Buffalo Rising Online

Jul 16th 2007, 9:00am By West Coast Perspective

Recently-opened Ellicott Commons was a highlight of last week’s Downtown Housing Tour. The 30-unit project is Rocco Termini’s and Signature Development’s latest addition to the residential enclave taking shape just east of the Theater District. Two fourth-floor units were open for viewing, each with incredible city views. The vista from unit 402 was a show stopper.

So who are the fortunate occupants with the breathtaking view? Arlene and Ed Kacik. From Connecticut. Ed is a Labatt USA executive that recently relocated to Buffalo from Norwalk. He is one of about ten Labatt executives who have moved to the region. From his apartment, Ed can see his new office on the ninth floor of Key Center just two blocks away.

According to Arlene, “Labatt is huge in Buffalo, right up there next to the Sabres. We have been astonished at the response we get when we tell people that we were relocated here to establish Buffalo as the corporate headquarters for the US branch of Labbatt.”

Arlene and Ed’s unit was a last-minute addition to the Downtown Housing Tour on July 7. They emailed me about a week before the event hoping to be included. “We are happy to do anything that might help to promote the redevelopment of Downtown and encourage an influx of residents and retailers alike,” says Arlene.

While their spacious 2,200 sq.ft. apartment is stunning, the private rooftop patio with an expansive skyline view of downtown Buffalo is captivating. Perfect for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying a cold Labatts (or course!) on a romantic summer evening.

Residents started moving into the building earlier this year. Unlike most other residential projects downtown, Ellicott Commons has less of an industrial loft feel since many of the units are completely new construction. All units are two bedrooms and feature blonde bamboo flooring, modern kitchens with black granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, high ceilings and a gas fireplace. The residential portion of the property is fully-leased, however one fourth floor unit (with patio) that was rented is vacant and available. A slideshow containing images of the former model unit may be found here.

“Rocco did a fabulous job and even though we have not been city dwellers since our college days many moons ago, this apartment has the feel of a ‘home’ once inside, yet has the advantage of being within walking distance from major venues and restaurants,” according to Arlene. “We are extremely happy here.”

Ellicott Commons also contains 25,900 sq.ft. of retail and office space. Retail space is primarily along Ellicott Street while the office space is located along an interior open-air walkway that connects Ellicott Street to IS Lofts and a parking lot along Oak Street. The corridor creates an amazing urban vista as it frames St. Michael’s church on Washington Street. Several tenants, both office and retail, have been secured for the commercial space, though some space remains available for lease.

Arlene plans to do her part to bring new life to downtown. Buffalo Rising will provide details on the plans as her idea gels in the coming weeks.

“We have lived all over the country. Most recently we lived for two years in Connecticut. Before that it was two years in Colorado, and before that Rhode Island and Massachusetts,” says Arlene. “We are happy and excited to be a part of the redevelopment of Buffalo…really excited!”

Welcome to Buffalo Arlene and Ed!

Get Connected: Signature Development, 716.861.5385