Still the future of city living...
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I've got to hand it to Ben Obletz for continuing to buck the misperception that certain sections of downtown Buffalo should wait for urban density to manifest. Just take one look at the Elk Street Terminal, inside and out, and witness the vision as it unfolds.
With eighteen new lofts being constructed (eight already pre-leased), the former terminal is becoming a self-contained residential hotspot. "There's a strong demand for this type of living," Ben told me. "We're adding a recreation area that will be completely enclosed and landscaped, and every unit will have access to the docks for patio use. It's parking-friendly and pet-friendly... the original units are 92% occupied, which means that it's time to construct new ones."
Where else can you find a pad with a Jacuzzi tub, dual showerhead, pristine kitchens, parking gate buzzer, air conditioning, built-in washer/dryer, stained concrete counter (doubles as bar), soundproofing, dimmers and a brand new fitness center with a flat screen? I mean, where can you find all of that at prices that range from a spacious single at $995 to a double at $1195? The fitness center is stocked with fitness drinks. "We want to make it a place where people want to spend time," Ben continued. "We go the extra mile to offer amenities like walk-in closets, modular carpet systems... and we like showcasing the original use of the building too. The oversized bricks and speed-tile were here when the structure served as a wholesale distribution terminal for mom and pop grocery stores. There are original fireproof doors in spots, and in keeping with the great windows we incorporated chimneystack tiles into the window-walls... take a look at [pointing] the smooth appearance and terracotta coloration. We even added maple wood flooring in the kitchens for warmth... and some of the bedrooms have skylights."
If you're the kind of person who like to be able to operate his or her front gate via cell phone, then the Elk Street Terminal is a sweet find. To find out more, visit the terminal's website.
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Comment Options
scooter
Elk's Terminal is an amazing place. If you haven't seen it....go see it.
Thank you Obletz Family. And thank you for doing it with such class.
Have we ever heard the Obletz Family filling lawsuits when they dont get their way, or see them holding their hand out for money for these project (Palladino, Main Place, ect).
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Denizen
These are certainly great projects, but let's not get this confused with real urban living. These developments are essentially industrial "loft"-themed gated communities in the middle of a desolate area where there is little density or foot traffic to add to.
Ben's usage of terms like "completely enclosed" and "parking friendly" only reinforces this reality.
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JohnMartin
What Denizen said...
Also, scooter, First Amherst takes subsidies and credits like other developers. Don't make them out to be the white knights of Buffalo. BRO used to do that with Rocco, ya know, before the corruption and graft allegations.
I've got to hand it to Ben Obletz for continuing to buck the misperception that certain sections of downtown Buffalo should wait for urban density to manifest
Well, I guess this doesn't apply to his empty storefronts on Main Street at Granite Works or the fact that 25% of Elk Gated Community units are filled with members of the Obletz family.
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Dave
This place looks like a prison to me, very cold.
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platt4
Steve Martin says:
72 units / 4 = One Big family!
Puleeeze.
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SirBob
Denizen - in addition to serving as an expert on alternative fuels, he's also an expert on what is and isn't urban living. In my experience, someone who flaunts this kind of broad 'expertise' is usually an unemployed douchebag. Who knows, maybe I'm wrong.
JohnMartin - smacking on two develops who've actually accomplished something and applauding Denizen. Hmm, I wonder if you two met at the unemployment office.
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SirBob
JM -
Oh, and you figure Obletz is building more units not because of actual demand, but isntead for additional family members? Damn, he's one generous family man. I'll have to check my lineage to see if I can claim a connection and land myself one of his new units.
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photogirl
The development is a great use of the space. The continuance of great properties coming on line in the city is the reason there will soon be "critical mass". When that occurs, we will have proper shopping which is the only thing the downtown presently lacks. All these people will drink coffee, dine, frequent theater and restaurants. We are on our way to seeing our city blossom again. Congrats to the Obletz family! It's all positive! Keep it that way!
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citygal
Instead of focusing on the negatives and trying to diss the Obletz family, I think they and other city developers should be recognized for revitalizing this city...that's really what the bottom line is here. I see no reason to throw insults. Its just a shame that there are so many people in this city that still focus only on the negative. They certainly will not be the ones to be credited when this city finally does turn around. BTW - Even if 25% of their family lives there (which, really, is just a stupid comment and I HIGHLY doubt its true), it still brings people into the city.
Thank you to the Obletz family and othe downtown real estate developers for having a vision!
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Hospitable
This would have made an excellant wide open, pedestrian friendly community where people pay $2500/month directly next to the projects. Its a gated community b/c they need gates...
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Denizen
SirBob, real good! You can hurl insults with the proficiency of a 5th grader. I'm impressed :)
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CleverGirl
SirBob - in my experience, people that choose to spend their time attacking people instead of contributing anything remotely productive to the discussion are douchebags, be it unemployed or otherwise. And judging by the amount of time you spend purposely attacking people, you certainly fit right into that category. Insulting people by calling them "poor" or "unemployed" is the lowest of the low. Perhaps you'd better concentrate on your own employment.
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Genghis
Um, how about a little truth in advertisement here? The three units advertised as available on the elk terminal website are for 995, 1495, and 1950 a month. Guess it's that sweet waterfront location. The water is already a balmy 38 degrees and downtown is a just a short walk away under the freeway. By the way are there elk grazing around somewhere around there? Or are the elk somehow related to the city's Buffalo herds that migrate through the city this time of year?
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platt4
Genghis- Is that for an existing unit ready today or one of the 18 ready in a few weeks??
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bjfan82
Another success story within the City of Buffalo...gotta love it, especially with what we all know is on the other side of Chicago Street and isn't going anywhere. Anyways, anytime there is a story about the Elk Terminal or the Casino it gives me the opportunity to complain about the Rich's Coffee building next door. So here it goes...lets renovate that building already! There's a freaking downtown loft living sign on the side of it....c'mon Carl lets get some condos/apartments in there.
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Christina
A successful project in a risky neighborhood, congratulations Ben and company! Can you guys do anything to bring a big Ikea to town to compliment Bass Pro?
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