Wow i'm surprised. Kind of a risky neighborhood for this type of project. I wish them all the luck

really... but we just save everything in this town..

^ biggest myth in Buffalo

I hope they rewater that basin and build the convention/conference center

Acutally the cobbletone streets should extend all the way to the Ohio Basin as the ohio canal was the historical southern end of the canal district.

Also the nice thing about the canal district / cobblestone district / warehouse district is that those brick warehouses have very clean architectural lines which makes blending new contemporary and modern buildings easily without the problems encountered between Niagara and michigan....there a building can really look out of place.

I just don't get this. Where this building sits has to be one of the most depressing shitholes I've ever seen. There are absolutely no amenities nearby (with the exception of a couple dive bars) and It just seems really odd to me and very out of place. It would be DECADES before Cobblestone and city development reach this area. Wouldn't it be better to rehab another historic structure that is actually in the downtown core or in another neighborhood that already has surrounding development? At some point we need to start thinking about creating critical mass. We don't have the kind of resources to bring everything back at once. All this piecemeal development does is create isolated islands in seas of decay.

I mean it's still a great building and I'm happy this is happening, but I think the money and effort being spent on this could've made much greater impact elsewhere and with more success.

@BH-

"other places are pretty much no more than half filled"- care to list which ones? When I organized the loft tour in late-June most were completely leased. Elk Terminal had one unit available. Rocco's properties are full. As are many others (Elsinghorst, Warehouse Lofts, Pierce, Market Arcade). Belesario had several units for lease.

Does anyone have a map of this location? Seems like a big and expensive project, must be using lots of tax credits

When this property was purchased 2-3 years ago, by the current owners, it was in much better shape than it is now. Yet, it laid dormant, exposed to the weather (ala McBrides). While I admire the building and the endeavors to revive it, it would have been a much better had the building been secured/weatherized when purchased - not in the last two weeks. More of the inherent structure could have been used. Where is accountability?

this area will come to life when a new convention, conference and hotel complex is built

this is the best area possible for it

Rewater the basin until this entire area is under 5 feet of water.

This building does raise many issues. Like Bizzles, I don't get it. I don't get the Elk Terminal Lofts and their location either. The Lofts claim walkability. To where? Why would people want to live in either place no matter how nice the facilities are? Where do they shop for decent groceries? The views are of industrial ruble that serves as a testament to better days gone by. And the neighbors? Projects and project people, a casino, a highway, a river, large tracts of urban prairie.

I just can't see the investment in this building in this area. Yes, it would be nice, but...

pegger, this is Buffalo, do the opposite of what makes sense

gaustad...here you go.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=buffalo,+ny&ie=UTF8&ll=42.869804,-78.868157&spn=0.002269,0.003862&t=h&z=18

UrbanGuy, is that the site of the Riverfest park / Boardwalk thing?

At the foot of Chicago St., there are two adjacent properties between Ohio St. and the river. The one closer to Michigan is the riverfront park parcel. The other one is where they had the motorcycle festival recently and I don't know if there are any plans for it.

Sounds like the same kind of comments aimed at the people who renovated the Larkin warehouse. Those guys of course are laughing all the way to the bank.

It is really a stable area. This isn't some building on Fillmore and Walden, the people are small community that still exists around this site is far from a place unworthy of investment. There are a lot of Grain Elevators around, some used, some unused but that only adds to the appeal for many. Not everyone finds them eyesores. I used to walk around this area taking pictures and ride my bike through it every once and a while.

Agree with steel, this isn't any more insane or crazy than what people said when the Bellsario was getting redone.. then it was the Perry St Lofts, the Larkin Warehouse building who were crazy.. then it became the Webb building and the Livery...

When will people realize that the renovation of these buildings is not crazy but a profitable venture. If new construction was so much cheaper and easier why are there only two new residential projects in downtown and about 20+ that are all renovation. Our buildings are our greatest asset, not something old to be discarded on a whim.

I don't understand people's hesitation. The building is practically on the water. What is more marketable than that?

The curse of native Buffalonians is thinking nothing can succeed, until proven otherwise.

Fortunately there are folks like Clint Brown and several dozen other smart people who understand the vast economic potential of the city's undervalued heritage buildings, and know an opportunity when they see one!

bhorvath- Sorry, you could not be more wrong. As WCP has mentioned all of Roccos properties are full (oak school ellicott lofts, ellicott commons, is lofts, webb building.. am i missing any?). The Elk Terminal may have one or two open but that is because they have added more lofts to the property after being consistently rented. The Belesario? Well I feel the problem there is at the price they are not as appealing as the rest. Even there, its minimum availability. Downtown living dare I say is finally becoming a demand. Waiting lists are a beautiful thing.

Some think putting lofts in this area (old first ward)is risky. I somewhat agree. Then I look at the elk terminal. Its a success, even in right besidethe projects with not much around they remain full. The Cooperage lofts will sell and will help this great historic area, and just a few steps from the new festival grounds.

I cant wait to see it!

This could be the beginning of the redefinition of an area! I am excited to see what the outcome will be...moving people into the area is key to changing its image and others outlook on it.