The future of the Tishman Building is looking brighter this holiday season. Real estate sources say three floors of space could soon be leased by technology firms that would be moving in over the next couple of months. In November 2005, downstate investor Myer Holtzman paid under $1 million for the then-vacant 198,600 sq.ft. office building that was constructed in 1959. It served as the long-time headquarters for National Fuel until the utility company abandoned downtown for Amherst in 2003.
Leasing got off to a slow start, but Holtzman apparently is making progress by making deals advertised at $5/sq.ft. The economical lease rates, small floor sizes, and central location appeal to growing and smaller start-up companies and firms desiring the prestige of occupying a whole floor. Also helping to re-tenant the building is technology infrastructure installed by National Fuel.
The three prospective tenants are tech companies. One is a company that specializes in helping start-ups with their communication/IT needs. Another is a start-up company which according to one source, “if successful will explode.” All have big plans for growth and could potentially have the building half filled within several months. They would join National Fuel's customer service center and environmental consultant NEA as tenants in the building. A come back story in the making.
Photo: CitySky Photography by Nate Farnsworth