S. some one who knows what their doing needs to post the Gates Circle tower on the diagram list and draw in in addition w/ the courthouse and change the courthouse to construction insteaded of proposed.and 200 Deleware!:banana: YEAH BABY! Hey, you can't tell me they were not insired by WCP's early rendering!:worship:

[westcoastperspective]

and 200 Deleware!:banana: YEAH BABY! Hey, you can't tell me they were not insired by WCP's early rendering!:worship:

That was Bank of Manhattan that did the Dulski schematic.

[Halovet]

That was Bank of Manhattan that did the Dulski schematic.That's right, my bad, age is catching up wit me!:D :ancient:

[mrussell83]

I was amazed to see work going on on Sunday afternoon! Looks like they want to get a lot within those 30 days :shrug:

http://mrussell.us/photo/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12668&g2_serialNumber=1

http://mrussell.us/photo/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12670&g2_serialNumber=1

http://mrussell.us/photo/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12672&g2_serialNumber=1

[pcbuca]

Not really Buffalo development, but it should help the WNY area.

(Lewiston, NY, June 11, 2007) - - Work is underway on a twenty million dollar project that will hopefully bring golfers from near and far to Niagara County.

Monday morning, Leaders with the Seneca Nation of Indians broke ground for the new Hickory Stick Golf Club in Lewiston.

It's located on Creek Road and is designed by noted golf course architect Robert Trent Jones.

[westcoastperspective]

What's the over/under on whether any of the material from the Erlanger will ever be used again??? :rolleyes:

[BUFFALOVE!!]

What's the over/under on whether any of the material from the Erlanger will ever be used again??? :rolleyes:

Hopefully it wont... I thought that building was hideous and didn’t understand all the fuss in the first place. Thank god the court tower isn’t being held up b/c someone chained themselves to the building to save it.

[Sgt. Sabre]

Hopefully it wont... I thought that building was hideous and didn’t understand all the fuss in the first place. Thank god the court tower isn’t being held up b/c someone chained themselves to the building to save it.

Don't ever say that!

If some of these NIMBY/preservationist types had chained themselves to it and failed, it would stand to reason that future projects would face less opposition!

[Halovet]

Is it just me that thinks this, or does Buffalo have the most fanatical preservationist in North America?

[westcoastperspective]

Is it just me that thinks this, or does Buffalo have the most fanatical preservationist in North America?

They're given a pedestal by the newspaper. In raw numbers, it's a small group.

Historic properties are demolished daily with little said in NYC. The difference is NYC has been aggessive in designating landmarks and districts- where as in Buffalo it is reactionary.

Out this way it isn't preservationists, but environmentalists that fight development (usually with good cause).

[sullymon54]

sorry guys for being a bit conveluted about this but i can't post on buffalo rising anymore for somereason so I'm posting this here (I would rather hear your opinion on this anyway and maybe one of you guys can post it or just explain why i can't post) But this is in response to the article on the bills

It's always fun to think about all the money that has been put into that team/stadium that could have been put into oh i don't know brown/gray field remediation, pre-permitting development sites, setting up regional business incubators, investing in our crumbling infrastructure, bringing cars back to main street, building a new peace bridge, developing the niagara falls airport into a cargo hub, building an intermodal cargo rail hub, redevelop the destroyed park system, etc, etc,etc. But no John Murphy has the right to yell at us in their radio ads "And if you weren't here to see it you SHOULD HAVE BEEN" Hey John, go on a diet, tell me which team has the longest current playoff draught and lost four super bowls and cost us millions of dollars but yea we "should have been" there thanks but no thanks.

[BMcCabe]

Sullymon... Don't Ever Post something like that on here again! Save your whining for another post please. If it weren't for the Bills, Western New York would be nothing and half of our country wouldn't even know about the great city of Buffalo!

[Halovet]

Sullymon... Don't Ever Post something like that on here again! Save your whining for another post please. If it weren't for the Bills, Western New York would be nothing and half of our country wouldn't even know about the great city of Buffalo!
Ralph Wilson did say yesterday, "They can't even build a bridge"!.....SORRY!;)

[sullymon54]

last time i checked Sacramento, Austin, Los Angeles, Portland, San Jose, Salt Lake, Knoxville, Memphis, Raleigh, Richmond, Columbus and other cities of there ilk are getting along just dandy without a prestigious NFL football team. And I think you misinterpreted my point, I'm not anti bills, I go to at least three games a year. What I am saying is that I believe that the NFL can use there endorsements, revenues, and multi-billion dollar TV contracts to build there own damn stadiums. $100's of millions of dollars for a venue that is used 10 times a year doesn't make sense to me.

