Architect/Developer Jake Schneider has found another project. The Apartments at the HUB will be mixed-use development bringing new life to 145 and 149 Swan Street. 10,000 sq.ft. of commercial space and 50 upscale apartments are planned.
The project is strategically located at an entrance to downtown in the southeast corner of the central business district. It is within a mile of three major catalysts driving new development and job creation; the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Larkinville and Canalside.
145 Swan Street was built in 1908 for Witkop & Holmes, a grocery business that commissioned the 30,000 sq.ft. brick and frame structure. 149 Swan Street was designed by Lansing & Beirel, Architects and constructed in 1896 for Sibley & Holmwood Candy Company, a local confectioner that later partnered with several other businesses nationwide to form the National Candy Company. The 50,000 sq.ft., five-story, steel, frame, brick and wood deck structure is well preserved with high ceilings and beautiful brickwork on the Swan Street Elevation.
Plans for the first floor retail space include a vision that centers on expanding the bicycle culture in the region. The WNY Bicycle Center will feature a retail bicycle and repair shop, a bicycle fitness and commuter facility with showers and lockers, a bicycle rental service, collaboration with cultural tourism for bicycle-based excursions, a café and bar with outdoor patio, the WNY Bicycle Museum and a community use conference center for bicycle clubs and not-for-profit bicycle-related community organizations. The owners of Merge restaurant will run the café.
Adam Trost and Rebecca Erb, owners of the Bike Shop in East Aurora, are planning on relocating and expanding their business.
"Adam and I are truly excited to be able to take advantage of the increased customer density and excitement that exists in the downtown," says Erb.
The fifty new upscale, market-rate apartments will be a mix of one and two bedroom units ranging in size from 1,020 to 1,345 sq.ft. The units will feature granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, solid core doors, hardwood flooring, whirlpool tubs and underground parking. Tenants will have access to a rooftop garden deck with views of downtown.
The neighborhood has experienced significant progress over the last few years with construction of the Public Safety Campus, Schneider's Lofts at 136, and construction of the Buffalo Transportation Museum. Newly-announced projects at the Gutman Building located at 133 South Division and the Hager Mills building located at 141 Elm Street will help continue this momentum. Additional opportunity exists for development in the neighborhood with the pending auction of the shuttered Sheehan Memorial Hospital.
The renovation project is expected to cost $13.5 million and is planned to be completed in spring 2014. Historic review and approval services are being provided by Preservation Studios.
Get Connected: Schneider Design, 716.923.7000
Wow! Way to go Adam and Becky! This will be a great new space for you and I believe something that Bufalo really needs and truly appreciate.