Buffalorising has been redesigned.

While I can't say I trust Matrix, I do agree that we need more local jobs created. However, with all that office space opening up downtown with new renovations and construction projects, there is no excuse for Matrix not to expand here!

WCP,

I can't help but think If you support Zepto you've been somehow mislead.

Why didn't you mention they plan to demolish the rear of the structure? It's not just parking in the rear, it's basically parking behind a veneer.

Do you really believe they are adding jobs in Massachusetts because they can't find space in Buffalo? I would love it if this were true!

Local residents (those who live in Allentown, and specifically on North Pearl, behind this building) have been pretty clear that they support McCauly's proposal. As for financing, did you forget about the $50 Million CPC committed to Main St. projects? And why didn't you mention she already has an agreement with a research facility to host at least two visiting researchers? And what, pray tell, would be wrong with apartments for immigrants?

You are spinning these proposals and it's seems you are either creating or spreading propaganda on behalf of Zepto.

WCP
There is no clear winner here, that is an Allentownperspective. For years Zepto has made it clear to the Allentown Association, North Pearl Block Club and the city that they want to pull 878 down for parking for the 12 or so employee's they have and have always had.

There is no "add on" in back to pull down, original to the house. 500k to overhaul a facade and renovate top to bottom a shell of a mansion? Please...! First Amherst spent 6.5 million on 5 buildings so it would seem to me they need to up the figures to make their proposal more believable.

As to MacCauly's "clients" that is pure speculation and after the dealings with Zepto more likely that not a rumor mill started to sway a decision. It also seems Macauly has a local restaurant already committed to the space.

Zepto has NOT been a good neighbor to date and I see no reason to start thinking they will be in the future

I think that both of these plans leave a lot to be desired.

Efficiency apartments are for low income residents...something that Allentown already has more than its fair share of. No researcher in Buffalo is going to rent a 300 sf apartment.

As for the Zepto proposal:

WOW... that new facade is really bad in my opinion. Embarrassingly bad. Why not just put new windows in the existing building. The existing facade is not even that bad looking. Why waste the money on this silly and vey corny looking redo? Also with the old house. Wouldn't it be just as easy to put windows in that more closely match what was probably there before rather than these odd looking things? I think the Zepto proposal would be a better use and would benefit the city but they are not showing any sensitivity to the buildings and the veiled threats of moveing out of town are a bit tiresome. Buffalo has lots of space. The argument that they can find no space does not fly.

Why do they need to demolish a building?

Why not just move? Their are literally hundreds of places all over Buffalo and quite a few in the Fruit Belt and the Main/Jefferson wedge.

It just doesnt make sense to demolish rather than move. Why not prove your company to be a constructive force in the community instead of a destructive force.

I agree with STEEL, the proposed new look for the two story buidling does look very lame and even ugly. The current design is fine with adding new window's and a clean up. Put the offices on the upper floor and leave the first floor space open for retail/restaurant space. Huge windows are great for those establishements.

Zeptometrix can't leave that building because there is a Level 4 bio-hazard lab there that would take millions of dollars to duplicate anywhere else.

Steel and JayK are right about their proposed faux-cade (did I just make that up?). Much better to make it look like what it wants to look like, though I don't believe Zepto would ever want retail in there, but they could have some sort of semi-public space there that people could look in on.

WCP, there does seem to be more than a usual amount of editorializing in this posting, but it is your posting so I can live with it.

On the other hand "raise" for "raze" is harder to overlook. Where were the spellcheck crew, they missed that all day.

ok well here is an idea that no one is thinking of:
1) Why not add a 3rd floor or widows peak to the Zepto building
2) Put an enclosed walkway or even connect the 2nd and 3rd floors of the two buildings leaving the ground floor driveway as access
3) then simply match the front of the Zepto building to the facade of the mansion. It would make the mansion look like an estate an would be incredible.
4) Of course put a couple feet of exposed soil between the building and the sidewalk for some evergreens and ivy and it would look incredible.

Here is what I want to know about Buffalo architects and architects in general. Why are there so many butchers? Why cant an architect look at blending two buildings together and preserving details instead of the perpetuating the "Sweeny Todd" method of urban architecture.

and actually Im rather close to what is being proposed...Id just add the widows peak to the Zepto building and add a 2nd and 3rd floor connector.....and of course we mustnt forget landscaping and trees and ivy.

