731 Main: One building at a time…

by westcoastperspective

Avalon Development is busy at work in the 700 block of Main Street. After successfully renovating the three-story, 1911 Stokes Seed Building at 737 Main Street in 2002, the firm headed by Chris Jacobs has turned its attention to its one-story neighbor to the south. Renovations to 731 Main Street will result in a totally new façade since previous remodelings were not kind to the approximately 80 year old structure. The façade will feature new terra-cotta cladding, dark bronze aluminum windows and doors, and art glazed transoms. According to Jacobs, 731 may be the first new terra cotta building downtown in over 30 years.

Terra cotta has been used on many city landmarks including the Calumet Building, Guaranty Building, Electric Tower, and Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Orchard Park-based Boston Valley Terra Cotta (www.bostonvalley.com), founded in 1889 and one of the country’s leading suppliers of architectural terra cotta, is providing the material for 731 Main. Jacobs and Boston Valley are both excited to reintroduce downtown to this material and type of construction.

The building when completed will offer approximately 9,000 square feet of commercial loft-like space featuring high ceilings, exposed brick walls and on-site parking. With several recently completed or proposed residential projects nearby, Avalon hopes to attract retail or other tenants to serve the emerging neighborhood. Get connected: 856-0810.

Here's what Jacobs started with. As the transformation demonstrates, he's a creative developer with vision.