[steel]

They're given a pedestal by the newspaper. In raw numbers, it's a small group.

Historic properties are demolished daily with little said in NYC. The difference is NYC has been aggessive in designating landmarks and districts- where as in Buffalo it is reactionary.

Out this way it isn't preservationists, but environmentalists that fight development (usually with good cause).


The Bass Pro fight has nothing to do with preservation. The people fighting it might be preservationists but that fight is about ego only. Buffalo should kneel down and worship preservationists because they are the people who have given the city a chance at a future

[steel]

Sullymon... Don't Ever Post something like that on here again! Save your whining for another post please. If it weren't for the Bills, Western New York would be nothing and half of our country wouldn't even know about the great city of Buffalo!

Is there sarcasm attached to this statement? If not it is a pretty dopey thing to say.

[BANKofMANHATTAN]

I would say build a multi-functional dome/arena to be used all year round, but we already have a convention center (A shitty one, or at least in a bad location - which we should replace) and a hockey arena. Both of which hold our extra-curricular events/concerts/etc. Here in Pittsburgh, they've already build two EXPENSIVE stadiums and neglected the one place/team (Civic Arena) that would bring in $$$ throughout the year, not just during it's designated sports events. Also, their facility needed it most, I think. Finally they are building something to support these needs and the (newly saved) Penguins, whom are in need of a new facility.

[Halovet]

last time i checked Sacramento, Austin, Los Angeles, Portland, San Jose, Salt Lake, Knoxville, Memphis, Raleigh, Richmond, Columbus and other cities of there ilk are getting along just dandy without a prestigious NFL football team. And I think you misinterpreted my point, I'm not anti bills, I go to at least three games a year. What I am saying is that I believe that the NFL can use there endorsements, revenues, and multi-billion dollar TV contracts to build there own damn stadiums. $100's of millions of dollars for a venue that is used 10 times a year doesn't make sense to me.So what are you saying Pal? Let The Bills go? Not an option. Don't even think about it. Only way that happens is when Ralph Wilson joins his ansestors, anda bunch of Conservative Republican "bottom~Liners" take over management of his assets. Hopefully, special provisions have been made for handling The Bills, but from the NEW's report last Sunday, it's sure dosen't sound like it. Anyway, if we're going to continue with this subject, another thread needs to be started.:offtopic:

Oh, and if anyone doubts Ralph Wilson is a di-hard Republican, check and see who gave the largest individual contribution to "W's" re-election campaign.
Or, who introduced Bush at the Republican National Convention? Or own JIM KELLY!

[Halovet]

Any company expanding in WNY, has to be good news.:tup:


Cap firm expands, adds clothing line
New Era throws its hat into the fashion ring
http://media.buffalonews.com/smedia/2007/06/19/06/542-bn-20070619-A001-newerathrowsits-142732-MI0001.standalone.prod_affiliate.50.jpg
New Era Cap Co., the Buffalo-based maker of baseball caps, is in the midst of a five-year plan that calls for expanding the private company into a worldwide fashion brand.

The 87-year-old company that has helped catapult the baseball hat from major league fields to the world of urban music and fashion, plans to double in size and revenues by expanding more into Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, building more company stores and debuting a line of clothing.

New Era just opened its third store, in London, to complement stores in Buffalo and New York City. Stores are planned for Atlanta and Toronto this summer and, later in the year, Los Angeles. More stores are planned, and the company just opened an office in Hong Kong.

“We think that the time is right to go out and launch a heritage sports offering,” said CEO Chris Koch, speaking on the phone last week as he headed to London to celebrate the store opening there. “Everyone feels they want to see clothes from New Era.”

The company has been raising its profile — locally and nationally — with its move to new headquarters on Delaware Avenue and with a series of television ads directed by Spike Lee featuring Major League Baseball players.

Behind the scenes, it has been carrying out its global expansion plans.

More than 10,000 chain stores and boutiques — such as Hat World/Lids, Foot Locker and SneakerVilla — in the United States, Europe, Japan and South America now carry New Era hats.