All Zepto should do with its own building is unblock the windows and recreate the floor-to-ceiling glazing. It could be a great storefront office again. Their proposed renovation of the building is almost as pedestrian-unfriendly as the original, and changes it into Orchard Park-esque bland quaintness when it was once a good Art Moderne-leaning retail storefront.

I dont know I like it...I just think they shoud go a couple steps further into blending the two buildings together.

I am the CEO of ZeptoMetrix and have spent a number of years here trying my best to see a biotechnology based economy grow and aid in western New York’s rebirth. I’ve lived in a lot of places around the U.S., and although that’s given me a different perspective than many, I love Buffalo and really never care to live anyplace else.

Following the articles and posts here over the past few years, I don’t think that many really know much about ZeptoMetrix and I feel there is a great deal of misunderstanding. The company is a growing, profitable, high tech business that has some of the world’s leading scientists as both customers and as collaborators. The company has a prominent position in the fight against AIDS and other emerging infectious diseases. ZeptoMetrix has conducted a lot of joint research with Roswell Park, Hauptman Woodward and UB, and those collaborative efforts have brought significant money into those institutions. Two thirds of the employees of ZeptoMetrix hold science degrees, five of those at the Ph.D. level.

At ZeptoMetrix we’ve tried our best to be good corporate citizens. The personnel, including myself, DONATE time teaching in the UB School of Management, serving on thesis committees for graduate students at Roswell, mentoring intern students in the UB biotechnology program, participating in local business development organizations like the ECIDA and BECWIB, and helping establish countywide preparedness programs to protect us against the outbreak of diseases like SARS. Today we’re working with the local academic institutions to help create even more businesses like ZeptoMetrix.

I’m not totally sure how the cat got out of the bag regarding our proposal but, now that it has and I’ve seen some responses, I feel it’s time to put some issues to rest. In late 2003, lack of parking had become a major impediment to the company’s growth. We responded to an RFP proposing to demolish 878 Main Street and turn the property totally into parking. Of note, we were the only respondents to that RFP.

Times have changed. In early 2004 we acquired a biotechnology company in Franklin, Massachusetts and, given no choice, began growing our business there rather than in Buffalo. We aren’t happy about this situation and I won’t go into details about the economic loss for western New York other than to say it has been significant.

Today we have a chance to change things. We have proposed making the 872-878 buildings our permanent corporate headquarters and once again begin adding to our staff here. Earlier this year we also started another biotechnology business, Buckler Biodefense Corporation, and want to headquarter that business in the renovated 878 building.

I’ve seen some reservations (to put it mildly) about the architectural renderings in our proposal. It’s important to bear in mind that this is a very preliminary design that was hastily put together in response to short notice on an RFP deadline. I’d heard some good ideas of facades for our 872 building and I’m still looking for other ideas. I’d welcome any suggestions anyone has for design concepts. The only real priority for ZeptoMetrix is creating class A office and conference room space and a set of buildings that have impressive curb appeal. We are routinely visited by large diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies and it’s imperative that we project the image of a successful, growing high tech business.

As much as I’d like to hear suggestions and ideas, I’d also like to hear concerns and reservations that people might have. Please feel free to call me at 882-0920.

I realize now that we’ve been so focused on growing our business and the biotechnology initiative here, that we have been insensitive to some. I apologize for that. Now we have a chance to change all of that. We have a chance to turn 878 Main Street into something spectacular and we have a chance to grow a biotechnology based economy.

I’m willing to work with you if you’re willing to work with me.

What's the problem here? I may be slow on this one. Zepto wants to take a butt ugly building and improve it. Then they want to fix up an old mansion. It doesn't need to be like the Graniteworks or no one will ever fix it up. $500,000 is a good start. I agree with Hawley on the design. Go Zepto!

OK Jim since you asked and I can not keep my architectural opinions to my self.

First: In the old house... put in historically accurate windows. Look around allentown. there are all kinds of examples to follow. There is no mystery to following historic guidelines. Build a low masonry ( 3-4 feet) garden wall along Main to reinforce the urban street edge and create a garden entry court for your buildings (and a great lunch spot for your staff) Add great trees and stone pavement into the garden and maybe a water feature. Create a campus feeling with the buildings.

