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  1. buffaloweiner

    1 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 10:26

    Once this Genessee Gateway Project is completed,.....

    Is there anyone who is going to stand up and ask for the Hyatt to get rid of the atrium and reopen Genessee Street?

    Furthermore, isnt it really about time the Hyatt followed the Dulski and became mixed use office and residential instead of a hotel!

  2. gaustad

    1 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 00:15

    Only took 30 years, but better late than never!

    This is going to be very cool when it is finished......I think we can say that Buffalo has finally turned the corner.

  3. Hoss

    4 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 00:56

    The Wendt Foundation, huh? First they help try to shut down the casino racket, now they are the backbone for restoring this most amazing and worthwhile property? Every time I pass this property, I hope, and dream, and wonder...

    Fantastic!!! An outfit that really seems to care about actual progress in the city of no illusion.

    Thank you, thank you, thank you...

    Now if we can get them to help overhaul the local school system, we'll affect some real long term change for generations to come.

    Where can I send a donation?

    Really!!!

  4. pgf1948

    1 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 19:19

    When you love a place and believe in a place, all is possible.

    I am interested in the internal dynamics. What makes the movers and shakers of the Wendt Foundation so at ease with this particular investment?

  5. Colin

    1 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 15:19

    GDC --

    Who are you asking to build something?

    I mean, it's not just you -- people say similar things all the time on here -- but if something is going to be built, it's gonna be a developer. If one of these guys felt like he could make money building there, wouldn't it already be happening?

  6. RonR

    1 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 13:42

    Does anyone know if there are plans for the parking lots and vacant buildings across the street from this site?

    I know I am a dreamer but this area has a lot of potential because of the vacant lots. It could be the Buffalo version of 5 points.

    I would love to see the 3 large parking lots eventually converted to something. Even the back corner of the Electric tower could have a parking deck with a condo/retail skin facing Ellicott and Genesee.

  7. WCPerspective

    2 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 01:34

    Gaustad, is that really you?

    Kooks- See the "genesee gateway" link in the third paragraph for floorplans.

  8. MJWorthington

    1 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 12:57

    Long range planes need to put heavy consideration into removing the Hyatt Atrirum (if not the Hyatt itself since Delaware is becomeing the hotel hot spot - go residential), Convention Center, and Family Court Garage allowing Genesse to go straight through towards the water again. All future plans should be dirven to this goal. although it would take years to acomplish. Small steps will get us there.

    This project is another of those smaller pieces that will add to our city and quality of life. Someday hopefully we'll see infill with hidden parking on the parking lot bewteen the Washington Market and The Market Arcade.

  9. mybuffalo

    1 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 20:44

    first this side, THEN across the street.. this is a perfect end to chippewa i see this as a more laid back string of bars/cafes/patios like brady's to compliement chippewa

  10. tonyarmani

    1 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 13:33

    looks awesome - can't wait until the bar is working...let me know and ill be down there makin the best martinis you've ever had

  11. sbrof

    5 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 07:24

    My friends and I have wanted to live behind that waterfall window for years! What a view and what a great project this is going to be for the region and city! But I guess it is too bad that we didn't take these eyesoars down for parking.. cause I mean, once something is vacant is always will be right?!?

    Maybe it is beating a dead horse but the next time something falls into disrepair I hope we can collectively understand that securing and mothballing structures is a very viable way to protect safety, history and development opportunities. Notice how almost 0 new projects are done on shovel ready sites. The last one I can think of was the other CityView project on Chippewa and Main. We need our old building because they are the were development can afford to happen. New Construction is too expensive a justification for a city like Buffalo (for now)

    Either way I REALLY hope they give tours of this place before renting it out. What a project! Today is a good day.

  12. sonyactivision

    2 ratings12345
    Jul 24th, 00:23

    Well the Wendt Foundation certainly came up trumps with this redevelopment. Imagine what an extra $2 million could have done for those exteriors!

  13. GDC

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 02:02

    I'm excited and glad to hear about the infill over an empty lot. How rare to hear that. Can't wait to see it finished and hear who moves in.

  14. RonR

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 14:52

    I know it is not in the cards but maybe in 10 years for the very BIG M&T lot...

    I say find a way for them to build a residential tower. Have M&T be serviced by 3-4 levels of below grade parking. Street level could be retail other things on the skin. Behind the skin and going 4 stories up would be parking for the tower. Floors would not start until the 5th floor and have one hell of a view.

    Wachovia has a similar setup in Charlotte but it is an office tower not residential.

  15. bboozehound

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 09:00

    Hey WCP,

    Sorry to post off topic but awhile back you had a post about a penisula in the outer harbor that had been purchased. Your original post had the wrong penisula with a grain elevator on it. You corrected the post but said that you would have an update coming soon on the penisula with the grain elevator on it. Any news on that site?

    As far as this post goes, great news!

  16. al-alo

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 14:11

    i saw this on craigslist:

    http://buffalo.craigslist.org/off/766309984.html

  17. blackrocklifer

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 09:05

    Great to see this moving forward. I took notice of this block back in the late 70's when Genesee St. was still pretty much intact heading out of downtown. Genesee east of Michigan Ave. contained many similar buildings that were in pretty good shape and presented a very nice streetscape. I remember thinking what great potential this street had but sadly one by one these interesting old buildings were demolished. A few remain today but do not give a sense of the density and variety that has been lost.