The company now sells about 34 million hats a year. Company officials are tightlipped about how much money New Era makes abroad, but the percentage of overall revenue from outside the United States is approaching 20 percent.

Currently, the domestic market is delivering a “mature” 10 percent growth rate, Koch said, while the growth internationally is closer to 20 percent.

As the company moves into other parts of the world, where baseball may not have the same allure, it hopes for help from its own brand of clothes. Salespeople from around the world have been visiting the company to see its new offerings.

New Era is making lettered jackets, track suits and shirts with cityscape silhouettes and argyle patterns, said Koch. The original launch of the clothing line was canceled last year when factory samples were deemed substandard.

Summer is the season when salespeople in the apparel trade sell to retail store clients so there will be new styles on the racks for the spring shopping season of February, March and April.

New Era says it’s ready, with five new factories under contract to make the clothes designed by some of the company’s 50 to 60 hat designers in Buffalo, California and England. Styles also have come from a new apparel unit, charged with coordinating it all, with seven staff members in an office near New York City.

“We’re keeping our finger on the pulse . . . We want to be closer to where it’s all happening,” said Christine Konyak- Parker, director of the apparel unit in Stanhope, N.J. “We are becoming a fashion icon with our head wear. . . . Our goal is to reach a broader market, just like the head wear.”

Clothes, including new gilded- style skateboard shoes, are a critical part of the global expansion, said Gerry Matos, senior vice president of marketing.

“In the United States we are very closely tied to Major League Baseball,” he said of New Era’s reputation. “Internationally, because baseball is less relevant, it is a lifestyles brand. Apparel may come easier to us in other markets. . . . I think the growth potential in those markets is very strong. . . . We certainly think that the apparel line will be broadly appealing around the globe.”

“It has become a very meaningful part of our business,” Matos continued, adding that international sales were only in the single digits four years ago. Now: “It is in double digits and growing significantly,” he said.

Lately, New Era’s business has been particularly good in Mexico and Latin America. “Over the last three years, we’ve pretty much doubled the business,” he said. “Next year again, we should probably experience very significant growth.”

The flexibility needed for global expansion has been seen earlier in the company’s history. Koch’s great-grandfather, Ehrhardt, started the company, making fedoras and “newsboy” hats. The company adapted when the felt hats went out of fashion. Koch’s grandfather, Harold, shifted to making baseball hats, which led to its 70- year association with Major League Baseball.

Earlier this month, 100 salespeople and managers came from North America, Hong Kong and London to preview the new clothing line along with the spring collection of hats.

The New Era sales team will work to get some of the company’s 3,000 retail store clients, which own some 10,000 stores, to order from the first lineup of options — shirts — intended for men 18 to 34 years old.

The shirts come in two general styles with fire-escape patterns, lime-green skyscraper silhouettes and fists showing “New Era” spelled out on knuckles.

For a more casual suburban, or “college,” look, there are plain, blue cotton pique and yellow striped polo shirts. A baseball jacket with “New Era” written in a script similar to the kind the New York Yankees use also is being sold.

Pricier track suits, hooded sweat shirts, with finer detail and better fabric — perhaps cashmere — will be added to the mix by fall.

Shoppers at New Era’s Buffalo store last week were focused on hats, not clothes.

From a small, early sampling of T-shirts that went on the New Era store racks in April, a pirate skull with a silver eye patch has been a top seller.

Shopper Luke Zinn, visiting his brother in Buffalo, said he had come in for a simple cap in moisture-wicking fabric, also new this spring, with the classic St. Louis Cardinals monogram. He couldn’t find them at home in St. Louis.

“Everywhere I went, they were out of them,” he said. “I do see they have shirts, but I’m not interested.”

Liz Giovino of Buffalo paused to look the shirts over while a friend shopped for caps. “I think it’s a good idea,” she said of the clothes. “Normally, you’ll get the hat and then you’ll have to go to the mall to get the shirt.”

mkearns@buffnews.com

[sullymon54]

That sounds like great news, and you are right halovet any news of a wny company growing is good news.

And yes my comments are off topic that's why I prefaced my first comment with that and that's why I havn't resonded to the last few posts. But you seem to agree with me in your comment towards ralph, am I correct? And I don't see what him being a republican has to do with the fact that he's in this for the money and has made 2.4 mil% return on his investment and continues to ask for handouts from us. But I would be willing to talk to everyone about it in a different thread because for some reason my buffalo rising account is still not working.

