Kissling Interests has brought upscale loft living to North Tonawanda. The developer's $20 million renovation of the former Remington Rand complex is nearing completion. Remington Lofts on the Canal features 79 apartment units and commercial space overlooking the Erie Canal. It is Kissling's first Niagara County project.
The NYC-based firm has built a portfolio of over 950 apartments in the City of Buffalo since buying its first local property in 1999. Many of the properties are historic apartment buildings that Kissling has refurbished. As of late, the company has focused on projects that create apartments in former commercial buildings while strategically upgrading its existing properties.
With nearly 1,000 units completed since 2000 and high occupancy rates, loft living in downtown Buffalo is well-established. Kissling's North Tonawanda project will be the first of its kind in Niagara County.
The 167,000 sq.ft. complex at 184 Sweeney Street was built in 1885 and originally contained Power House No. 4 of the Buffalo and Niagara Falls Electric Railway Co. The Herschell-Spillman company, the largest manufacturer of carousels for some time, moved into the building in 1899. In 1951, Remington Rand, an office equipment manufacturer, bought the complex. Remington Rand produced the world's first mainframe computer for the U.S. Census Bureau there but mostly used the building to manufacture typewriters. It closed in the 1970s.
Underutilized for over two decades, North Tonawanda officials hope the redeveloped property will be a cornerstone for future development in the city's historic core.
"Company owner Tony Kissling had a vision for this property," explains Kissling's Director of Development Tom Barrett. "The building's character, water view, accessibility and area demographics made the property attractive to us."
The project, the largest development currently underway in Niagara County, is off to a great start with all of its commercial space leased.
Two eateries with Buffalo connections will open at Remington. Tempo restaurant chef and owner Paul Jenkins is opening a raw oyster bar. Liquid Energy juice bar and café, a Kissling tenant at 298 Main Street in Buffalo, is opening its second location there as well.
Evolation Yoga occupies 7,600 sq.ft. and Leon Studio One has opened a salon and school in 6,500 sq.ft. of space. The balance of the ground floor contains indoor parking.
On upper floors, construction crews led by R&P Oak Hill are putting the finishing touches on the building's first 17 units, most of which are leased and occupied according to Kissling. The remainder of the units are now under construction and will be ready for occupancy by the end of the year.
"We're offering true luxury lofts," says Barrett.
The company has previous experience in the high-end loft niche. Kissling's Allentown Lofts opened in early-2010 at 430 Virginia Street and quickly leased the building's ten units at up to $3000/month.
"These units are just as high-end as Allentown Lofts," says Barrett. "But the units at Remington are not as traditionally laid out. They will have a more contemporary finish."
Remington's units have polished concrete floors, structural concrete pillars incorporated into the living space, nearly floor to ceiling windows, 14' ceilings, and angled walls making for unique floor plans. The main living areas are large enough that an occupant could opt for a live/work setup. Residents get enclosed parking and access to a 4,400 sq.ft. rooftop garden.
Lofts range in size from 1,000 to 2,400 sq.ft. and are priced from $1500. The smallest and largest units have been leased. Remaining units all have two bedrooms and two baths in 1,200 to just over 2,000 sq.ft. in twelve different floorplans.
Architecture and engineering firm Carmina Wood Morris is project architect. New Jersey-based Ziegler Designs assisted with interior layouts and finishes.
Kissling is currently offering leasing incentives to help fill the building. Signed tenants are "from all over" says Barrett who notes that downtown Buffalo is just a 12 minute drive from the building. The public can view a second floor model unit during Canal Fest, July 17 - 24, weekends through August 14, or by appointment. See the project website for more information.
Get Connected: Heather Kleinfelder, 716.853.2787, ext. 103
Images: Exterior Courtesy of Carmina Wood Morris; Interior, Kissling Interests.
What a great rehab. Residential/Commerical Mix. Hopefully they can replicate their success in Allentown. Best of Luck!