Second: with the other building don't try to match the house. they are different buildings. That current plan looks just plain stupid (sorry) Everything does not have to match. Look around the city. It is full of buildings of all sizes and shapes. You are a high tech company. Show that in your architecture. It can be modern and progressive. That last thing you should be doing is fake historic architecture. It sends the message that your company is backward and not very sophisticated. There is a reason that the new Medical campus buildings are highly contemporary. Look at Hamilton Houston and Lownie's offices on Allen. They have done great things with a building situation very similar to yours.

Third: Link the two buildings with a glass atrium.

Fourth: All this will make the buildings easy to sell. Something to think about since it sounds like you will out grow this spat very fast

Well there you have it Mr. Hengst, Steel suggests keeping the buildings different while I suggest blending the two into an estate which would have the classic presence that you desire.

I would add a 3rd story to the current Zepto Building with a widows peak (the slanted roof) and carry it over from the mansion.

Depending on whether you have a driveway, I would definitely add a connector between the buildings and blend them together into a large 19th century urban estate. Its gives you the space you want and it has a very classic traditional appearance which contrary to Steel to me signifies stability, security and dependability.

What we do agree on in landscaping! Trees and an aristocratic ivy climbing up the side...and alittle tasteful landscape lighting to highlight the architecture.

We appreciate having a corporate citizen devoted to our city. Everyone is passionate here but well intentioned. We have lost so much of Buffalo to parking lots that though companies need places for their employees to park....mentioning parking to many in Buffalo is a very sore and raw point. We just dont want to loose anymore of our city and neighborhoods....we are trying to stabilize them and save them.

A few random thoughts about Zepto and 878 Main St from a fellow Scientist

There may still be only 15-16 employees at the Zepto Main St facility, however, many jobs that used to exist back when the facility was CPI were low paying entry level jobs. Quite a few of those were done away with leaving even fewer jobs after being acquired by an out of state owner. When current management took over a few years back, new higher paid positions filled by highly specialized scientists with advanced degrees were added. Those scientists developed quite a few new products and spurred growth. Thus the current problem. The rest of them may be the same old employees, but exactly what is wrong with having saved 6 or more jobs that would have otherwise just gone away? I know it doesn't sound like a lot of jobs to save, but take my word for it, it sure feels differently when it's your own livelihood that's jeopardized.

And yes, the facility in Franklin has indeed grown since being acquired by Zepto.
Some of the functions within Zepto probably could be moved to other locations as well, but there will always be biological production/shipping happening at 872. Just a guess, but could that be what has many of the "good" neighbors' noses out of joint? Could it be they will never be happy because they don't want that going on in their back yards? Sorry, but you're about 20 years too late on that one. (oh so very typical) You could do a lot worse than having a thriving Biotech industry growing in your back yard.

I really am curious about the bad neighbor stuff. How so and to whom? I've read some accusations posted here and on a few other forums, but I've seen no particulars.
I pass Zepto several times a day. What I see is that they keep their sidewalks and lot cleared in the winter and keep them swept and clean the rest of the year. I've visited many times and have taken a tour of the facility. As you might expect due to the nature of their business, the inside is also very clean.
The building might be butt ugly, BUT, it is kept freshly painted and the driveway and parking lot is relatively new.
I seem to recall that they installed security cameras which in turn seems to have deterred drug and prostitution transactions as well as vandalisms from taking place during daylight hours behind and around them and the neighboring buildings. I rarely see people stumbling down the driveway between 872 and 878 anymore. I also haven't seen anyone urinating on the side of the building for quite some time. I for one don't miss seeing any of that on my way to work every morning. My My My, what a bad neighbor indeed!

I know for a fact that Dr. Hengst tried to involve the so called "good" neighbors to help solve some growing problems. All that seemed to garner was anger and hysterics, no hint of any attempt at a compromise or other solutions. Zepto finally come up with what appears to be a fair compromise, still not a tiny bit of cooperation, just more accusations and aspersions.

