Benderson Development is firming up plans for a new building at the south end of the Donovan Block. But before you get outraged over the rendering prepared by James Allen Rumsey, keep in mind this is a placeholder design that Benderson has been circulating to potential tenants. The five-story building is proposed for the north side of Scott Street between Main and Washington streets across from Tim Hortons and (716) Food and Sport in HARBORCENTER .
Plans call for 7,380 sq.ft. of ground floor retail space along Main Street, a 6,000 sq.ft. restaurant along Washington Street, with 13,000 sq.ft. of offices on the second level, and 45 residential units on floors three through five (14 one-bedroom and one two-bedroom unit on each floor). According to The Buffalo News, Hofbrauhaus is eyeing the ground floor for a restaurant/beer garden. Kevin Townsell has been looking for a site for Hofbrauhaus for more than two years.
From The Buffalo News:
The drawings – still conceptual at this stage – show a building made of brick and stone.
“The mindset is to create something that is timeless and also reflective of the history and heritage of the Canal District,” Recoon said.
An architect has yet to be chosen. Recoon said consideration will be given to Fontanese Folts Aubrecht Ernst, the Orchard Park-based firm that developed Benderson’s One Canalside property and also is designing the Explore & More Children’s Museum and two other new buildings near the newly opened canalway and the Lloyd Street Bridge.
The project is subject to review by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation’s Architectural Review Committee and requires utility relocation and a piece of City-owned property. Benderson hopes to begin construction next year.