Buffalo Rising Online

Why would the Buffalo News feature this interesting piece of news anywhere findable when they have Monday's game to rehash for the 2nd day in a row (again on the front page, no less)!

That little sketch thing on top looks great

Could someone explain to me why the city couldn't have condemned this property years ago because it blighted the area, and then just sold it off to the highest bidding developer who would restore the buildings?

just like HollingPlace which is full but without any designated parking.. These residents can just lease a spot on their own dime in the new ramp going in behind the 500 block of main.. Problem solved, then people who don't want to drive or own a car don't have to pay a premium on their rent so those who do can have their own spots.

As for the render I can't imagine that the group involved isn't going to do a great job with this. Any life in these buildings is going to be positive for downtown.

Spaulding97...agree with you. One thing to add, when renting to people relocating from out of town, no one expects easy parking in the city. In some ways, part of the city living experience is hunting for a spot (or riding a bike). Few cars mean few people. That's worse than easy parking to a person that wants to feel as if they live in a vibrant city.

Knowledgeable one... see **note** surface lot purchased at northwest corner of Genesse and Ellicott.. see **legs** and use them.

rubygreta... if someone could correct me if im wrong... but wasn't the last owner a lawyer?? ie. no one had to balls to go toe to toe and take these properties away from him.

When this project is done.it'll really brighten things up around here.

i agree spaulding... in normal cities its not expected to have a spot to park your car.. let alone a cheap one.. its viewed as essential here.. when in all reality it isnt.

This is going to be amazing! Can't wait to see the details.

^^I pray for that day to come

Picture an 8-10 floor residential builing rising up behind these....glass, concrete, almost transparent empasizing the horizontal of this block but at a greater height.. I am not sure how much space is here but since these buildings are just exterior walls it would be cool to use them to house shops and the lobby for a residential building behind. That sort of adaptive re-use has been done in a lot of places and adds a real interesting character. Another plus would be the fact that condo dwellers are generally more invested in the area than renters. Just a thought...don't beat me up please.

Surface parking for this area in particular should be reduced. The redevelopment of the Genesee St side of the square completes the perimeter with the Washington and Ellicott blocks already in decent shape. The area would be transformed and the square would take shape if only the M&T parking lot were up next for redevelopment. This lot is truely a critical space for this area. As a gated parking lot it serves as an obstruction rather than connecting the three surrounding retail blocks. The blocks feel separate from each other but they seem to naturally belong together. They need to be connected.

The parking lot should be become, at least partially, a public square. Good public places and retail will bring people downtown, not parking lots. The Genesee block redevelopment is a big step but the block alone will not serve as a "gateway". The gateway is the whole square.

In the meantime, can they at least remove the stupid billboards?

Seriously, Eddie Brady's should be given tax exemption status for the rest of the century for hanging in there.

Those signs are back from the early/mid 90's when there was talk of a new convention center. Choices were this area (between here and Library) or cobblestone district. The signs are very dated but obviously they wanted to cash in on it being built in this area.

UPDATE on Genesee Gateway!! Plan may bring rebirth to landmark district