City September 6, 2012 8:45 AM

Updated: City Approves Easement Request for Tishman Project

Mike Puma 44

The planned Hilton Garden Inn at the Tishman Building on Lafayette Square is one more step closer to starting work. Mayor Brown announced today that the City of Buffalo has approved the easement request for the project.

Mark Hamister, the CEO of The Hamister Group Corporate Office, is redeveloping the midcentury landmark as a $40 million downtown hotel. The building will utilize historic tax credits for the rehabilitation and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places earlier this year.

The easement agreement, which was filed with the Buffalo Common Council this week and is expected to be voted on by month's end, is necessary for the redevelopment of the Tishman Building (former National Fuel Headquarters) to, among other things allow drive-up access and valet service for hotel guests, as well as deliveries and a café patio. The proposed hotel would consist of 123 rooms with a restaurant, fitness center and bar. The top three floors would consist of roughly 21,000 square feet for the new corporate offices of The Hamister Group. Up to 16 apartments are also planned. The project is expected to result in about 400 construction jobs and create another 49 permanent new jobs. Approximately 30 people will be relocated to The Hamister Group's new corporate office.

Mark Hamister, Chairman and CEO of The Hamister Group said, "We're thrilled that the City and others have seen fit to approve this project and allow us to move one step closer to construction on this project and we're thrilled to be part of the strong momentum that is building in downtown Buffalo. This major renovation project not only takes office space off the market but adds much needed hotel space to the downtown area especially with the recent announcement of the Webster block project. We are extremely appreciative of Mayor Brown and his administration for their support throughout the planning stages of this project and look forward to a long and positive partnership."

Kerry Traynor of kta preservation specialists prepared the nomination and Carmina Wood Morris are the architects for the project. The Tishman Building meets criterion 'C' of the National Register as an excellent example of the post World War II skyscraper designed in the International Style by Emery Roth and Sons and constructed by Tishman Realty & Construction. The defining characteristics of the International Style were perfect for the speculative developer who was in search of the maximum, rentable square footage in their buildings. The Tishman Building retains a high level of period integrity.

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Comments

44 Comments Leave a comment

Buffplanner

September 5, 2012 2:22 PM

This should bring some much needed foot traffic on this block on the weekend, along with the Lafayette it will hopefully attract some retail development.

[ Reply ]

Score: 18 ( 18 votes )

PaulBuffalo

September 5, 2012 2:40 PM

I look forward to staying here for the great views.

[ Reply ]

Score: 12 ( 12 votes )

Beth_W

September 5, 2012 3:32 PM

You might want to check out the Hamister FB page- there are some photos taken from the roof of Tishman from about a month ago.

[ Reply ]

replied to PaulBuffalo

Score: 6 ( 6 votes )

townline

September 5, 2012 2:59 PM

Still not sure I love the easement for the drive that cuts a chunk out of the square's public space. But I keep looking at the site and surrounding spaces and I don't really have a better option for providing that access they're looking for. It does help facilitate a good project.

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Score: 4 ( 4 votes )

Dagner

September 5, 2012 5:16 PM

Maybe it will calm the traffic.

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replied to townline

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

longgone

September 5, 2012 3:02 PM

So by my count you have locked in:
123 roms @ the Tishman
200 rooms @ the Webster block
96 rooms @ the old Donovan building
32 rooms @ the lofts at pearl

For a total of 451 rooms. Which is equal to a the size of the Adams Mark. Not a bad couple of years.

[ Reply ]

Score: 8 ( 8 votes )

sin|ill

September 5, 2012 3:18 PM

adams mark would be a good site for a new convention center.

[ Reply ]

replied to longgone

Score: 14 ( 18 votes )

longgone

September 5, 2012 3:40 PM

Disagree. Adams mark would be a good site for a parking lot. It backs up to the thruway and has on/off ramps on the other 2 sides.

The parking lots in the cobblestone or around HSBC would be another story.

[ Reply ]

replied to sin|ill

Score: -1 ( 15 votes )

paulsobo

September 5, 2012 8:12 PM

Actually consider this for the site of a new convention center.