Sorry guys still off topic, last post on this. And on a side note everyone cross their fingers for gates circle, that meeting is tomorrow right?

[BUFFALOVE!!]

everyone cross their fingers for gates circle, that meeting is tomorrow right?

I’m praying that that project goes through. Its another one that would do wonders for the city itself and its image

[westcoastperspective]

Rendering of the apartment/dorm project slated for the Alling and Cory warehouse on Elm at N. Division Street, just a couple blocks from ECC. 80 units:

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/6884/allingandcoryyx8.jpg

[sullymon54]

Who is proposing this again? It's not any part of Joel's plan is it? I really hope its not him or Carl, someone like Rocco would be nice, well anything privately funded would be nice.

[westcoastperspective]

Who is proposing this again? It's not any part of Joel's plan is it? I really hope its not him or Carl, someone like Rocco would be nice, well anything privately funded would be nice.


Giambra had proposed dorms, but this is a private development by Regent, based in E. Amherst. Units will be 2-4 bedrooms and priced from $950. They aren't affiliated with ECC in any way- but they've talked.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

^^^ whats the timeline on this guy?

[westcoastperspective]

Want to start work this fall and open in Fall 2008.

[westcoastperspective]

See next post!

[thestip]

The article on the "Larkin District" on BRO can be found here (http://www.buffalorising.com/story/larkin_district_unveiled#entry). There is a slideshow with pics, and a podcast of the speech that Howard Zemsky gave. All I can say is they outdid themselves. Its a truly urban warehouse converted to mixed-use district. Reminds me of a smaller scale Pearl District in Portland, or the Distillery District in Toronto. Much smaller scale than both but very similar features. Here are the pics of the storyboards from the meeting:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1140/577891404_20b54add34_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1114/577896798_9ecb5338ed_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1174/577880607_595aa90ebf_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1398/577940223_5f52cc9bfc_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/577945549_5c2ca117f9_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1168/577951243_e661e54e7f_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1270/577955452_0b37e418c1_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1199/577886889_c6e9a5c11f_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1032/577961598_8bc080e8e8_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/577973345_98fe11474a_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1037/577971376_aa755e4373_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/577895789_7fba1fb48a_b.jpg

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[mrussell83]

I Love It!

[sullymon54]

I can only echo the words of Steve, this project is amazing. It is type of project that is PERFECT for buffalo. And I will admit that a couple of years ago I wouldn't have thought so until he opened my eyes when we were at Buff State. If all goes according to the plan it will create some much needed density built at a human scale, its not out of scale with the remnents of what's left over from the past. I love the historic branding as well, doing that combined with a full build out could create a draw for companies that are in the suburbs or even outside of erie county.

It's also nice to see someone finally get adventurous after they've had success with one project. I think that business model of concentrating development built around a central successful project, which of course made the others possible, is one that could create great change throughout the city.

On a side note, does that mill canal, for lack of a better word, still flow, is it used? Because if not and the flow is significant enough there are other places around the country that use just such a system to generate electricity... just a thought.

[thestip]

:previous: Thanks for the kind comments Tim! My idealism kinda gets the best of me sometimes, but I really believe in this city and its potential. This project is great because it was put together by a private developer who has turned a project the typical naysayers said would fail into a prosperous expanding district. Finally, a Buffalo developer "gets it". Now if the rest could follow suit.

As to the millrace, Howard eluded to it still running under the LCo building and the site of Mill Race Commons, but I'm not sure what it's condition, flow, etc. is. It's probably in a concrete drain like the Scajaquada through the East Side. Do have any specifics though on it.

[westcoastperspective]

I love the plans- particularly the streetscape work. 111 Hydraulic could use a little more detail on the facades- look to Mill Race for inspiration. There's time for changes- the sequence appears to be Mill Race first, 111 second.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2730/millracens1.jpg

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/6599/hydraulicnv8.jpg

[BUFFALOVE!!]

I'm torn on this project... I love the idea but I love downtown more. However after watching cannon designs' preliminary presentation on how Buffalo can develop I guess I like it because now the area between downtown and the Larkin District will develop. But at the end of the day the present Larkin building that is fully leased if turned on end is like a 30 story skyscraper. Put that downtown with its 2000 workers and you see a change. Most peoples when they hear a cities name they think of there skyline or downtown, Buffalo could definitely use more density and midsized (20-30) story skyscrapers. We already have a lot of developments going on, in downtown, proposed and construction so oh well we will see what happens, good for them.

