Should make the people who want Buffalo to get into the 21st century happy.
Should make the people who want Buffalo to get into the 21st century happy.
I am going to complain about this project because: -It isn’t up to my lofty design standards -It should be more mixed use -It looks suburban -There should be more green space -It’s out of my price range -It requires the demolition of a chicken shack that dates back to 1847
:Sarcasm:
Just pointing out the various objections that people on this blog have with other projects.
Big improvement from whats there.... underground parking.... slim at the top thicker at the bottom so those weirdos can't complain about their "air flow"..internationally known landscaper... more Buffalo residents... I will however miss that chicken shack... too funny
Its still unbelievable to me that bufallo/wny actually has a market for something like this.
How many high end apt/condos have come onto the market over the past couple of years, and we are still planning for 100's more? Shocked.
But i love it......the fact that uniland and others believe so strongly in this market to invest the millions that they are....really tells you something about our market. what a big change from not to many years ago.
go buffalo.
After seeing this its very fun to go back and look at the Pano's design. Its like an A student and a D student.
judge elfvin and other "prominent" buffalonians who live in the neighboring park lane don't like this project; so, who cares if the rest of us do?
Wow beautiful! I think this will contrast the new and the old buildings in the Buffalo area nicely. How can't you love this project? Please no lawsuits!!!!!
eh. its just a glass tower. not my kind of thing. it seems like it would fit better downtown. it appears out of scale to the buildings around it. all that said, it isnt the worst thing that could be built there.
just wondering, though, how will the sunlight reflecting off all that glass affect the traffic along gates ciricle?
...and so it begins - from the Buffalo News:
Uniland held an informational session for neighborhood residents Wednesday night to unveil the design. The renderings failed to sway the opinion of Park Lane Condominiums residents, who live next to the proposed project and have voiced opposition to the concept since it was announced.
“I don’t think it’s at all attractive. It’s a tall, homely, commercial- looking building,” said Park Lane resident Carol Collard, who has collected about 2,000 signatures on an anticondo tower petition.
The residents have retained Buffalo attorney Richard Lippes and plan to take legal action to block its construction. Their key objection is the height of the proposed tower, which they claim will block views, sunlight and air flow to their adjacent 10-story building.
“Once they file their plans with the city, we’ll begin an action. This building is environmentally and aesthetically inappropriate,” Collard said.
This project must be stopped. The building is much to out of place in terms of the neighborhood. This building would work great in Toronto, but Buffalo is not Toronto. Not in my backyard. I will chain myself to the chicken shack and let the bulldozer run me over before this building is built. To me this is the new Basspro and Panos I've previously been engaged in stopping.
Tim Tielman is probably filing an environmental impact study legal lawsuit right about now because there might be a hitching post that General Grant hitched his horse too that will be demolished…
He is probably going to excavate to locate some petrified horseshit to prove his case!!!
I made fun of the casino building so here is my penance: I love this tower!
All I can say is "wow"! Well thought out and truly beautiful looking.
Maybe "Buffalo Rising" should start an online petition to take to the city to prove that a majority of the city residents want to see such development and put the useless "old guard" who have done nothing for this city in 30 years in their place. Maybe 5-10 thousand names in favor will help. What has this Carol Collard or Judge Elfvin done to make progress in this city anyway? Maybe instead of spending time stopping development, they should try to do something useful with their lives like volunteer work at the childrens hospital.
If I was approached about a tower like this on the corner of my street [North Pearl] to replace Bills Deli or any of the slovenly bars or apartment houses, historic area or not.... I would be truly giddy
If the Locker Room (the old bar on W. Delevan and Delaware) was still open, if I had the cash and a job in the city..... I would be sooo there.
Anyone know what is going to happen to Millard Fillmore Gates?
Great viewpoint! Buffalo Snooze says there is wide opposition, however I do not understand how neighbors can object to this project. All of the surrounding uses are high density residential, the design is amazing. Look up the street at those tacky blue colored "condos" that resemble something on South Beach. It will be a real shame if lawsuits hold this project up. What grounds are any lawsuits even being formed on anyways? I really hate the Buffalo Snooze perspective of this project, great article queenseyes!!
I too can't stop thinking about the comparisons between this and Pano's. Yea, it's a multi-million dollar project vs a greasy spoon's addition, yet scale is irrelevant when it comes to conscientious planning. For those that claim this looks out of place, you've got to be kidding. There's a monolithic mountain across the street & what about the Floridian blue condos down the street.