Father Conway Park (formerly Ohio Basin & Canal):
-undig it and rewater it
-unearth the remains of the Larkin Administration Building burried there and sell them. See if any pieces are museum worthy or worthy of re-use.
-build a period convention center on 1st side
-build a conference center on the 2nd side
-build a hotel on the 3rd side

Advantages:
-years of growth without being closed off by development which obsoleted the current location
-Light Rail accessible along either proposed trolly or light rail extension along proposed South Park
-close to expressway access
-close to downtown
-close the Larkin District
-still historic, all the benefits of canal district without expensive land already developed.
-plenty of room for parking

[ Reply ]

replied to sin|ill

Score: -10 ( 10 votes )

LouisTully

September 5, 2012 11:13 PM

I was actually about to make the same comment as longgone until I read his comment. You'd hear no complaints from me if the Adams Mark became a parking lot. Now that would be better to look at than what is there, and it would be welcome for future development.

[ Reply ]

replied to sin|ill

Score: -6 ( 6 votes )

Slu

September 6, 2012 11:37 AM

I see you are taking a veiled shot at me from yesterday. And I see you are still unable to look at individual situations instead of broad generalities. We get it. You think parking has no place in a city at all. Meanwile, here in the real world we realize that parking is a necessary evil and should be incorporated in the most efficient way possible while still preserving density and vibrancy. And utilizing space for parking that currently used for nothing else sometimes fits the bill.

[ Reply ]

replied to LouisTully

Score: 0 ( 2 votes )

LouisTully

September 6, 2012 12:21 PM

haha
Perhaps not a veiled shot, or a shot at all. But, yes, that's what I was alluding to. We have a difference of opinion and that's what we're both expressing. There's no harm in that. However I can't be making a broad generality when I'm taking a different stance and looking at an individual circumstance, yes because my opinion of the Adam's Mark is a negative one.

As far as density, the area around the Adam's Mark is on the thinner side of things so a parking lot wouldn't be a far change, whereas Main and Swan is quite different.

Don't be so thin-skinned. Nothing wrong with provoking discourse or having a difference of opinion.

[ Reply ]

replied to Slu

Score: -1 ( 1 votes )

flyguy

September 5, 2012 3:05 PM

Also...Avante

[ Reply ]

Score: 0 ( 2 votes )

longgone

September 5, 2012 3:50 PM

Avant has been open since July of 2009. If Buffalo is moving forward it needs to have a shelf life on buildings to brag about. The Avant is no longer new..it's just there.

[ Reply ]

replied to flyguy

Score: 5 ( 23 votes )

ladyinwhite

September 5, 2012 5:46 PM

Thank you.

[ Reply ]

replied to longgone

Score: -1 ( 17 votes )

300miles

September 6, 2012 1:57 AM

So your list from the past 2 years is OK. But someone else mentioning development from barely 3 years ago is ancient history? Weird.

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replied to longgone

Score: 6 ( 6 votes )

longgone

September 6, 2012 10:20 AM

My list is for projects that are not even completed yet. Notice how the Lafayette is not there.

But go ahead...talk about the Avant. It's like a 5 year old with his blanket. No wonder why people think Buffalo is small town...you act like it.

[ Reply ]

replied to 300miles

Score: -1 ( 1 votes )

300miles

September 6, 2012 11:41 AM

That's fine if that's what you meant. But you worded it like you were including the past couple year. You could have just said "upcoming projects" instead of jumping all over someone for mentioning a project that's still recent.

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replied to longgone

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

longgone

September 7, 2012 11:09 AM

It's what I meant but even if it wasn't.....the Avant needs to fall of the lists. It has been talked about too much and actually is counter productive.

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replied to 300miles

Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

pennylane

September 5, 2012 4:12 PM

More hotels in a dead downtown?

Doesnt sound smart to me... maybe actually builid up the surroundings with bars/restaurants so people actually have a reason to come here?

Just a thought...

[ Reply ]

Score: -47 ( 53 votes )

Slu

September 5, 2012 4:19 PM

Hotels are needed downtown. The demand is there. Retail will hopefully follow.

[ Reply ]

replied to pennylane

Score: 23 ( 25 votes )

sonyactivision

September 6, 2012 8:10 AM

More hotels usually means more bars and restaurants.

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replied to pennylane

Score: 4 ( 4 votes )

Dan

September 6, 2012 11:43 AM

Supply and demand. Buffalo has the highest hotel room rates in the Great Lakes region outside of Chicago. The only place in upstate New York where you'll find pricier lodging is Ithaca.

