Ribbon Cutting: Historic Warehouse Lofts
One of the key features of the each apartment is the attention to floor elevation. Since the expansive windows were high off the ground, the developer, owner and architect, Jake Schneider, decided to bring the loft dweller up to the view. That means that when you look out the window, instead of looking upwards, you can see an un-obscured panoramic view of the city. The daytime views are views nice… but I hear that the nighttime views are spectacular. As you can see, the apartments are spacious and contemporary. I had the opportunity to see the demo unit, furnished by ‘room’ on Elmwood Avenue, as well as one of the ‘spoken for’ units (photo). Whether the unit is a single or a double, each unique apartment offers communal storage, pantry, walk-in closets, off-street parking, soaking tubs, modern appliances, fireplace, high ceilings, and a free one-year membership to the Burt Flickinger Athletic Center (swimming, jogging track, basketball, etc.).
Apartment units range from 1100 sq.’ to 1700 sq.’ and fetch rents between $1295 and $1995. The 8000 sq.’ second floor has also been spoken for by Student Voice, a commercial entity (part two of this story), and the word is that the overall rentals are well ahead of schedule. It is important to note that without the project financing to the tune of $3.5 million (construction) and $2.75 million (permanent loan) by Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) as well as an additional $2 million predevelopment loan by the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA), this project would never have seen the light of day.
Twenty-five years ago, this building was slated for demolition. Today it stands, with the help of historic tax credits, to offer city dwellers the chance to live in another exciting loft-style conversion. Hopefully this investment will be a catalyst for continued development opportunities around the site.
Click here to learn more about the history and to see additional photos of the loft-style units.
Photo (L-R): James Rykowski - CPC, Jake Schneider - Developer, Brian Reilly - The City's new Chief Economic Development Officer (one week in Buffalo and looking for a loft downtown... he's a re-pat).
For more information about living at The Warehouse Lofts (210 Ellicott), visit the website.
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Comment Options
NBJOHN
Being mid thirties, single, no kids, if I didn't own a house in NBFLO, Downtown would be the place for me. Though, probably look for more of a condo than a loft.
This is a great redevelopment, but I am worried about our poor economy in the US (Buffalo has never had a good one in quite a while) and the loft buildings cannibalizing each other
Off the Post - Is Issa and the Statler being scrapped? Is the Coffee Rich building being scrapped also?
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Joshua
Another great accomplishment for Downtown and private development. The next development I would like to see done is the original Rich's building next to the Elk Terminal.
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xosder
These are some cool spaces. Great views out the back to the EB Green facades on the back of AM&A's, Brisbane and Liberty Bldgs & City Hall. Great views from the front as well...Boston Hills and urban landscape. And check out the original freight elevator. I understand that at the time this was the first concrete frame high rise warehouse in the world...now that's a real loft.
NBJohn I believe that Ellicott Development Co was working on the Rich Freezer Bldg last summer. Looks like they were taking all the insulating cork off the floors and walls. Doesn't look like much activity since then.
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WilliamZabkaAllStars
Issa is in trouble with the law here (NLRB on his tail) and in England (possible manslaughter charges). The guy has been a snake oil salesman from day one, NBJohn. Don't expect anything worthwhile to come from any of his grand plans.
That said, the apartments look great.
And looking forward to the piece on Student Voice. A true ground-up Buffalo success story.
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JoeS
These lofts are first class. I attended this event yesterday and was impressed with the quality and layouts. Solid doors, tons of closet space and great light, even on a gloomy day.
And, as usual, the guys from 'room' did a super job with the furnishings.
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Martin
Swanky looking! As house warming gifts how about butter lambs?
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SLEEPL8
WilliamZabka......are you a member of local 210???? Issa is cleary being strong-armed by this labor union. If those greedy laborers don't want to work for $8 or $9 then can pack up and go work somewhere else. If I walked into my supervisors office and demanded a 250% raise she would laugh tell me to fuck off just like Issa did to those undeserving broom pushers. Labor Unions are ruining this city and in this country....i.e. American Axle/UAW. No one in this world who is entitled to anything. Everyone works for what they get. If you don't like what you get for your work then go work for someone else. You don't know anything about a construction accident in England yet you are jumping on board with manslaughter against Issa??? Well you can't have "manslaughter" without "laughter" and I am laughing at your ridiculous claims.