As Board Member Emeritus of 800 West Ferry Condo, I think it's cool. It even blocks the Park Lane's view of the east side.
On a side note - isn't Judge John Elfvin the one who cost federal taxpayers more than $450,000 by ripping his stenographer's (Edna Conlan Paczynski's) blouse or something? I thought he was dead.
This project gets an A+. The designers have taken every step to keep the neighbors happy, but they're going to complain anyway because they don't want to lose their view. Unfortunately, this is one area where Buffalo needs to learn to be a "grown up city." People in Manhattan lose their views all the time when a new high rise tower is put in next door. It's not as though Uniland is building a behemoth here that is squeezing every last inch out of the parcel... there is plenty of room for air flow and sight lines around this this building. All the parking will be underground too. I mean, could you get any smarter? I really hope the NIMBYs lose this one. There should be broad citizen support for this project, one of the few home runs to be proposed in the "big project" category. Compare this to the "Waterfront Village" condo tower proposal. This is modern, urban-residential appropriate, doesn't need a sea of parking, and raises the profile of one of our city gems, an Olmstead Circle (again a feature where we can compete with Manhattan).
Also, I love this because it is going to extend the city skyline further north.
QUICK! somebody call the thought police!
thanks for the poor rating 'cause my point of view is different from yours! so what, I dont think its anything special? i happen to be very much in support of new construction. i just think that glass and steel (or limestone, for that matter) is bland, and that taller isnt better than broader. maybe i should rate everybody poorly for mindlessly agreeing.
or was it just my lack of capital letters?
How can the local residents sign a petition complaining about the view??? Even if all you can see is this building out your window it looks better than 90% of Buffalo. It would be really cool if they built more buildings like this.
How many people who are not already in East Amherst, Getzville or Clarence with enough money to live in one of these places are going to move back into Buffalo? These condos/apartments are way over priced for this area. I love the fact that there are developers willing to invest in this great city, but high end condos? If there were resonably priced condos in the area, maybe that could make a better or greater impact? The look is something I am sure (p)reservationists will object to anyway.
Pretty sweet! Buffalo needs something that looks new and is not brown all the way through.
Anyone who is opposed to this project is a flat-out idiot. And there is no legal right to a view. And what wonderful view are the opponents going to be losing anyway?
With respect to the prices, it is solely up to the developer to set them. And if they are too high he will be forced to reduce them. But no matter what the ultimate prices are, they will be much higher than any other complex. And this is GREAT for Buffalo, because it will prove that people with ample means are willing to invest in this area. Imagine this happening 15 years ago?
I'm surpirsed nobody has suggested setting aside 10% of the units for Section 8 housing.
bbvdm - Im sure Uniland has doen their market research. They wouldn't be spending the money to build these condos if there were no demand. In order for Buffalo to grow economically we will need outsiders with money (who can afford these condos) to come here to do business.
al-alo - Untwist your panties. We all disagree with you because you are wrong. That is all.
I love the design.
Martin - If you can get that petition going I will definitely get my name on it.
So the neighbors would like a more contextual building?.. okay, how about a 16,000 square foot floor plate to 10 stories with a foot print to the property line to match their building. I think they would change their mind when they see the view- a wall and no light.
this is a tower in a park, very le corbusier and very contextual. great project.
This is great!
To those complaining/commenting on too many "High-End" condos, please stop and think about it. If there was no market for them, they wouldn't be building them. There may be a market for lower cost units in the city, but If a developer has the choice, they're going to try and get the most bang for their buck. Especially in a midtown area like Gates.
The only way that this building is out of place in Buffalo is that it is too beautiful for it. Maybe people are concerned that this building will lift the standard for what we consider "good enough" for new construction in our city. I LOVE THIS TOWER...and only wish I could afford to live in it. Hmm, maybe I could afford one of those condos next door and at least have a nice view of it.
my panties are just fine, thank you. as we discussed, its purely a comfort thing.
Newell,
How can you write that, "It looks as if Uniland and its architects have taken all neighborhood concerns to heart when coming up with the schematic."
How many neighbors did you speak with?
I and several other Lancaster Avenue residents have initiated a lawsuit against the City and Uniland because the City illegally granted a curb cut permit for a driveway from the parking lot to narrow, quiet Lancaster Avenue.