[mrussell83]

Tops considers putting store in former Latina's on Elmwood


A Tops Markets franchisee is exploring the idea of opening another store in Stuyvesant Plaza, where Latina’s Foodland Fresh recently closed.

Phil Perna, president and chief executive officer of Supermarket Management Inc., which operates a Tops on Niagara Street, stressed that nothing is definite and agreements would need to be worked out before a new store could become a reality.

The Elmwood Avenue shopping plaza has been without a food retailer since Latina’s closed in April. Prior to Latina’s, Quality Markets operated a store that closed in late 2003.

Perna said opening a store there, if it happens, would be an opportunity to grow the Tops name and serve the neighborhood’s residents.

“We’re hopeful at this point,” he said. “We have a ways to go.”

The closings of Quality and Latina’s were considered setbacks for neighborhood residents, including senior citizens, who could walk to the store to buy groceries.

“If we do it, we would like to operate it as a Tops market,” Perna said. “The precise format isn’t something we’ve made any decisions on.”

Perna did say that he would envision operating a smaller-size store than Latina’s did at the same location.

He said his company would still need to work out agreements with the business that ran Latina’s, which leased the space, and the Tops chain before any plans could move forward. Benchmark Group owns the plaza.

The new store would face the challenge of succeeding where two others have closed within the past four years.

“I think what we’d bring to the table is the Tops name and being able to use that format,” Perna said. “I’d like to think the years of experience we have operating a store on Niagara Street would serve us well in this location.”

Supermarket Management also has Tops stores on South Transit Road in Lockport and on Broadway in Depew, plus a B-Kwik store on Seneca Street.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

^^I dont know how confident i am about that since they are trying to sell all there stores as it is

[Rue B]

A Trader Joe's or Whole Foods store would work really good in the Stuyvesant Plaza.

[steel]

They need to drop the very weak references to wright in their architecture. Do something new and innovative if you are going to bring a neighborhood back to life.

[BANKofMANHATTAN]

They need to drop the very weak references to wright in their architecture. Do something new and innovative if you are going to bring a neighborhood back to life.

Agreed, if you're gonna do Wright-style - do it well and/or noticeable, otherwise do something new.

[mrussell83]

You guys keep an eye on Buffalo for me. I'm leaving today for my three week cross country vacation!

[BUFFALOVE!!]

I was downtown yesterday and saw the site prep for the courthouse going on. The old buildings are comming down very quickly!! when this is and the statler are done and god willing the buffalo city tower is build and the dulski is rennovated this will be a beautiful and lively area of downtown that isnt so beautiful and lively now

[BUFFALOVE!!]

Here is the project development website for the statler
http://www.thestatler.com
it gives you a little idea of whats going on and whats planned.

and here is bashar issa's personal website. it tells his history, how he made his money and his projects. he has a guest book and it would be good if it was filled with buffaloinians showing our support for him, i just did it.
http://www.basharalissa.com

[westcoastperspective]

Ooooh!

Nice Find!!!

Linking on BRising.

[sullymon54]

wcp just joined the 1000 post club

[westcoastperspective]

wcp just joined the 1000 post club

Not much of a post for such a milestone moment. :rolleyes:

[Halovet]

Here is the project development website for the statler
http://www.thestatler.com
it gives you a little idea of whats going on and whats planned.

and here is bashar issa's personal website. it tells his history, how he made his money and his projects. he has a guest book and it would be good if it was filled with buffaloinians showing our support for him, i just did it.
http://www.basharalissa.comI tried to link on to his personal site, to jammed up with B-Lo folks clogging things upjust like you wanted.:yes:

[sullymon54]

hey the seneca's opened there shit box today at 8 am, I don't know if anyone noticed. Congratulations Seneca's, the city was struggling before now you have put us in such esteemed company as places like Detroit and Atlantic City. And how fitting that as soon as they open a bus with old woman and the urban poor pulls up each of them with baited breath ask if they could please plunk their well fair and social security checks into the slot machines only to further siphon money out of an city. Bravo you two faced bastards.

