Maximizing Main Street
A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
--Antoine de Saint-Exup'ery
Back in October I posted this story about Barbara and Peter who renovated a structure over at the corner of Lafayette and Niagara. This past weekend I was allowed to visit another exciting project on Main near Lafayette. An old vacant 13,000 sq' brick structure has been converted into a live/work space that could be the ultimate modern living accommodation in the city. Owners, Frank and Margarette Fantauzzi spent two years gutting the building's interior, which by the looks of some old photos, was an accomplishment in itself. They successfully rescued the original wood floors that had been punished by years of water leaks... leaks that relentlessly poured through the roof. And they even managed to save the original tattered tin ceiling that had been covered up by false drop ceilings.
After the interior was sufficiently stripped to the bare bones, the renovation process began. Frank, an Associate Architecture Professor at University at Buffalo, examined the second storey 4200 sq' loft layout very closely and was determined to retain as many of the structure's key original elements as possible. Anything that could not be refurbished immediately was incorporated into future plans so that they could be revisited at later dates during the ongoing transformation. Many of the design elements that the couple chose to implement into the build-out were strategically positioned and keenly inventive.
One walk across the vast second floor common area gives the visitor a sense that most of the work was done to hide... um... most of the work. The custom cabinetry is built in and around the living areas so that they become one with the walls. Some of the cabinetry even presents optical illusions that play with depth perception, while hiding the functional spaces within. Even the wood columns have built-in electric switches and outlets - an architectural feature rarely seen since the days that fine craftsmanship was mandatory for many of Buffalo's elegant mansions. Plus, the custom-built, steel plate, free-standing fireplace is totally killer and looks like a blend of medieval and futuristic designs.
One of the walls in the master bedroom is comprised of Baltic-birch processed plywood panels that are layered in such a way as to display an almost natural pattern that might be found in a pinecone or a pineapple. These systems cost relatively little when weighed against the visual impact that they make within their respective rooms. Even though the building had sat vacant for eight years, and had changed hands many times, commercial design elements like the room divides were salvaged and incorporated into the residential layout. The frosted glass window that made up the upper half of the divides allows natural light to penetrate the innermost living spaces, while acting as privacy screens from room to room. The exterior panes of glass were replaced, and storm windows were added to help retain heat loss. Frank, Margarette and their two young daughters are still patiently waiting for some of Frank's signature pieces to come in... like the custom door to the main bedroom. I can only imagine what a task it must be to create a door that must compete with the towering wood pocket doors and the vault-like front doors that can be found in other sections of the house.
Other 'coming soon' features include installation of a gigantic skylight that will be added over the kitchen, and a staircase that will someday lead to the expansive rooftop (there's a ladder to get up there now). The travertine stone bathrooms are in the 'recently completed' stage - each one with functions totally different than the next. One has a turret-style, glassless look-through into the next room, while the other has a vista onto the skylight (coming soon) in the kitchen. Each space has been designed to fulfill a specific function for the various members of the family. Margarette, the resident Sewing Mistress at the Buffalo City Ballet located within the Tri-Main, has her own production office to retreat to. And Frank has turned the rest of the building into a number of studio spaces where he and his compadres experiment with material design. There's even a pool table and wood-burning fireplace to occupy time when nocturnal work turns into social fraternization. And that's still just the second floor.
The first floor is a never-ending series of studio, fabrication and gallery spaces that the couple plans to turn into temporary gallery spaces for UB Master of Fine Arts (MFA) students. Look for news on an upcoming show this spring. From there Frank and Margarette will be looking for more of a permanent concept to house in the space(s). If you know of someone that is looking to capitalize on the growing arts community around the Main Street corridor, feel free to contact me about the opportunity. One last design note that can't be forgotten is the brilliant galvanized folded sheet-metal wall that shadows the back drive of the compound. The wall was designed by a UB student for a thesis project, and Frank was so impressed with the concept that he incorporated it into his blueprint. "It's my way of enjoying my education," he told me. "I love getting home from work and coming up with new ideas for our home". The Fantauzzi's have created a modern-day dream abode that any fan of contemporary design and unusual architectural elements would be excited to see.
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martin
Can you say "WOW"! This place needs to be played out in a national magazine or HGTV. Well done, I am green with envy and my day is ruined...I hate my house
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Depak C
Any idea on the price tag for this type of renovation?
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Regina Urbis
I love seeing cool reclamation projects like this in neighborhoods where well-off people generally do not set foot. The whole Lafayette/Main neighborhood is packed with great old houses near public transit. Just waiting to be rediscovered.
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Max
Very nice project. A tremendous effort goes into this level of work. It shows real passion !
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stephenjames716
beautiful!
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Shopitall
NICE, NICE, NICE!
Great space, great light, great design...........
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JWL
This would be an excellent article in Dwell magazine (http://www.dwell.com/info/submit) and could also be paired with a few other recent renos to spotlight the city.
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sbrof
definitely unique and I bet the price tag is cheaper than a new McMansion in Clarence.
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L J
As long as you're not worried about getting McMugged or McRobbed or that your McServices are being performed or that your kids can go to McPublic Schools - whatever sbrof.
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L J
By the way nice job on the Loft - looks great!
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Liam
SBROF - I guess you are referring to the new 11,000 SQ FT McMansion being built on Goodrich Road in Clarence. Or maybe you are referring to some of the unique houses that were recently constructed near Spaulding Lake. Some of these houses are absolutely gorgeous and unique in architecture and design. Take a trip out there sometime if you haven't done so in a while. Your general statements about the Clarence area is as ignorant as someone from Clarence refusing to enter the City. Or someone thinking that getting mugged in Buffalo is a given.
I lose more and more respect for you every time you post.