Uniland managed to obtain the permit from the Department of Public Works which is under the same umbrella as the City's notorious Department of Permits and Inspections. Uniland spoke with no residents about this and the City deemed it unnecessary to hold any hearings about the issue. This unfortunate legal process is costing me and my co-plaintiffs money, is costing the City money, and is costing the courts money, and is not exactly endearing neighbors to Uniland's plans.
Uniland has all sorts of vague justifications as to why they "need" this driveway but the parking lot's 50 cars are not welcome traffic on Lancaster Avenue, the loss of parking spaces at the curb cut is undesirable, and the loss of part of the neighborhood park is undesirable.
Of course the City simply approving the permit without proper process is just plain stupid.
No one means to offend. We all think we are right and enjoy and good argument.
Excellent design. Too bad we are going into another "here we go again" scenario with all these stupid lawsuits in this area. When I first saw this article in the Buffalo news, that was the first thing that popper into my mind. Anyways if it does actually get past all the legal BS it will be excellent for the city. Hopefully the city will stop listening to the vast minority of city residents who keep comnplaining about every new building that wants to go up
Daniel Sack - How much of an impact does narrowing the street a bit actually have on your life? Do you agree or disagree that the construction and success of this tower will increase the value of the surrounding property including your own? Do you agree or disagree that projects like this need to happen to bring Buffalo up to par economically with other American cities? Why do you think you have right to "stop" Uniland or anyone else from building a clean, beautiful, well designed building on property that belongs to them and not you?? I could see your complaint if they were building a sewer treatment plant or something but come on man these renderings are incredible and this building can ONLY help. You point of view is selfish and it is people like you who bicker over trivial things like curb cutting that prevent anything good from happening in Buffalo.
As an ex-pat living in the south this is the type of develpment that is helping cities to grow. Good luck, I hope it goes through and not tied up in lawsuits like the hotel and the tower near main place mall.
c'mon that "comfort thing" post was a simpsons quote! how could anyoe not like that?
I am totally disgusted at the opposition any developer faces in this city. Personally, I feel that the casino would greatly benefit the city's economic status. For all those opposing it, perhaps they should invest some of their legal funds into doing somethign positive for the city. I dare to say that those against the casino, the statler renovation, and this tower, have even seen the east side of Buffalo. It is very pompous of you to want to stall development becuase your fucking view is blocked...give me a break. Try living on teh east side where your windows have a good chance of being shot out! It is these assholes that ruin everything for the future of this city. This tower, along with the casino, NEEDS to happen. THis city has three great higher education schools, and if you want to keep the youth here, you need somehting to attract them here. These old assholes neeed to die already and realize the future of this city isn't with them...lgive it up already. Pewrhaps they should consider using the ;money that is poured into these damn lawsuits to develop parks and green spaces in disadvantaged parts of the city...improving the quality of life for everyone....
The only way the city will ever grow again is if there is new housing construction in the city. This is the right project in the right area, so far I just don't get the complaints. The architects and designers did a good job of pre-emptively dealing with all the NIMBYs arguments. It hurts so good that the NIMBYs really have no argument now.
Well said SLEEPL8 and DanielSack get a life man. No offense man but come on! It's people like you who constantly bring down this great city. It's a real shame!
Parking lot's 50 cars are not welcome traffic? How much traffic do you think 50 cars could possibly generate? This is crazy stuff. And I would take those 50 cars, given how much property values are going to SKYROCKET in the area. Why will they skyrocket? Because when people see that buyers are willng to pay $400,000 and up for a condo in the area, confidence in the area increases, demand rises, and prices go up!
WHAT? Curb Cut Permit? Light blocking? Man...i both love this place (hockey team) and Hate IT (narrow minded A-holes) at the same time. Uniland, if it doen't work out, please consider building this prjoect in my neighborhood, NORTH BUFFALO, were we would wlecome density, and prgress, and not fight it to death....All of you oppsed to this carefully considered and wonderful looking building SHOULD BE ASHAMED-OF-YOUR-SELVES. Move to grand island...please....just leave.
Lancaster already has two large apartment buildings on the Delaware end of the street. Lancaster is a long street, stuffed full of houses...so how are 50 more cars going to disrupt Lancaster? As for the little park...if you walk another 50 yards around the corner, you have a few miles of historic Olmsted Parks to enjoy. If someone is using "parking" as their battle cry, it is so weak. Just out yourself as a NIMBY! This is a great project. For Buffalo's benefit, I hope Uniland shoves it down a lot of people's throats.