  18. GDC

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 15:44

    But I thought in this town, Parking is always more profitable.....?????

  19. DJB

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 09:06

    I can't believe it! I thought this building was going to be torn down years ago and wondered if anyone would take the financial risk to attempt a rehab. I would be surprised if this space is available for long - it is such a great location (minutes from the 33 and 190) and would be an impressive headquarters for any business. Many thanks to the Wendt Foundation.

  20. GDC

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 13:47

    I would LOVE to see more infills in this area and all over Downtown. How freakin great it would be to walk past a FILLED downtown instead of endless parking lots and cars.

  21. blackrocklifer

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 09:32

    Great to see this moving forward. I took notice of this block back in the late 70's when Genesee St. was still pretty much intact heading out of downtown. Genesee east of Michigan Ave. contained many similar buildings that were in pretty good shape and presented a very nice streetscape. I remember thinking what great potential this street had but sadly one by one these interesting old buildings were demolished. A few remain today but do not give a sense of the density and variety that has been lost.

  22. carl

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 14:20

    that has got to be one of the best under utilized buildings in all of buffalo...

  23. comptart_lws

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 09:37

    still catching my breath on this news (ditto what sbrof said and, add my thanks to Wendt)

  24. Smashingt2312

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 00:48

    Awesome news.

  25. wizardofza

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 10:02

    Awesome news! Now let's hope the city does its share and kicks in a badly needed re-design of the roadway: extended sidewalks, planters, bike lanes, ect. would be great. In its current condition, Genesee is an obsolete relic of the DOT's "car uber alles" road design era.

  26. stephenjames716

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 08:40

    great news! I have always marveled at those windows and that block in general. this will be a great addition to that part of the city. it will be a showpiece for those taking the exit off the 33 into downtown. in time it would be nice to see the empty land across from the IS lofts turned into a park as well and really get that area going.

  27. RFranke

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 10:14

    If all our leadership exhibited the vision, conviction, pride and action showed routinely by the Wendt Foundation, this city would turn around rapidly and profoundly. Great project and many thanks to Wendt.

  28. kooksapalooza

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 00:59

    they have any set plans for layouts or tenants yet? I hope it turns out great

  29. mbhxam

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 08:32

    bfloarchguy...money talks and everything can be had for the right price...i'm kidding (but not really)...what a great place to live...bradys down the block and billy o's golden swan not that far away...two of buffalo's finest drinking establishments!

    oh yeah, a bit off topic...but...couldn't help but notice in this morning's buffalo news that the preservationists (?) are starting to make noise about the facade of the aud.......................

  30. orlanmon

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 14:09

    OMG more progress, incredible block of unique buildings, the Werner building is completely unique, maybe this can be Buffalo's version of King Street in downtown Toronto; quaint ecletic patio bars, cafes, and restaruants. Well at least we don't have to worry about any Federa District Judge ruling on this project before it can move forward.. or do we:)

  31. bfloarchguy

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 08:09

    Dam! As a kid when downtown I always loved the "waterfall" windows and thought one day I would live there. Maybe I could convince the wendt people to turn that place into a condo instead! In any event, looking forward to seeing this block nice and refurbished!

  32. vgs

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 14:11

    How great would the large M&T lot be as a Public Park/Gardens with two levels of underground parking. The space could be a smaller version of Bryant Park in NYC with Kiosks (food, coffee and magazines), chess tables, movies, concerts and exhibits.

  33. fill

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 12:56

    The photos of the interior of the Werner building are fascinating indeed. The top floor with it's extraordinary north light seems as though it should be an artist's studio.

  34. GDC

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 14:21

    I woul luv to see a mix of buildings take over the M&T lots (BOTH Of Them) with residents, office, and first floor activity like another Movie Theater? Theme Restaurants? Unique Retail? and so on.

  35. hamp

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 07:17

    Great project. Thank you Wendt Foundation.

  36. GDC

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 15:03

    I don't care if it's all office or all residential, BUILD SOMETHING over those Large a** lots.

  37. fill

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 13:02

    Oh, and that bar on the first floor of the Werner almost rivals the "Shining Light" bar formerly in Broadway and now in the Ellicottville Brewery.

  38. livesintheburbsworksinthecity

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 15:22

    Simple economics: something will be built on those lots when it is more profitable to have a building there than a parking lot. Until that time comes, they will remain parking lots.

  39. GDC

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 13:25

    I remember attending a meeting held by the city and Buffalo Place (Cars sharing Main Street) at ECC City Campus with someone there at the meeting saying that part of the Main Street reconfiguring will include the Hyatt moving it's Atrium over to the other side (Pearl @ Huron St.) and allowing traffic on Genesse St. again......What Happend to that promise?

  40. GDC

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 16:11

    And let's all watch and see which buildings near this project City View or other wants to knock down in order to provide parking for the tenents of this complex. We should all know by now that for every new development, a building or two comess down for parking.

  41. PaulBuffalo

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 00:31

    This news made my day. Thank you, Wendt Foundation.

  42. 300miles

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 00:29

    Great News! I didn't expect to see construction start this summer for this project.

  43. Andrew

    0 ratings12345
    Jul 23rd, 11:28

    Great project but its such a shame that there isnt going to be any residental