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L J
Ignorant would of course suggest limited knowledge of a situation. There is a greater chance of getting robbed ( having your car stolen or broken into) living on Main St. in Buffalo then living in the suburbs. Just check insurance rates and crime rates. The statistics in this case don't lie. Ignorant ? - I don't think so Liam.
Again, great job on your loft guys, great looking property.
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sally
LIAM - the mansion being built on Goodrich road is 19,000 square feet and not 11,000 as you stated.
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STEEL
I like the fence. Wow. Lets have more greta design like that in Buffalo
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Liam
Sally - Even better.. they supersized it!
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david
Maybe small projects like this one and to a slightly lesser degree BROs office installations can get Buffalo more excited about the possibilities of modern design. Imagine if Frank or an architect at Frank's skill level were asked to design the Ellicot Commons, Buffalo Harbor Project, Elmwood Hotel etc.! What an inspiring slideshow!
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Dave
The house on Goodrich Rd in Clarence is a mansion! Sbrof is referring to the big ugly cheap new builds that have tin columns and plastic siding, that try to mimic mansions. They are all over Amherst and Clarence and not so cheap in price. So Sbrof is correct, this loft space is much bigger, of higher quality and at a lower price than those "McMansions" in Clarence. It is a nice design and should be even better when finished. I like the art, built-ins and wall finishes, but hope when they are done that they will hire a qualified interior designer to furnish it better.
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anonymous
McMansion, Vinyl Victorians, Cookie Cutter houses... you guys have a label for everything. God help those who differ in opinion from yours. If you are the typical city resident, then I see why people flee to the suburbs!
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Mike
I want to learn more about this project and others like it in the city. Is there a group or trade organization that specializes in this type of conversion? I have been fascinated with it for a long time, and a recent viewing of "Ghost" (cheesy as it is) renewed my interest.
Can anyone help with the following questions? (hopefully get this thread back on track).
- Are there significant obstacles associated with turning commercial space into mixed use space? - How long does a project like this take? - Are there grants or programs available to defray the costs? - How much does a project like this cost to complete?
Great work on this conversion. I wish I had your eyes and experience to take on a challenge like this for myself.
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anonymous too
Those terms have been around for a long time, I don't think city residents just made them up. Suburban residents post on here also. It's not such a horrible thing that God should help anyone over this. Different opions are what these sites are all about.
You must live on a farm! Oh you ruralites are all alike. lol
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buffalo james
real mature everyone.
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Urban Body
...skpping all the usual b.s. comments.....bottom line...an incredible act of faith and vision just landed on Main St. Someone needs to be first (although I know this is not the first) or second or third.... Change---good or bad---doesn't come quick or cheap. Great job Barbara and Peter.
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tg
Awesome conversion!
I agree with the comment that says we need to embrace modern design for new projects in the city. The faux-historic veneer facade crap makes us look to stodgy and unwilling to embrace risk and change.
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LOVE MY CITY
Some of us urban dwellers have great distaste for suburbia and surburbanites. We don't envy your cookie cutter houses, your traffic, your high taxes or your ignorance about the city of Buffalo. If you have not lived in the city don't bitch about it. I grew up in Amherst and now reside in a restored 4,000 sq ft brick Italianate on the lower west side. I would not trade it for Spaulding Lake for anything. Sorry the MDF molding and particle board used in those homes just fails to impress me. I n addition, I am not quite 40 and our house is paid for in full. You can keep paying your high taxes and mortgage and stay in the Burbs. You might have your dream house paid for before you retire. Oh one more thing if you should happen to come to the west side for some Cultural Events or the Philharmonic, please try to figure out the traffic circles on Richmond. Suburbanites always seem to have a problem with them thus bringing lots of traffic to my peaceful neighborhood
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Hate Snotty City People
Very enlightened post, LMC. Very narrow-minded attitude for an "urbanite". Buffalo can be quite the petty little place trying so hard to be a city. Just remember, it's those awful suburbanites that support your restaurants, cultural institutions and charities. And some of those suburbs/towns/villages actually have downtowns with retail, unlike dead and depressing downtown Buffalo. Buffalo is one city that doesn't have any bragging rights over its suburbs. In fact, if you were smart, you'd be cultivating suburbanites and trying to win them over since they are your nearest market. Buffalo is a joke to the rest of the country. If your immediate region doesn't like and want to invest in you, why would anyone else? Buffalo - City of Small Thinkers. By the way, I'm a city person - Buffalo doesn't qualify in my book. Cities are progressive - Buffalo is the opposite.
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Gettysburg
Whoa, to even try to classify people is the problem of both suburban and city commentors on this thread. I live in the city and have friends in the suburbs. I think Buffalo is much more progressive than it used to be- until I hear you all argue. To say the City of Small Thinkers is ignorant. To blame bad circle drivers is petty. To take any of these comments personally is just stupid. WTF?
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100% Buffalo
AMAZING! Coming from someone who has seen this loft personally, I tell you pictures just don't do it enough justice. The details are everywhere, along with creative ideas made into reality that many would never even think of. I also agree that this should be sent to many of the major magazines. Mind you this is not the last you'll will see of his work. As some of you believe Buffalo has no bragging rights I beg to differ. We have the one thing the new suburbian mansions and homes will never be able to compete with :HISTORY: I think many of us forget that this was once an amazing city and will be again if more people see the vision that Fantauzzi have. Instead of looking at the downfalls of this renovation in that "area" lets look at the positives. For example Elmwood also known as "the strip" which is slowly but surely building up. Where in the suburbs can you walk down a single street and enjoy so many activities, cultures and beauty. I do agree that suburbs are in a way "safer" but I would have to argue with the fact that they are "better" in any other way. It disappoints me that people would bash this wonderful city instead of giving support that it will once again thrive with life.
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