Buffalo Rising Online

Dec 16th 2008, 12:00am By West Coast Perspective

A stunning conversion project in the Midtown area is for sale. Gurney Becker & Bourne is listing 1716 Main Street, a mixed-use property profiled previously on Buffalo Rising here and here. The site consists of two separate buildings. The two-story building fronting Main was constructed during the Pan-American Expo period, which includes 3,210 sq.ft. of street retail and a 4,200 sq.ft. second floor loft residence. The rear building was built thirty years later in 1930 and currently serves as an architectural workshop.

Margaret & Frank Fantauzzi purchased 1716 Main Street in 2001 and spent the next two years stripping the front building down to its skeletal structure. Artifacts from the site’s storied past were discovered throughout the building and thoughtfully woven into today’s finished product. (view slideshow).

The ground floor contains 3,210 sq.ft. of commercial space. It is currently used as an art gallery. Original hardwood flooring was restored. Fourteen foot ceilings allow natural light from leaded glass windows to flow throughout the space.

With the modernization of the water, electrical and heating/cooling systems complete in 2003, the Fantauzzi’s made the site their permanent residence. Since then, Frank - a Professor of Architecture at the University of Buffalo- has spent every day using 1716 Main Street as his creative canvas.

The original 12 ft. high tin ceiling was restored along with original hardwood floors in the second floor loft area that contains three bedrooms, a custom build wood burning fireplace, a forty foot wall of custom cabinetry and two bathrooms.

The rear building, currently used as a workshop, is two stories and 3,200 sq.ft. The double-folded galvanized steel privacy wall runs long the south property line creating a unique outdoor space.

The property has already generated a buzz in the neighborhood over the years as Frank & Margaret’s project progressed. The loft was featured on HGTV’s popular series “ReZone” in 2007 and has been showcased in Buffalo Spree.

Margaret & Frank will be on hand this Friday from 11 am to 2 pm at an open house to share their seven-year story of transformation and vision. An owner-guided tour will begin promptly at 11:15.

The property is listed at $434,500.

Get connected: Dirk Van Schoonhoven, GB&B, 716.362.1830