[ Reply ]

replied to pennylane

Score: 1 ( 1 votes )

grad94

September 6, 2012 12:24 PM

perhaps more rooms will result in lower rates.

[ Reply ]

replied to Dan

Score: 2 ( 2 votes )

RaChaCha

September 5, 2012 5:09 PM

When they were pitching this to Buffalo Place earlier this year, what caught my eye was the plan to have an outdoor cafe on the Main Street side of the building. I'm glad to see that's still in the renderings -- that should be great for the 500 Block!

[ Reply ]

Score: 18 ( 20 votes )

Rand503

September 5, 2012 10:10 PM

Yeah, four whole tables!

[ Reply ]

replied to RaChaCha

Score: -6 ( 12 votes )

Jaxson

September 5, 2012 5:27 PM

When is the Statler hotel supposed to open ? Now that will be a heckuva hotel, hope theirs not too much competition for the Lafayette hotel .

[ Reply ]

Score: 2 ( 12 votes )

North Park

September 5, 2012 6:50 PM

No one is working on that project, so my estimate is 2023.

[ Reply ]

replied to Jaxson

Score: 10 ( 12 votes )

longgone

September 5, 2012 8:50 PM

When Croce figures out how to raise $100M without bringing in a partner.

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replied to North Park

Score: 7 ( 9 votes )

300miles

September 5, 2012 7:16 PM

I thought the new Cars on Main Street project was getting away from trees in above-ground planters. This project is adding them back?

[ Reply ]

Score: 0 ( 2 votes )

downtown resident

September 5, 2012 7:18 PM

Here comes all the thumbs downs.....but sorry I have to say it..hopefully this will counteract some of the "element" that hangs on the block between CVS and the parole office. i live here and sometimes am concerned walking on that block. I can only imagine out of towners that leave their hotel and see this as their first impression. And by element, I don't mean any one race, age, religon, size, etc. I mean any shady character that is not working and begging, drinking and peeing or pooping in public, and of course dealing drugs.
On the plus side, hopefully this will act as an engine for development of the empty store fronts along both blocks... a corridor consisting of restaurants, shops,services between this hotel and the Hyatt would be nice.

[ Reply ]

Score: 50 ( 54 votes )

Rand503

September 5, 2012 7:31 PM

You get a thumbs up from me. Disrespectiful behavior is always off putting, and it should not be tolerated. It doesn't help anyone. I hope that this new development will create some momentum to change that.

[ Reply ]

replied to downtown resident

Score: 16 ( 22 votes )

Tim

September 5, 2012 8:47 PM

Key words; 'between cvs and the parole office.'

[ Reply ]

replied to downtown resident

Score: 10 ( 14 votes )

whatever

September 5, 2012 9:37 PM

Tim - it's a popular scapegoat but I'm skeptical about how many of people doing those behaviors around those blocks are there at all because of the parole office's location.

A couple weeks ago when I stopped at a red light at Grant/Ferry around 5 pm or so, a woman was screaming very loudly at a guy for urinating in the doorway of that vacant pastry-bakery place - "Hey don't piss there! You can't piss there, stop! ..."
Unlike the 400-block of Main, there's no nearby parole office, or social services office, or HEAP storefront … yet there was a similar problem.

Those behaviors are very difficult to consistently punish when our holding center is already too full to house even many violent offenders. I suppose just trying to move them is all the police can try. Maybe the Tishman now having a hotel will motivate that. We'll see.

As for the parole office and the social services office near it, and HEAP office across Main - those things have to be somewhere that's pretty easy to get to. Perhaps they could be spread out more in different parts of downtown, but where ever any of those might be moved to there will no doubt be new complaints from whoever's there already.

[ Reply ]

replied to Tim

Score: 3 ( 7 votes )

elmdog

September 5, 2012 8:55 PM

There is nothing wrong with the truth and honesty - people living and working in the city shouldn't have to see this and out of towners will be turned off by it - it's sad but true ..... Time to move the offices to a new location .....

[ Reply ]

replied to downtown resident

Score: 10 ( 14 votes )

Lego1981

September 5, 2012 9:40 PM

But, we are not allowed to put down 'those' people. All of those offices (Parol, Housing Assistance, Drug Addiction, etc.) are in buildings owned by Ellicott Development aka: Carl Paladino.