I have worked with Dr. Hengst on collaborative projects. I never lived next door to him, so I don't personally know what kind of neighbor he is, but as a President/CEO, he seems to be fair, an excellent mentor and very interested in seeing his employees succeed, even at the cost of losing them to higher achievements. He has proven himself committed to helping promote and create more biotech companies within Western NY and Buffalo in particular. Sorry, these are not the traits of an evil doing liar.
I'm not privy to most of the details of the new RFP, but this I can tell you - If he looks you in the eye and tells you there will be no "OOPS", you can take it to the bank. If you do not trust him, perhaps it's because YOU haven't been a good neighbor and gotten to know him. If you had, you'd realize how preposterous your accusations and aspersions are. Obviously I am a fan of his, but if you need further proof, stroll over to Ulrich's some afternoon during some of our brainstorming/collaboration sessions and talk to him, myself or other of his peers. Or talk to his employees. Or to his nearest neighbors at DiNatale's or Roxie's. Or to any of the people with whom he volunteers to make Buffalo a better place in which to work and live. My guess is none of you have done that or will ever do that, because you don't want to have your little monochromatic minds changed. What a pity.

You have a biotech company that is willing to fix 2 eyesores with one stone and still all you can muster is bellyaching, no direct communication to voice your opinions. If I've read Dr. Hengst's post correctly, he's even offering you a chance at some input on how it will look.Technically speaking, 800 block of Main is part of Allentown, but it also falls within the Buffalo Niagara Medical Corridor. That IS a fact, so maybe can't we all just learn to get along? IMHO, none of you whiners deserve anything, but if you're smart, you'll get past your petty prejudices and wake up! Unlike Pearl Street and other neighboring streets, Main Street wasn't, isn't and never will be strictly residential and there are still a substantial amount of empty buildings for quaint overpriced artsy cafes and tiny closets masquerading as apartments.

ProZepto,

You're kind of an a-h*le.

Trying to win people over by insulting them probably isn't the way to go - the "I'm smarting than you stupid crybaby artists, because I wear a white coat" thing isn't winning anybody any friends.

The good doctor could probably do without your 'help'.

ProZepto's right. Why all the grief? S/he's just spelling it out like it is. It sounds like the neighborhood had other hopes for the building and now Zepto is leaving a bitter taste in the mouth.

ProZepto

Mr hengst made a good statement. Reading it I was almost feeling guilty about my earlier post, then I read yours. That is the same attitude Zetpo brought to an earlier block club meeting.

To be honest right about now I am ready to "b**ch slap" you against the back of the head, but I am too busy trying to get you a one way ticket to Franklin Massachusetts which is where you belong. It is obvious there is nothing about Buffalo you like from the cafes to the houseing, not to mention the intelligence of the people, who happen to be my friends and neighbors that have worked hard on their homes and neighborhood.

For your information we have never had an issue with a Bio Lab in our "backyard". Living in this part of Allentown so close to Main Street our only concern is cleaning it up with a lot of hard work and elbow grease thus making it a welcoming and vibrant addition to the city.

I ask you to tour our street and gardens this weekend to see how monochromatic we are, and I certainly would rather live amongst these "typical" people than than a condescending person such as yourself.

Hello,
It's great to see such interest in this beautiful building. I have been attempting to engage the City in development of this building since October 2004.
My project is based on a long history of outreach to the local institutions and community. Although there are alternate methods of formulating development plans, I contacted the local institutions to find out what they needed most and have designed a project based on the needs of the medical campus and adjacent communities. Outreach to the local medical campus institutions reflects a dire need for housing research fellows serving the BNMC. Roswell Park alone sponsors between 100-150 research fellows in the City of Buffalo annually. Visiting fellows work 18 hour days and require studio type housing within walking distance of the medical campus. Most fellows do not own cars which is a bonus due to the minimal surface parking requirement within the RFP.
As a strong supporter of the Buffalo Niagara region, my plan contemplates donating at least one studio unit to Roswell Park Cancer Institute for attachment to a fellowship. A $250,000 contribution over the lifetime of the gift. It is my belief that providing housing of this caliber for visiting research fellows will allow the BNMC institutions to better compete in the global research marketplace ultimately attracting the world's best and brightest to the Bufffalo Niagara region.
I am excited to announce that discussions are underway with Delish! an extraordinary bakery and cooking school on Elmwood Avenue for expansion at the 878 Main Street address. Delish! will fulfill a need for retail support services to the medical campus community. The 8,000 employees on the Medical Campus and residents of surrounding neighborhoods need retail establishments like Delish! to make the community viable and a great place to live and work.
I am flattered at the creativity of the thought of bringing my "immigration clients" to reside in the building. Unfortunately,,. my client is a global technology firm located in California and relocation to Buffalo is not in their plans.
My desire to devlop 878 Main Street originated as a quest to save the building from the wrecking ball for parkingfor Zepto Metrix. It is based on a wish to give something back to the City of Buffalo. I have lived in the Buffalo area most of my life and wish to be a part of its rebirth. This is a small way for me to contribute to making Buffalo's revival dream a reality. Financing projects with local money supports this end as does the charitable contribution to Roswell Park.
Ani DiFranco echoed my sentiments last week stating that the project allows investment in the local community rather than in the stock market. I hope the City provides me with this fine opportunity.