[sullymon54]

Just a few picss that i took because I got out early for the holiday

Artspace
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1418/711486336_7bfd8e57e3.jpg
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Health Now from Erie Street
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Palidino's New Lake Front homes
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1260/711475520_3fc71d5bce_o.jpg

Canal Side
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1135/710592203_65c63233f9.jpg

Cobblestone
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1269/710592191_93d5b087bf.jpg
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210 Ellicott/Eagle St. Closed
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285 Delaware
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B/P Art Gallery
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Webb Building
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Pearl Street's new balcony
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Condo's across the street from 504 Washington
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Demo at Niagara Square/New Era's new sign
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Construction at Niagara Mohawk Building
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Buffalo Clinical Research Center
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Gates Circle Site, thanks Parklane
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1336/710560193_f6d8a3cb32_o.jpg

[westcoastperspective]

Shit, you could have gotten out of the car! :D

Any of you real estate junkies hear of The Related Group? Impressive residential projects in NYC, Miami and Atlanta???

http://buffalorising.com/story/related_group_to_build_in_buff#sca

Related expands its Loft concept
South Florida Business Journal - June 29, 2007

As soon as 2008, Related Group of Florida plans to develop its Loft concept as a mid-priced condo brand for markets like Charlotte, N.C.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Nashville, Tenn.; Toledo, Ohio; and Tampa.

Future projects in other markets may not bear the Loft brand, but they will carry Related's style, said Oscar Rodriguez, senior VP of development and head of the attainable housing division for the Miami condo empire.

Even with starting prices less than $200,000, Related promises to pack each project with the same kinds of amenities found in more luxurious developments, including 24-hour security, swimming pool and sauna, fitness centers and high-tech wiring.

The company's recent sales success is a result of the lower prices it's offered, Rodriguez said. While high-end Miami condos have languished for many developers, Related reports booming sales for its newest project product, with rapid closeouts of its first three Loft towers in the city's downtown area.

The catch? Costs are kept low by eliminating parking garages, leaving residents dependant on the Miami's limited mass-transit system or using an adjacent public garage.

Rodriguez maintains the rapid urbanization of many domestic cities will cater to a workforce crowd willing to abandon the auto in favor of a downtown lifestyle.

"It's the city life we are selling here," he said.

Related's shift to building a more affordable condo is a return to its roots. The company, built by Jorge Perez, began with an emphasis on rental more than 25 years ago.

Today, more than 55,000 units have been produced in Florida; the most recent have been high-end luxury. Its current development portfolio is estimated at $10.7 billion.

Committed to current endeavors
Rodriguez said the company remains committed to its current endeavors, including multiple projects along the city's financial corridor, Brickell Avenue. Related also has a cluster of nine condo towers planned for Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood.

Related also has entered the international market.

Luxury remains the watchword for its efforts, which are being marketed using a collaboration with designer Philippe Starck and produced under Related's Icon brand. The company is planning more than $1 billion in resorts in Mexico, while locations in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Argentina and Uruguay have been under consideration.

Icon Brickell is under way in Miami and another, Icon Celebration, has been proposed for Orlando.

But, like many residential developers, Related's revenue has dipped. Revenue in 2006 was $1.4 billion, less than half of 2005's $3.25 billion.

Rodriguez had pushed to build less-expensive condos as the luxury boom accelerated about five years ago, with expectations that the market would shift.

"What happens past this moment?" he said of the brainstorming that occurred just as Miami's condo craze caught on fire.

Selling to the workforce crowd
Four Loft-branded condos, which are designed by Miami-based Cohen, Freedman, Encinosa & Associates, are in various stages of development, from planned to completed. The first three projects are located at the intersection of Northeast Second Avenue and Northeast Second Street, near Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus.

The close clustering of the condos - just west of Biscayne Boulevard and adjacent to Cabi Developers' Everglades on the Bay tower currently under construction - was unplanned, yet serendipitous, Rodriguez said.

Parking is available across the street at the College Station garage. The College Bayside Metromover station, at 225 N.E. Third St., runs its line through the center of Loft 2.

Related tested the market with its first Loft project, which offered a swank two-story lobby and a Zen garden among it's marketable amenities. Condos at the 196-unit project started at $99,000 and sold out in three weeks, the company said.

Target buyers are - and have been - a workforce that doesn't make enough for luxury, but too much to qualify for subsidized rental.

"These are your legal assistants, the executive secretary. Someone who makes $60,000 or $70,000 a year," he said.