[ Reply ]

replied to elmdog

Score: 2 ( 12 votes )

sonyactivision

September 6, 2012 8:13 AM

At last! A new use for the Adams Mark!

[ Reply ]

replied to elmdog

Score: 4 ( 6 votes )

JMc44113

September 5, 2012 9:14 PM

So other media outlets show a different look for the entrance.....
http://interactives.wivb.com/photomojo/gallery/4150/83420/the-future-of-the-tishman-building/the-future-of-the-tishman-building/

Which is it?

[ Reply ]

Score: 0 ( 0 votes )

Buffalo All Star

September 6, 2012 12:22 AM

It'll be 2 years before this is up and running..but I'll tell ya if I plunked down $40 million dollars the least I would expect would be a "clean sweep" of the street I'm on regularly. Clean sweep in more ways than one...where are the cops writing tickets for litter..arrests for disturbing the peace..loitering..indecent exposure..open container. ETC.

This hotel will do wonders for the square, things are already taking off at the opposite side..hoteliers have to care about what happens in and around their property. If the Hilton were to open up tomorrow..no one would stay there. It is not a safe area and in my opinion looks much much worse than it is. Out of towners are appaled at the condition of Main Street at the Hyatt..this would be more of the same.

Traffic will help in this area and I hope there are some plans to remove some of the "seating" available on our deserted Main Street. I was out for a walk this afternoon and its truly a waiting room for those who don't seem to have a care in the world..nothing too do. I guess the 70's plan worked in that it keeps people around. LOL. You can tell who should be there at 12 noon and who shouldn't...

[ Reply ]

Score: 7 ( 13 votes )

Buffalo All Star

September 6, 2012 12:31 AM

and I would hope there would be some sort of back door..verbal..gentlemans agreement between Mark Hamister, Paladino and Mayor Brown on all of the welfare offices on Main Street. Having a $40 million mixed use project go up in a sea of buildings that you own has got to do wonders for property values and improve your opportunities for higher rents (BETTER TENANTS!).

Think for a 2nd Mayor Brown isn't aching for the chance to have a redeveloped Main Street under his belt for whatever his political future holds..if he were to allocate the appropriate resources to cleaning up Main Street..plus Canal Side..I would have trouble not voting for him. He doesn't want those welfare/assistance offices there either.

In the mean time I would love to see some sort of creative zoning legislation dictating distance between offices, loitering/smoking rules, floor location (2nd floor or higher with a mandatory waiting room)..etc etc. Concentrated poverty is not a good thing and we've managed to center it on what should be the best street in Western New York. Lets not blow it here folks!!

[ Reply ]

Score: 8 ( 10 votes )

whatever

September 6, 2012 2:34 AM

Those are interesting ideas in your last paragraph, but I don't have any idea either way whether it would be legal for Mayor Brown's city govt to impose zoning laws such as those onto the county govt and state govt. (If I'm not mistaken, parole is a NYS govt office and social services is county.) In general, can a city govt enforce those rules you suggest against higher levels of govts? Through which courts would they do that?

Perhaps instead, what the state and county could be asked to do is once the current leases expire just decide to put those kind of offices into govt-owned buildings somewhere else downtown instead of leasing private sector lowest-bidder space for them.

And as I commented earlier, it seems less certain to me than it does to some of you that simply moving those kind of offices to somewhere else downtown (or to some neighborhood) would make a noticeable difference in the problems they're blamed for - but if they (state & county) want to try, I think they could do it the way I suggested, maybe move county soc services to the Rath building and state parole to some NYS-govt-owned building.

[ Reply ]

replied to Buffalo All Star

Score: 2 ( 4 votes )

John 501

September 6, 2012 6:31 AM

Really happy to hear this happening and agree with the points of "cleaning" up Main Street. It wasn't mentioned in the article, but is this a hotel only or a mixed use with residential? And agree with Buffalo All star that the seating available along Main can be more of a detriment than appealing factor. Congrats to Carmina Wood....know it'll be great!!!

[ Reply ]

Score: -1 ( 1 votes )

sin|ill

September 6, 2012 8:03 AM

hotel, residential and offices for The Hamister Group.

[ Reply ]

replied to John 501

Score: 1 ( 1 votes )