Forgive the brief off-topic. Martin, is there a garden/neighborhodd tour going on this weekend?
Again, please forgive the off topic.

garden walk weekend paul...saturday and sunday...

I commend Mr. Hengst for coming on to Buffalo Rising and candidly sharing his perspective on his company's situation. He certainly didn't have to, and I'd guess that most other CEO's wouldn't bother, so thanks very much for making the effort to be inclusive and sensitive to the community.

While the Buffalo Rising posts are littered with passionate amateurs with lots of ideas, there is no respected architectural professional that most BR users seem to support - Steel.

Given that, and given that this can't be a process conducted online over this thread, I'd suggest we nominate Steel to speak for the BR community and put him in contact with Mr. Hengst directly.

Sorry, I meant to say there is 'one' respected professional, not 'no.' That changes the meaning a lot. Woops.

Thanks BH

After hearing both proposals here I support both...As long as Zepto improves the architecture. There is so much space and work needed on this part of Main. It is a shame that developers are fighting over this one parcel. Perhaps WCP could put together a list of other sites that could use some development in this area.

I see you got all the important facts out of my post. What you think of me personally isn't the issue here. The issue is doing the right thing. If you aren't one of the monochromatic minds, that post wasn't for your benefit.
I will apologize for the statement about no constructive suggestions. I prepared my post before some of the other followups. Now we all know I'm not any smarter than anyone else.
I also happen to like artsy cafes. That comment was not meant in a derogatory vein. My point is that there is enough space for both.
Thank you for the tour invitation, however, I lived downtown for many years. I already know first-hand how beautiful some of the homes in Allentown are (and many other neighborhoods as well) . I would never dispute that.
Thanks for allowing my to air my opinions along with everyone else.I hope whatever the outcome is, everyone comes out with a positive.

Why can't something be worked out for Zeppo and Ms. McCauley on the same block? It's seems practical in the light of the informative posts about Zeppo Matrix that they should get 878 Main St. However, Ms. McCauley's proposal also has great merit. It was great to read both Zeppo and her sides of the competition for the rehab of the building. Does anyone have an update on the status of 916 and 918 Main St. There was an issue about rear egress that needed to be sorted out. Did that happen? If not 916 or 918 Main, are there any other buildings on that block that could be suitable of Ms. McCauley's project?

I have to say that this thread has been one of the most informative posted on BRO.

Assuming the authenticity of their posts, I'd really like to thank Dr. Hengst and Ms. McCauley for sharing their thoughts on this thread. It is extremely helpful to get information first hand about their projects. I hope people respond in to posts in constructive manners rather than by degrading the quality of discussion (e.g., calling ProZepto an "a-h*le" or wanting to "b**tch slap" him/her). If you disagree with ProZepto, use compelling arguments to make your point not name calling.

Given the choice between growing a local biotech company that is willing to renovate an interesting building or creating retail/housing at this property, I'd throw my support in favor of the fomer. 878 Main Street would make a great building to house corporate offices and conference space while 872 could continue to house lab functions. Given the high tech nature of the business, Steel's ideas of tying two buildings together is more what you'd see in Boston and I suspect in SF. To me, L's idea of creating a uniform estate would be more associated with businesses in mature industries who wish to convey a sense of history/solidity rather than cutting edge technology. Tying together old & new elements together is exactly the kind of class A signature space that high tech professionals see and seek out.

As for Ms. McCauley, I admire her for investing in the city. Perhaps one of the buildings on the 700 block (if there are any) or the building that Artspace is supposedly going to vacate (right before the intersection of Main and Tupper) would also serve her purposes of housing Delish! and serving the B-N Medical Campus.