Bout time we get something MODERN and BIG CITY to this little old town. I hope nobody discovers an ancient Deed restricting this or the old busy body's file a law suit because of it's hight or some other shit they like to complain about...I say "JUST DO THIS" It'll be great to something NEW go up in this part of town.
I am all for this new construction and feel it is a great start in helping our city grow. We have to realize that much of buffalos old money and many influential people are living in the Park Lane Condominiums and they are not going to let this be built without a fight. So all of us in favor of this need to be heard louder than those opposing it. We need to start petitions in favor of this, the campaign can be titled “Raise the Cranes”. Its great that 60% of the interested future residents of this building are from the suburbs , that will bring their money back in to the city where it is needed.
So if the people who are opposed to this tower (which I love by the way) get their way and block it's construction - what are the chances that this same tower can be built downtown? If the market for these high-end units is there - people will buy them no matter where they are built and downtown may be an even more appealing market.....
Why must there always be people who want to slow up - or stop projects that bring significant improvement and appeal to the area?? WHYYYYYYY????
Oh - to clarify my post above - I love the proposed tower design......not the people opposed to it.........I guess that could be construed the wrong way....
"SLEEPL8" - Maybe if you had some coffee after sleeping late you could better read and discover that I did not say the driveway would narrow Lancaster Avenue.
I have written previously on BRO that I do not object to a tall building at 33 Gates Circle.
But I object when government imposes good or bad designs without the legally required process. City Hall has for years ignored their own laws - it benefits friends of City Hall but is a danger to the rest of us.
As for your other questions. I don't know if neighboring property values will go up or down - the lawsuit is about process and legally required public hearings. I think there are varying opinions about future property values in the neighborhood. But money isn't everything.
I think the way to bring Buffalo "up to par" with other cities is to promote good development - not just any development. Neither the curb cut or lack of a curb cut will affect the design of the Uniland building.
The property belongs to Uniland. The land across where a driveway would cross belongs to the City of Buffalo.
For those who believe nothing should stand in the way of any proposed development I suggest that you lobby the City to revise its Charter.
"For those who believe nothing should stand in the way of any proposed development I suggest that you lobby the City to revise its Charter." -Daniel Sack
Mr. Sack,
You're not honestly trying to say that proposed construction projects in this city are swiftly built with nothing standing in the way, are you? Just look at the list of proposed projects that were challenged or just "talked" to death and will never be realized. I'm still waiting for a signature Peace Bridge.
The biggest problem with parking on Lancaster is the hospital workers parking there chewing up a good amount of the spots. While I was living in Rochester's Corn Hill neighborhood we were issued local parking passes to park on the street. This would curb the employees from Gates parking there.
I think its a great project and I only wish we had more buildings like this one....
Can you imagine the publicity Buffalo would get if the Issa tower, Bass Pro and this complex were being constructed simultaneously?
Oops, sorry. We cant have tiered parking for Bass Pro. People from Amherst and Clarence can and will happily take the bus. And isn't there some danger that the Issa tower will negatively impact bird migrations?
I wonder if the obstructionists within the Parklane have ever considered that their great block of a building obstructs the views of many people.
Daniel sack,
I think you would have to agree that a driveway on Lancaster is much better than the current driveway on the Circle. You and your neighbors should back down. This is a good project for the city.
Besides from what I understand Uniland could be filling in that big parking lot on Lancaster in the future with townhouses. That would be extra good. The city needs to unite against the greedy self interests and move into the 21st century.
It look's BEAUTIFUL !!! I hope it gets built. And if Elfvin opposes it ..TOO BAD !!! He is old and will die soon. So don't put your "position" in the way of this. Do what is right for "BUFFALO" , not what is best for people living in an old building.
scooter - I am shocked that people think there is NOT a market for these homes. Few understand how much money there is in WNY. Most think that everyone makes 35k because that is what most make. There are thousands of people who make great money. The reason why people do not "see" it is because Buffalo is such a low key place. This is why Buffalo is great. I grew in in Williamsville and had friends who were were millions. Yet there parents owned a modest home (120k) and drove older but nice cars. There is a market.
