When you think about destinations in the city of Buffalo what do you think of? Do you think of Allentown? Or Hertel? Or Elmwood? If developer Ed Hogle has his way, Buffalonians will one day look to Rock Harbor Village as one of those destination points. In recent months, Ed has been working feverishly to design a privately funded, universal student village that is scheduled to break ground in the very near future. Phase 1 of the project will consist of 300 beds along with build-outs for student dining, interaction, study, entertainment and activities. This phase will also see the addition of a totally 'green' sculpture parking lot. These features are all part of a 1000+ student village where renters and owners will have access to a café, an in-house theater, as well as an indoor/outdoor entertainment complex.
The ecologically friendly and safe student environment will incorporate a blending of art, history, nature and social activities. The twenty-two acres of land, located at 31 Tonawanda Street between Niagara Street and Amherst Street, is situated at the terminus of the Scajaquada Creek. This is where Ed is planning on hosting outdoor festivals that will take advantage of the natural and historic surroundings. Students will one day be able to walk out outside and decide whether they want to bike the neighboring creek-side trail or kayak/canoe out to the Black Rock Channel. Rock Harbor Village is centrally located in-between myriad colleges and a university. The site is mere minutes from Buffalo State College, University at Buffalo, D'Youville, Canisius College, ECC and just happens to be situated at an on and off ramp to the Scajaquada Expressway.
Sources say that there are currently upwards of 6000 students who are looking for places to live in WNY. Student living quarters will consist of apartment style lofts that will be available for occupants to either rent or purchase. Ownership of these units will be attractive to parents who are looking to invest in real estate close to college campuses. The existing three buildings found on site will be rehabbed and retrofitted to fit the future plans.
Phase 1 of the project is scheduled to go before the planning board in a matter of days. This project is looking for public support - there will be a public hearing on May 21st (Room 201). Ed knows how hard it is for people to take time off from work to show their support for projects, so he is looking for input on this site that he can take along with him. So what are your thoughts?
Side note: The rendering and schematic are not current and are presently being reworked to include existing architectural elements. We should have an updated set of drawings soon.