According to Sam Savarino, “We’ve done all the demolition we needed to do.” That means that his construction company has been really busy at 95 Perry, trying to keep on schedule for the tenants to begin to occupy the space in May.
The project, happening in the Cobblestone district at the old Benlin Distribution Services warehouse, has seen a lot of attention from Buffalo Rising – with good reason.
The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) plans to be in the fifth floor by May – though they have not officially announced it. Along with ESDC, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation will be housed on the fourth floor and possibly some of the third. In fact, the only spot with some office space still available is on the third floor – the rest is all spoken for.
To see such development taking place where once a derelict building stood is cause for excitement – especially since having such important corporations moving in is not the only thing the building will be used for. Included in its plans our nine residential apartments on the second floor, a restaurant space on the first, two retail locations on the first, and finally, a fitness center for the entire Cobblestone district also located on the first floor.
Though the restaurant has yet to be claimed by any company, Savarino says, “We’ve got a couple of parties who we’ve talked to” and that they’re “always ready and willing” to talk to others about opening there. Savarino envisions one of the retail spaces available as a small deli/coffee shop and as for the other space, who knows? A trendy store? Office supplies? A store that sells fitness supplies to match the fitness center?
Savarino is trying to keep the building interesting by working closely with the Silvestri architect firm who is working, among other things, on the shell of the building but have also helped with the floor plans for tenants. Savarino says they have been really great because they are “working on the fly with us” and deftly manage the hectic construction schedule.
Though right now, Savarino says, “We are putting in all the main lines for plumbing and electricity” the company is also putting on a new roof and taking out the old bricks and putting in new windows. If that wasn’t enough, there is also plans to put some kind of artwork on the roof, “maybe where the old water tank was,” says Savarino. Exciting news, especially the artwork, which Savarino assures will not be a sign.