al-alo - You sound like a country bumpkin. No a building built over 11 stories is not going to fall over in the wind. These type of towers are often placed in upscale areas like this project. It creates a counter balance to all homes and does wonders for property values. This is going to add some new affluent residents to the area. The type of people who will buy this are now not living in the city but in the burbs. These types of homeowners make great neighbors. Oh and they will be installing special glass to block the reflection from the sun and thus preventing the redirected light from burning the grass below. /sarcasm
carlmalone - Let me know when you plan on chaining yourself to the building. I will stop by and kick you in the nuts.
bbvdm - Your naivety is funny. The high priced homeowners in Amherst and Clarence have been there for 20-30 years. Just long enough to raise a family. Once the kids are gone, those McMansions become a little big for a couple in their 50's. We are seeing the reverse trends of the baby boomer generation. Those who left the city years ago to raise a family are not moving back for the life living in a city provides. This is why we are seeing so many high end condos. It is what the market wants.
DanielSack - Sniff Sniff. Grow a set sack. People like you are holding back the city. This single project will do more for the city then your entire street.
I live right around the corner from this project (closer to it than Dan Sack) and my husband and I totally support it without question. Uniland has, on two previous occasions, took the time and met with our entire block club to answer any questions and concerns (something not reqired). They have gone above and beyond. The design is great! I think having a "bio" lobby is so awesome! I look forward to Uniland bringing high end condos to this neighborhood and really hope that the frivolous lawsuit(s) regarding a curb cut goes away soon.
Thank you Uniland, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Montante for continuing to invest in Buffalo. The building looks gorgeous.
This should also give a little push to all of the homeowners in Buffalo who overcharge on rent. I'm glad that there are more and more options for city dwellers.
Also Daniel Sack
How many other curb cuts have you opposed on Lancaster? I know that are at least 20 new ones in the last 10 years or so for individual home owners.
I waited for the design, kept my mouth shut for a while, hoping that I would see a beautifuly integrated and respectful design for a sensitive circle...and what do we get? Clean, fresh air for the hundred or so new condo owners and a severe and passe tower that you can find in dozens of cities on dozens of forgettable corners (my old neighborhood in Toronto a classic and especially ugly example). Taste will be taste. Once again, Buffalo Rising's forum descends into blunt and cartoonish polarization of the arguments for projects like this. I would smile to see this tower built downtown, where its scale and textures are much better tailored to the existing structures. At Gates Circle it just looks stupid, but people in this city are so ripe for being dazzled by anything that their vision of the actual textures, patterns, materials and scale of the most beautiful neighborhoods goes dim. This is a mediocre building at the wrong site, and Uniland would save themselves a lot of aspirin if they just built it downtown, where they could still find buyers in high rnages.
And Newell... How did you know at 8:05 a.m. that "consensus seems to rally behind the...design"? That's the kind of writing, in addition to the cliches and platitudes, that makes BRO seem parochial when it addresses difficult and complex projects like this one.
Daniel Sack: DPW and Permits and Inspections are two different departments. Anyways, I'm not sure how you find either of them notorius.
This is a $50M+ shot in the arm to the City of Buffalo. High rise living along Delaware has precedent - it's been here for a while. This looks a hell of a lot better than anything that is currently there.
I can't wait to see all the signs on the lawns on Lancaster saying "CONDO''S BAD" next to anti-Casino and Bass Pro rhetoric.
How funny that all of these posts are pleading "no lawsuits." Only in Buffalo would we have to be so worried about people purposely impeding progress. We should be happy that someone is taking steps to ensure we don't become a ghost town. We have so many historic buildings, we're not losing our histroy, we're just making sure we don't lose our city.
Eric Oak, let those who live in glass houses not throw stones...afterall isn't your posting taking part in "our polarization" for a project like this. Bottom line is, if you don't like it, then don't read this, much less post a negative pretentious sounding blog! Due to you being the cultured person I'm sure you are, we mere wishful, positive people can't clearly compete with your obvious intelectual typing skills. Give me a break. No matter where the condos go, the bottom line is that it is progress. If you were to take time from your apparent bloggin skills to look at the area that surronds Buffalo - in particular the East side of Buffalo, you will realize that this building is somehting that is needed. We need new builds, regardless of their placement, to let the general public and future know that there is life in this city. I may be wrong, but I bet it is safe to say that you don't travel to the imopoverished parts of the city that much...much less know that they even exist. So what is "common to you and any other city" may be something uncommon to us. If you don't like what we have to argue for, then take your comments somewhere else my friend. :)
EricOak _ taste is relative. I would be interested to have you post what you think should go there. Plenty of sites that show buildings. Instead of being simple and saying you do not like it, offer what you think should be there. See what the other people on this thread think.
