737 Main- Stokes Seed Co. Building
I’ve been meaning to do a post on the Stokes Seed Co. Building for some time. Developer and State Senate candidate Chris Jacobs in his interview with BuffaloRising stated that this is one of his proudest accomplishments and realized it was past time to look at this valuable project. Jacobs’ Avalon Development renovated the vintage 1911 building at 737 Main Street in 2002. The development features 18,000 sq.ft. of commercial space that has been a big hit with technology and other firms that can be creative with the high-ceilinged, loft-like space.
The three-story brick structure is a mid-block anchor in the emerging 700 block of Main Street. Stokes Seed is fully leased and Avalon is now completing renovations to 731 Main Street, a terra-cotta clad building we have profiled several times previously. Tenant Marti Gorman offers an insider’s view of the importance of the project:
This structure is a cornerstone of what is quickly becoming a revitalized section of Main Street. There are now seven small businesses in this building. All are start-ups that are quickly becoming successful – a dot com, a hair salon, a sales consulting firm, settlement consultants...a great group of neat little up-and-coming businesses, at least some of which have benefited enormously from a sort of "sliding scale" rent that started low and has gradually increased as the business has grown and become able to afford more overhead.
Rory Allen, founder of Document Advantage, loved the building but couldn't imagine being able to afford to move in. He needed a smaller space than the 2500 sq.ft. minimum. "Most landlords would have said sorry," recalls Allen, "but Chris offered to do a custom build out – he was so flexible. He was more interested in seeing a small business grow than in turning a profit. He saw my vision and believed in me enough to give me a chance."
The seven tenants have even formed a valuable social and business network. For instance, a marketing class offered by the Schaeffer Group has really helped Allen get Document Advantage off the ground and growing. This business-incubator environment in a restored building in a revitalized part of downtown was created by Chris Jacobs.
looks like a beautiful renovation! well done!
Beautiful job Avalon! This is what I envision the old buildings in The Cobblestone could be like (and the new ones too) - if that district isn't ruined by the casino.
I've worked in these kinds of spaces in SF and Portland - with Buffalo's growing creative community, please give us more!!
Vote Chris Jacobs...New Yorke State Senator in today's special election.
What a great building - so nice to see this when we walk out the front door of our office!! Such a beautiful renovation!!!
PS Love the song choice on the slideshow!!!!
Go Chris! He is amazing!
Parking lots can't do what this BUILDING is doing
Architectural Resources, a local Allentown based architecture firm has been working with Chris on this project as well as its next door neighbor and many other projects around the city...including Hallwalls, The Church and The Neighborhood Collective. Please visit us online at www.archres.com.
It's great, i work on the third floor (the section that has most of the inside pictures), anytime I bring anyone over they love the space. So do we, we've been here for 3 years now.
Very handsomely done! There seems to be a wonderful warmth within these otherwise architecturally severe spaces. I can see why they make great work environments.
And who wouldn't love to get that kind of natural light in a residence, much less his or her office? Are there kitchens?