Because of Loft's early success, Related launched Loft 2 next door on a site that straddles Miami's Metromover light rail line along the 200 block of Northeast Second Street. Currently under construction, Loft 2's 496 units are contained in a 35-story high-rise that also includes 4,675 square feet of retail and an allotment of 500 parking spaces to be provided at a public parking garage at 190 N.E. Third St.

Building costs were estimated at $137 million, according to city records, and would generate about $746,187 annually in tax revenue (in 2004 dollars). Units began at $108,000 and were gone in two weeks.

Next comes Loft 3, which would replace a strip of shops located under the Colon and Metropol, a pair of older apartment complexes at 201 N.E. Second Ave.

The proposed 32-story tower is to include 15,000 square feet of retail. Building costs are estimated at $192 million, according to city records, and would generate about $ 1.23 million annually in tax revenue.

At the site, many of the tenants have already moved, leaving most slots along retail row darkened.

Exclusive sales agent Related Cervera Realty Services reports a $139.6 million sellout of Loft 3's 495 units. The condos started at $159,000; about 70 percent sold for less than $300,000.

Also in the works: Loft 4, a 36-story, 404-unit mixed-use property at 151 S.E. First St., behind the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. Related said it will keep 85 percent of its one- and two-bedroom units under $300,000. Some will start at $129,900, with just 5 percent deposits required.

Prices increased with each new Loft project in tandem with hikes in building costs and insurance, Rodriguez said.

[sullymon54]

WCP, that's a valid point but it wasn't my call, my buddy was driving and he "somewhere to be" so we had to hurry.

This story is probably bigger news than many people are going to think, having a large national developer looking buffalo is a big deal. It means that they will not only probably develop a large number of units they will shake up the local guys and get them seeing some real competition ie palidino and ciminelli as well as puts us on the map for other large developers. Great news.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

Great news indeed! even if they dont do anything it still skakes up the local developers and gets the attention of other national developers.
looking at your pics, does anyone know when Palidino is going to start construction on his lake front tower? 285 delaware is looks really cool.

[believeinbflo]

285 delaware looks SHARP. much better than the renderings. i'm really feeling the 1st floor.

[Halovet]

hey the seneca's opened there shit box today at 8 am, I don't know if anyone noticed. Congratulations Seneca's, the city was struggling before now you have put us in such esteemed company as places like Detroit and Atlantic City. And how fitting that as soon as they open a bus with old woman and the urban poor pulls up each of them with baited breath ask if they could please plunk their well fair and social security checks into the slot machines only to further siphon money out of an city.
Bravo you two faced bastards.Hold on Pal. It's not all welfare folks going to those casinos. I'm in my 50's, been working every day sense July 1970. and I go every now and then, just like myself, (and older) it's just another form of entertainment. Like anything, you have to keep your wits about you. Compulsive Gamblers come from all walks of life, and they will have problems whether it's in Downtown Buffalo, or Atlantic City. Those folks will find a way to F%$k up money anyway. If not at a casino, them an illegal racket run by The most powerful Mafia Family left standing, BUFFALO. I know what you say is true, but only to a degree. There is plenty more evil within a block of that casino where I lived (Perry Towers) as a kid, that has nothing to do with gaming. Someone will always profit on the misery of others, and you or I can't change the world, let alone Perry St. This battle is a lost cause. All we can do is train the young people, and pray like Heck none of ours ever gets in that predicament.

Hey, sullymon54, Great Pics!HealthNow looks better than it's rendering.

[westcoastperspective]

If anyone thought the casino was going to be a catalyst, take a look at the photos accompanying the Bflo News story on the opening. I'm afraid that is about what the clientele is going to be. HOORAY BUFFALO! Thanks Masiello.

[westcoastperspective]

285 delaware looks SHARP. much better than the renderings. i'm really feeling the 1st floor.

I'll be over there later- I have to see the first floor in person. The boxed windows look a little odd in the pics- almost like those little greenhouse windows you see in some home's kitchens. :haha:

[sullymon54]

Those windows were my biggest question as well. I don't know if they were planning something like retail on the first floor because those certainly look like showcase type things. Or maybe you are right wcp, it could be part of a whole new business plan for uniland, maybe their going into the nursery business.

[westcoastperspective]

They don't look as bad in person- actually, if they get some true retailers in there, the windows will be great for merchandising. Photos up when I get back to CA.