Though, already stated on this blog; wouldn’t it be nice, or, amazing to see a coordination of project throughout Buffalo?
Breaking-ground as the obstructionist are simultaneously breaking-wind.
The Federal Courthouse Building The Bass Pro Retailer Building Gates Circle Condominiums The Statler Towers renovation The Artspace completion The (infamous) Seneca Casino Pano’s restaurant expansion; hey, the construction guys have to eat somewhere!
Add to the list folks!
What do we have to do to show support for this beautiful gift to our city? People bitch and bitch about how we as a community are falling behind other cities and that our children are leaving to go to a modern city full of life. We now have a chance to bring life back into our city. It's time to take the reigns from the old crotchy creeps that hate change and stand up to these jerks that have held us back for so long. Lets get a petition to show support, lets get the word out about the benefits of this building. Lets make this happen!
SNOBBERY AND ELITISM! I see no reason why a variety of scales, textures and materials and styles cannot coexist in this neighborhood (even though they already do). These folks (EricOak, Daniel Sack and al-alo) don't seem to care about "good" design. They only care about "fitting in" with the style that THEY have chosen as the official style.
DANIEL SACK...you havent one. Curb cut permits? WTF??!@#!$ You need alife my friend, with the utmost respect. People like you and the rest of the hippy crew on this blog are holding buffalo down yet once again. Bass Pro, Elmwood Hotel, Panos, Canalside design, North Buffalo Natale Homes, and on and on and on and on. You wonder why people, money, developers, talent, entrepeneurs, retirees, and the like all leave every year? All due to people like you. So CONGRATS ASSHOLES!!!
Is it to far to wish that anyone opposing any new build in Buffalo to be quarter-horsed and shot? Most of these people live comfortably in their obscenely large houses and have no idea of what is good for the whole community versus what is good for them. They are purely selfish and should seriously be considered a threat to society:) On some strange level, they are acting like the Allentown Association when it comes to changing your own home's facade or desiring to establish some form of business in Allentown. Afterall, who the hell is a group of individuals to say you can't do this or that to any property, when they are paying for it! It blows my mind to see the selfishness that some individuals contain. If I pay my mortgage and make improvements to my house, I don't need some damn association to tell me how the changes need to go about and how to proceed - likewise, if someone owns this land and wants to build on it, then let them. Until the selfish people start buying all the lots of land in the city currently for sale, then I feel they should shut thier mouths. Use your money, which you clearly have, and put it towards advancing this city or better yet donate it to the needy...god knows you probably don't need it.
A few things –
First off, I love the design. I think it is a bit pedantic, a bit insulting, and it carries the whiff of the pseudo-intellectualism (also known as obstructionism) that has crippled this city to declare that anyone that believes this to be a design of beauty and balance merely a blind and desperate disciple of The Church of Development at any Cost.
Mr. Sack, although his argument against the perceived violation of protocol may be valid, has also contributed to this mindset, falling into the latter category of pseudo-intellectual obstructionist by making an issue out of, overall, a minor issue. Please do not take this as an insult or attack, Mr. Sack, but it seems as though you are reveling in the fact that you may have caught a major project taking a minor misstep in protocol and only want to trumpet the cause for celebrity instead of true belief in the detrimental results of this curb cut.
I am currently an expat of the Buffalo area and it’s this kind of development that I have seen in other cities that have spurred reinvestment in urban areas. In the city of Baltimore, where I currently reside, there has been an explosion of new and exciting growth in formerly decayed industrial cesspools. A very interesting mélange of reuse and historically sensitive and ultramodern new build coexist creating a vibrant and architecturally interesting area to explore. When I moved here in the late nineties you could not walk the streets one block away from the Inner Harbor without fear of the loss of life or limb, but, after a few forward thinking and aggressive developers with ties to the area (like Uniland) took the reigns of rebirth the East Side, Fells Point, and Canton areas all experienced a renaissance and influx of people. This eventually spilled over into other neighborhoods that were riff with decay. Now you can walk the streets at night a bit more securely since there are street side cafes and plenty of pedestrians milling about. This could be the future of Buffalo if the naysayers would just give a little instead of acting like the thug mentality they claim they are fighting against.
