Lower Main Street’s newest residents have begun moving into The Glenny located at 251 Main Street near Swan Street. Paul Kolkmeyer’s Priam Enterprises converted the former Stanton Building into a mix of 36 apartments and two-story loft units and ground floor commercial space that will be occupied by e-cafe. The ornate circa-1873 building is the only five-story building in Buffalo with a cast iron façade.
While the original plan was to construct all one bedroom units, the logistics of the building’s floor plates were more conducive to the current mix of one and two bedroom plans. The model unit – a generously-sized one-bedroom – is actually one of the smallest units in the building. One-quarter of the units are a mix of impressive two-story residences featuring open living rooms and large loft spaces that function either as a bedroom or a large second living space.
Rents range in price from $1,290 for a one-bedroom unit to $2,420 for a large two bedroom, two and a half bath duplex loft with soaring ceilings and two living spaces (floorplan right). Nearly all of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, with an extra half bath off the main living area. Apartments feature 10 foot to 17 foot finished ceilings, quartz countertops, tiled kitchens and baths, soft grey tones, and ample closet space.
“Prospective tenants mentioned the importance of closet space, so we wanted -to make sure the units had plenty of storage,” says Ian Brost, Property Manager at Priam.
All units include one parking space for overnight and weekend parking. High speed cable and internet, water, and trash disposal are included.
Aside from the great location close to the waterfront, sports venues, restaurants, and light rail outside the front door, the building sets itself apart from other conversions the city has seen in a few ways. Ceilings are dropped slightly to hide all the mechanicals, yet they still reach a soaring 10 or more feet.
“We were going for a more upscale, modern look complete with ample lighting. Having the exposed mechanicals was going to make it feel too industrial and cluttered.”
A retail space fronting Main Street which was originally expected to be used as office space will now house breakfast and lunch eatery E café. The eatery is expected to open in July.
Wylier & Associates designed the $9.9 million project, Z-Design did the interiors, Preservation Studios worked on the historic preservation tax credit documentation, and the general contractor was R&P Oak Hill.
The Glenny is the first of three building redevelopment projects by Priam Enterprises planned for lower Main Street. Priam also purchased the adjacent Roblin Building and the Marine Trust Building at Main and Seneca in late-2014.
The Marine Trust Building will be renamed The Marin and feature luxury apartments on the buildings’ top ten floors, a breathtaking banquet and conference facility christened “The Admiral Room” is expected in the grand first floor banking hall and second level, a restaurant will likely occupy the unique space along Seneca Street, and office tenants will be consolidated into the remaining middle floors.
“We’ve already been approached by several future brides looking to rent the space,” says Mark Wolbert, Priam’s Director of Business Development.
The seven-story Roblin Building will remain mostly office space but a 49 space parking garage is being created in the basement and ground level of the Washington Street side of the building. An elevator will move cars to the basement level.
Priam earlier this week purchased the parking ramp at 93 Pearl Street for its tenants’ needs. The four-story ramp with first floor commercial space has gobs of potential with terra cotta cladding but blocked-in windows. A $2 million renovation of the ramp property is planned.
Get Connected: Priam Enterprises, 716.622.0571