[Halovet]

Ok, help me out guys, are Palidino's New Lake Front homes and the tower one in the same, or different projects. Assuming they are different, I guess im asking is the tower under construction, and if not, is it ready to go?:shrug:

[westcoastperspective]

Ok, help me out guys, are Palidino's New Lake Front homes and the tower one in the same, or different projects. Assuming they are different, I guess im asking is the tower under construction, and if not, is it ready to go?:shrug:

Same project....the first four townhomes are underway, and he also has started the parking garage for the tower- the site has been a beehive of activity. They had the floorplans up in the unit Ellicott had open at the Belesario Saturday. Unfortunately I wasn't able to talk to them, and I don't think they had brochures out to take. I also don't think he has the OK to start selling yet from the State.

There's some news brewing on Graystone...changes.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

Taste of buffalo was great this weekend. i got a good look at the work going on at the court tower site. they better hurry up with the demo and start w/ the construction because it looks like two things. 1) another shovel ready development site and 2) a bomb went off. well if it didnt know any better thats what i would have assumed if i were downtown for the frist time in a while at the fest.

[sullymon54]

way to own 50 court street and the graystone and not do anything for 10 years and then get subsidies for half million dollar condo's palidino.

sorry i know its random but its been a bad weekend and i had to vent somewhere

[steel]

Great video of City Tower on Buffalo Rising

[westcoastperspective]

New Waterfront Place rendering:

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/431/newbwaterpicdd8.jpg


See:
http://buffalorising.com/story/waterfront_place_upscale_livin#sca

[steel]

They improved that tower a bit. I wonder why they even bothered putting windows in those townhouses though. Could they have made them any meaner?

[westcoastperspective]

They improved that tower a bit. I wonder why they even bothered putting windows in those townhouses though. Could they have made them any meaner?

Definitely more glass on the tower; on the towns, even the elevations fronting the 'park' have small windows. Floorplans are available on their website.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

Great student housing project in the old pierce arrow factory on elmwood & great arrow drive.
http://www.buffalorising.com/story/student_housing_overdose#sca

[Rue B]

No decision on Gates Circle condos
Business First of Buffalo - 12:48 PM EDT Tuesday, July 17, 2007 by James Fink

It will be at least two more weeks before the Buffalo Planning Board officially casts its vote on the 33 Gates Circle condominium project.

The planning board spent 30 minutes Tuesday morning reviewing various aspects of the project, a 23-story condo tower that will overlook Gates Circle, but deferred any decision until comments are received by the Buffalo Preservation Board and a mandated environmental review.

"A number of things have to happen that's outside of this board," said James Morrell, planning board chairman.

The $55 million project is being proposed by Uniland Development Co. on the site of the former Park Lane Restaurant. The project has been alternately praised for its vision and condemned, mostly by those in the neighboring Park Lane Condominiums who feel the building will impose itself on their structure. The Park Lane Condominium residents are considering a lawsuit if the project is approved.

Uniland has been working on the project for more than one year. The building will house 68 upscale condos, with some pricing out at more than $1 million. When completed, many feel the 33 Gates Circle project will offer some of the most opulent condominium residences in Buffalo.

http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2007/07/16/daily17.html?surround=lfn

[impressingagent]

its too bad the gates condo was not closer to the city and near the water front.(though we have a lot of condos going up here anyway) i just love this building! sounds like a go.:tup:


hey i was wondering if moog had a presence downtown? you would think a company like them could have made an impact on the skyline.

[BUFFALOVE!!]

^^ Moog is in East Aurora on a huge campus. This whole thing is retarded. This tower would be the tallest residential in upstate new york and those old farts in parklane dont want there view interrupted. GET A LIFE. This is the city of buffalo... CITY shit gets built in cities and views get upstructed. what a bunch of tools

[sullymon54]

Thank you Buffalove, thank you it is good to know that someone shares my rage about this topic. One of my favorite comments about the stupid residents of that building was from a buffalo rising commenter when they said what about the people who had homes behind the parklane when it was built? Weren't their views abstructed when that thing went up? These people are conscience for a maximum of 6 hours a day anyway, I think the additional 18 hours that they won't even know its there outweighs that.

[westcoastperspective]

Does anyone really think the city is going to turn the Gates tower down? As long as Uniland follows the environmental review laws, on what grounds can the tower be stopped by the neighbors?