In hindsight, twenty or thirty years from now we may all look back on the design of this project as dated or “so 2000s”, but in the meantime, I think it is a stunning building that fits within the character of the area and serves as an excellent counterbalance to the development closer to the city center. Does this make me a disciple of The Church of Development at any Cost? You be the judge . . . but, in the meantime –
DIE ON THE SPEAR OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS, ANIT-DEVLOPMENT INFIDELS! Bwah-ha-ha!
RonR, Right you are and that was my point; taste is relative, so I can't fault anyone for finding this tower design distinguished. That is their tatse. I just find it dull and common and I think it's a very bad fit for that curve of Gates Circle. This building shouts for a context of other modern high rises, so I'm just confused about why people find it so exciting...but there you are..taste and competing visions of what Buffalo's older residential (and historic) neighborhoods should look like. That said, I don't believe I have ever called anyone names or used heavy sarcasm or simply berated someone for thinking differently than I do. Why do so many posters on BRO do that?
What do I think should go there? Probably nothing. The tower could go so many other places downtown and be successful. I was very glad to see the Park Lane torn down, but 23 stories is just too tall for a circle whose surrounding neighborhood is overwhelmingly late Victorian or just after Victorian houses. It just makes no sense to me, just as the hospital makes no sense to me. So why add more shadow and height to an already compromised circle?
The Park Lane condos that do exist now, however, seem to be a decent fit because they don't dominate the fountain and green space of the parkway and the circle. The original Park Lane restaurant was a gracious old Georgian Mansion, and that fit beautifully into the curves and architecture, the stone and greenery of Gates Circle. This tower does not. As I said, it is entirely unremarkable and can be seen all over North America, Europe and Asia. In most cities, nobody even notices a tower like this because they are so dull and so common.
But Buffalo is not common, and especially not commom at the gate way to the only citywide connected Olmsted parkway system in the country. Even some sections of Elmwood Avenue would be better suited to this design. But what people often forget when they hunger for development at any cost, is that short-sighted development is part of what ruined so many stretches of Buffalo's streetscapes. When you have an older, historical city like Buffalo, you harmonize carefully the disparate elements, especially in older residential sections of houses, gardens, and parkways. My cousin from Florida was here this morning and he was stunned, simply stunned at the beauty and harmony of so many Buffalo streets and neighborhoods. He did not mention being fascinated or pleased by any tall buildings. In the end, what Buffalo needs are specific development guidelines for the most sensitive architectural and historical areas. And laws to stop willful neglect that leads to demolition.
We can have both our glass towers and the softer, textured, and subtler architectural skin you see when Chapin parkway weds Delaware avenue at Gates Circle.
Based on the renderings, the proposed Gates Circle tower looks very much in scale with the rest of the buildings. It's flanked on both sides by massive, mid-rise buildings so the slender form contrats well with them, but is not so tall as to dwarf them. It looks to be maybe 2-3 times as tall, and not nearly as massive, so it presents an overall good composition.
It is rather disappointing to see such negativity towards what looks like a very well thought out project. The design is modern and distinctive for the Buffalo area without being gaudy. While you might find similar buildings in Toronto or other large cities, you won't find them in Buffalo, and that's what matters. This building would be a big plus for Buffalo, and should be built. It would be a major blow to the city if the obstructionists get their way.
Hey- I'm part of the "elmwood area" hippy crew Jet2Vegas! Don't be mean. But I'm also a young person that works hard for a living and am nervous that I'll have to move out of my beautiful city to find work if things keep going the way they are. I'm the only one of my friends that chose to stay and believe that if we work together we can turn things around. But that won't happen if we keep trying to preserve our city in the little time bubble of the glory days of buffalo.
I can't believe it. There are actually people out there spending their time and money on a lawsuit regarding a curb cut for an upscale residential building! Unreal.
THIS PROJECT WILL NEVER HAPPEN - too many retired hairy crotches with too much clout live in the park lane condos - in this town, they can tie up this project for an eternity- only place in the country where a small minority can prevent a project of this magnitude.
just another cool project in a long list - that we can all get excited about then depressed when it falls apart.
Living here is a mind f-ck
THIS CITY WOULD BE SOO COOL IF WE COULD GET JUST A LITTLE DEVELOPMENT
Since when did everything have to match? I'd like to see architectual progression
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