The University at Buffalo's Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) will not be moving until 2012, but there is already speculation on what will happen to their current location. EOC's present building is a 72,200 sq.ft., six-story brick structure at the corner of E. Mohawk and Washington streets. The circa-1930 property appears to be an ideal candidate for residential use and one rumor circulating downtown is that the building will be converted to dormitory space. It is owned by FNUB Corp., a non-profit associated with the university.
1910 postcard available on eBay referenced by 'jpp'
UB's reuse plan for the M. Wile building could dislocate its anchor tenant. URS Corp. agreed in late-2001 to move into the Trico Building on Goodell Street which was to be renovated into a mix of office and residential space by the late Stephen McGarvey. McGarvey's financial problems delayed the ambitious reconstruction project. Instead, URS took alternative space in the M. Wile building that McGarvey had successfully renovated. URS moved its roughly 200 local employees from 282 Delaware Avenue in 2004 taking 55,000 sq.ft. of space in the M. Wile building then known as Century Centre II.
UB announced intentions to retain URS as a tenant when it purchased the building in 2007. If and when the firm opts to move, it will be courted heavily by downtown and suburban property owners and developers. The company could anchor a new development or fill two or more floors of an existing building. Last year, law firm Damon & Morey leased 50,000 sq.ft. or two floors in Avant. It was the largest downtown non-renewal lease signed in 2008.
I heard from a friend at URS they are staying on the fourth and fifth floor after UB builds next door / moves in.