With three successful downtown projects under his belt, developer and architect Jake Schneider can add another to his list, the Lofts at 136. Schneider acquired the building in May 2009 that sat abandoned since 2001. The building is located on the corner of N. Division and Elm Streets and originally served as a paper warehouse to the firm of Alling and Cory, built in 1910. For its 100 year anniversary the building now serves a new purpose for students desiring downtown living.
The Lofts at 136 features 91 units that are a mix of one, two, or four person suites with one or two bathrooms. Every loft is fully-furnished including appliances. Rent includes utilities, cable, internet, and air conditioning. Study suites are conveniently located on every floor. Wi-fi internet access is also available throughout the building. Occupants also have access to the recreational facilities at the ECC's nearby Flickinger Center.
The success of the project is in part the ability of Schneider getting the building on the National Register of Historic Places allowing for historic preservation tax credits. Jordan Ross was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule as general manager of the lofts to provide a tour and update since the opening of the project one month ago. Ross has ten years of experience in student housing. Schneider's team was aiming to have the building 50 percent pre-leased at opening, but exceeded expectations with a 65 percent occupancy. With the fall housing drive underway, occupancy is expected to increase. 
With the close proximity to the downtown campus, 80 percent of the residents attend ECC while the remaining 20 percent come from other colleges such as the University at Buffalo. Although the complex provides for public and private parking the majority of the students utilize public transportation according to Ross. The Lofts offer two programmed events every week for the students and contains an entertainment area with video game consoles, billiards, and television.
The Wilson Farms has the same look of the residences with exposed duct work and high concrete ceilings. Wilson Farms is located on the ground floor of the building and is served by one of the two parking lots that allows for public parking. The general public may access the store, but in order to go further into the complex, swipe cards are required, which all tenants carry. This Wilson Farms is the first in downtown and was quick to sign-on as they have had success with a similar project in Syracuse.
Upon entering the main lobby there is a comfortable seating area and a receptionist desk for the needs of the residents and visitors. Ross is very accessible and heavily involved at the Lofts, he often talks to parents with any concerns or questions and is very helpful with issues such as financial aid. One of the many great aspects of the Lofts at 136 is staff accessibility. If residents require anything, such as downtown and event information, Ross or other staff members are always available unlike renting an apartment where the landlord is often absent. The complex features 24/7 security with over 30 cameras and swipe card access.
Buffalo State senior Hannah Elwyn chose the Lofts at 136 because of its security features and comfortable living. Elwyn says, "I love my apartment, it's a tiny studio but it is big enough for me and had a full kitchen and is painted and styled in a very modern and pleasing way." One of her favorite aspects to the building is having the convenience of the Wilson Farms inside the complex.
As the fall housing drive begins it is not hard to imagine the Lofts at 136 will see full occupancy soon. Hopefully projects like this will inspire other developers to consider downtown projects, especially those involving redevelopment of historic structures.
Another example of a successful adaptive reuse. It is attractive, has character, speaks to our past, and now is part of our future.
And, tell me why the city can't implement a policy to protect buildings like this from demo and for future use?
Great work, Jake!