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SLEEPL8
WilliamZabka......are you a member of local 210???? Issa is cleary being strong-armed by this labor union. If those greedy laborers don't want to work for $8 or $9 then can pack up and go work somewhere else. If I walked into my supervisors office and demanded a 250% raise she would laugh tell me to fuck off just like Issa did to those undeserving broom pushers. Labor Unions are obsolete and out of control. The are destroying industry in this city and in this country....i.e. American Axle/UAW. No one in this world who is entitled to anything. Everyone works for what they get. If you don't like what you get for your work then go work for someone else. You don't know anything about a construction accident in England yet you are jumping on board with manslaughter against Issa??? Well you can't have "manslaughter" without "laughter" and I am laughing at your ridiculous claims.
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SLEEPL8
I have no idea why that posted twice.
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al-alo
the labor troubles at the statler are all at issa feet. you cant pay somebody 9 bucks to remove lead or asbestos contaminated materials without proper training and equipment. hell i would gone union in a second.
why risk your health for that? just plain nuts.
had he paid a qualified firm to do the work and pay his other workers 11 or 12 an hour - he would have had no labor issues.
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stephenjames716
looks great!...congrats on the opening
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Martin
Why do people need to swear on this site? If i give you a butter lamb will you stop?
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WilliamZabkaAllStars
Sleep8... neither I nor any friends or family are members of Local 210.
Further, I never said Issa was guilty of anything, did I? I merely stated a FACT that he was in trouble with the law both here and in England. Your ridiculous overreaction borders on comical. The FACT remains - as very well put by al-alo - Issa got in way, way, way over his head, and how he's trying to pass the buck in an effort to absolve himself of any blame when the inevitable "flip" of the Statler occurs.
You may love the guy and I applaud him for his (however shortsighted) efforts, but at the end of the day he's just another Pied Piper/snake oil salesman taking Buffalo and her residents for a ride.
Oh, and how's that Buffalo City Tower coming??
[/rant]
Newell - when's the Student Voice piece coming?!? VERY interested in hearing more about this company and their amazing growth.
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rydog71
I love them but when are we going to get more affordable rentals downtown? Not ever thirtysomething professional in WNY is a doctor, lawyer or investment banker.
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nascarinbuffalo
Nice view of the Greyhound bus terminal directly across the street. I’m sure this accounts for the premium rents being charged.
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Joshua
Martin - I would like a butter lamb?
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BfloHighRise
Martin - I would like a "I cant believe it's not butter" lamb !
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RaChaCha
It was a real treat to have been invited to the ribbon cutting and tour of the building - Queenseyes, nice to meet you there.
What a great project this is, and everyone involved should be kvelling: Jake Schneider for the great architectural and design work, Katie Schneider for the cool architectural photos from all over Buffalo which make this building double as a seven story photography gallery, my heroes at CPC who continue their streak of financing worthy preservation projects, Clinton Brown Architecture who did the legwork to secure the $1.7 Million in preservation tax credits which nicely covered the financial gap for project feasibility.
This project powerfully dispels the notion of "garbage buildings" for which there is no better use than demolition for surface parking - the very fate for which this building was once slated. No garbage here; instead, the polar opposite.
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SLEEPL8
WilliamZ...I am beginning construction on the tower tomorrow morning. I don't love Issa...but I completely loathe labor union bullsh....sorry I won't swear again because I want to that butter lamb from Martin.
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michaelscreen
The furniture displayed at the Loft apaprtment is really great and is marketed through the ROOM on Elmwood Avenue.We visited the store yesterday for shop for my living room.Great stuff.
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gaustad
1295-2000/month is STEEP in downtown Buffalo. What kind of amenities does this building have?
I applaud the effort and would MUCH rather have the building then not, but maybe I am missing some people with deep pockets that I never knew existed. If these fill up at these prices, there is no reason why downtown should look like a bomb went off.
Futhermore, if someone is willing to pay 2k to rent, why not build condo. These rents will clearly cover the construction costs.
Good luck to all, but something tells me the rents will have to come down a bit.
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