Investment Spin-Off
With all of the recent success stories along Main Street it was only a matter of time before we started to see some investment spin-off. For example, take a look at what Siracuse Engineers LLP has done with the facade of their building. Located at 808 Main Street, the partners decided that it was time to give their frontage a facelift. "We saw the investments made by many of our neighbors and felt that it was time to fix the place up," said Peter Grace, Managing Partner. "There was a time when we were not sure if putting money into the space made sense. We saw what was happening at Granite Works, the Church of Scientology and the Sidway Building and put a plan together."
Before the recent improvements, it was tough to tell what was in the building. Peter told me that the former look was very '50s... a kind of ‘salmony’-pink color that was very out of date. "We stripped the paint and exposed the natural brick," he told me. "Then we added thermal-pane windows. Not only does it look much better, the office is not freezing cold anymore. The building dates back to the 1880s... we wanted to keep that look and feel, while updating some of the energy-saving features. We're even thinking that solar panels on the roof might make sense."
Peter sits on the board of the city's preservation board (Office of Strategic Planning), so his knowledge of these structures came in handy when working on his own. Siracuse Engineers was founded in1978 by Joe Siracuse. Joe originally opened an office in Williamsville where he practiced until 1985 when he purchased the Main Street location. Now Peter and his three partners run the business; a business that works with architects and contractors throughout the region. "At one point we found that our work was taking us to the rural suburbs," he continued. "Nowadays we find that there are plenty of projects in the city to keep us busy. Some of the projects that we have been involved with are the Electric Building, The Church, and City Honors (Joint School Construction Project). We may also be working on the renovation of the Webb Building... it's a beautiful structure. Shortly I’ll be heading over to the Transfiguration Church on the East Side to take a look its current condition."
One thing is for sure: if others had not made an investment into Main Street we would not see these types of ancillary improvements being made. I asked Peter what impact these other projects had on his decision to invest in his own property. "If we had not seen others fixing up their places, chances are we would not have made the investment. Who wants to put money into cosmetic improvements if you don't think the investment will be there for you down the road?" That's a good question. It's good to see more property owners jumping on the bandwagon.
So, a member of the Preservation Board felt no need to practice what he presumably requires of others until just recently? I appreciate the desire to recognize people for doing the right thing, but it is pitiful that a member of the Preservation Board ducked his obligation to set a good example for so long.
It would be instructive to see if properties owned by other Preservation Board members are up to code or are in Housing Court.
Congratulations Siracuse Engineers for the job well done.
The new facade looks great! Having seen the work first hand I think it was an excellent idea.
...and I am sure Sandy is please with the view as well.
As a North Pearl resident, I drive by often. It is wonderful to see this section of Main sprucing up and adding to the visual appeal of Allentown. Thankyou for the time and money spent in restoration of yet another building.
Now, if we could just get rid of Bill's deli and that building restored, life would be grand.
The article did not say the building was falling down, it said that it was improved. Not everyone can justify what this group did. I am glad to see that their efforts are being noticed. The structure looks like it is in great shape. A nice improvement on Main Street!
I was doing a little Buffalo redevelopment exploring myself yesterday. I noticed Siracuse's building and made a note to myself to find out more about it. Thanks West Coast for serendipitously providing the information before I asked anyone.
I also had a conversation with one of the guys who are opening up the restaurant next to the Granite Works. He told me that the restaurant should be opening sometime in the Spring of 2007. This gentleman also expressed strong skepticism about the outcome of Zeppo’s rehab of 872 Main. In his opinion, Zeppo will demolish most of the back of the building and give the front part of the building a cursory rehab. I also noticed that the Granite Works has no first floor tenants yet. Personally, I find that a little disturbing. I'd hate to see such a success on the residential level qualified by the naysayers as "Yes, it's a success for housing but a dud at the street level".
I did a little sightseeing on that block recently, too. Found the soliciting for the "stress test" in front of the Christian Science bldg a bit annoying. Had heard that they also did soliciting during Buffalo Old Home Week open house (loft) tours . If this is an every-day occurrance, I cannot help but wonder if that is affecting GraniteWorks ability to get a ground-floor tenant. I own a shop and it would certainly give me cause for concern that my customers would be approached/annoyed by them whenever coming to my store!
This is a great story but what bothers me is that they needed to follow other people's lead. I think that gets to the heart of many of Buffalo's problems. No one is willing to lead.
I thought Granite Works was being very picky about what type of business to allow to enter and have turned down some offers.
Bill's Deli doesn't need to go away they are a great convenience when I don't want to go all the way to Latina's for a gallon a milk, out of my house and back in 2 minutes! They are good people and take better care of their building than most they just need to learn that a couple windows and a cleaner layout would attract even more customers.
My apologies Newell. I read a couple of stories this morning before commenting on this story. Since WCP covers a lot of stories like this, I identified him instead of you. By the way, I've read both monthly tabloids since I've been in town and I think its another great direction for Buffalo Rising.
I am delighted to see Main Street being restored. So many, putting so much effort into reshaping downtown. Now, if we could only get Shea's and the surrounding businesses to keep lights on even when nothing is on stage. Alleyway Theatre is often the only place with lights on. Main Street should be more than just a weekend location. Maybe if some stores start to open? With the apparent influx of condo and apartment residents, the stores will come. Let us hope.