I second STEEL's idea. And I second that he should get in touch with Mr. Hengst.

A high-tech company's HQ should have architecture that reflects this.

And, Main St. could certainly use some contemporary architecture.

It's important for people who may be joining this conversation now to know that Martin is right. In the past Zepto representatives have taken a scorched earth approach to the surrounding neighborhood and used the threat of jobs lost to Franklin as a club to beat up anyone who questioned their insistence that they had to have the 878 lot for parking for their employees. I've also never heard any of the neighbors complain about the nature of the work that goes on at Zepto, the problem has always been about their approach to the neighbors.

Dr. Hengst's post, and their overall scheme (though I completely agree with STEEL on its shortcomings), is a marked and welcome change from past practice. It's not unreasonable though for the neighborhood to be a bit wary and wonder what will happen when Zepto owns the property.

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I bet that if it weren't for the past history of very sour relations between the neighbors and Zepto (to which Zepto was at least an equal contributor) there would be no opposition to their proposal. As good as the other proposal is, this one is better, if for no other reason than that it's right next to Zepto's lab.

If we all let past wrongs interfere with future progress, Buffalo would be stuck standing still.

Thanks Mr. Hengst for coming forward in this forum to start a fresh, new conversation about how to move forward.

Buffalo Rox,

" If you disagree with ProZepto, use compelling arguments to make your point not name calling."

What do you call the phrases:
"My guess is none of you have done that or will ever do that, because you don't want to have your little monochromatic minds changed. What a pity."

"IMHO, none of you whiners deserve anything, but if you're smart, you'll get past your petty prejudices and wake up!"

You'll notice I didn't weigh in on the development one way or another -- I was pointing out the fact ProZepto's post was employing the demeaning techniques you are complaining about yourself, and, in doing so, not currying any favor with anyone.

I AM sick of seeing these holier-than-thou attitudes on this board, and was calling him/her for what s/he was doing. I am glad to see the subsequent post was less contentious (although still slyly falling back on the "you won't be offended by my post if you aren't an idiot" defense).

Is there another demonstration being planned for Monday afternoon? Someone who organized the Elmwood one last week, should post details about this one on Main Street...

The waters are murky on 916-918 Main. One thing we do know as fact, John and Wally who own the parking lot behind the buildings have flat out said "we are not interested". Pity as that lot 5 years ago belonged to 916-918 and the city sold it to John and Wally with no forsight, with no egress, no development.

Honey & Vinegar,

Hit a nerve eh? I singled out two most regressive comments on this thread as examples. I didn't excuse ProZepto. The same applies to him/her.

"I AM sick of seeing these holier-than-thou attitudes on this board, and was calling him/her for what s/he was doing. " Are you really trying to justify your calling ProZepto an "a-h*le"?!? Amazing!! Too bad because the rest of your post was a good zinger calling out ProZepto for his/her own inane comments. Not necessary IMO. You may call it a "holier-than-thou" attitude, I think of it as not condoning third grade behavior.

BR

Buffalo Rox,
You hit no nerve. The "holier-than-thou" comment was not directed at you, but at the first ProZepto post. I almost specified when writing, but though it clear enough.
Yes, I employed bully tactics to deal with a bully, from experience that' s unfortunately the most effective way to get them to respond (aka knock it off).
I have no problem with your post, you just chose 2 comments who responded to ProZepto's remarks and to me it came across as a defense of his/her post. I have no problem with calling out immaturity, I would just prefer consistency.
Thanks.

Martin

You’ve been quite vocal on this site for a long time and I applaud your motivation and enthusiasm. Like you, I’d love to see Buffalo reborn as a prosperous and beautiful place to live and work.

Since my posting I’ve been in touch with Steel and others and I’m excited about their ideas and thoughts for the 872-878 site. From purely a business standpoint, their ideas for 872 are less expensive than what we’d originally planned which leaves us more money than we’d budgeted to put into 878 and the site as a whole. We have a long way to go on this but if we keep our lines of communication open during the planning process, we’ll end up with something that everyone can take a lot of pride in.

I offered my phone number; please call me. If you feel more comfortable my email address is jcdh@zeptometrix.com. I would really like your input on this.