Project Update: Howard Shoes Renovation
Located at the corner of E. Huron and Washington streets, the building was constructed in 1946 as a Waldorf Lunch, a popular restaurant at the time which had 75 locations throughout the northeast. The building later became home to Howard Shoes which it remained for many years until the venerable shoe store closed a few years ago. Iskalo acquired the building in 2006.
“We see the building going back to its roots as a restaurant or lounge though its distinctive presence and great visibility would make it an outstanding retail location,” stated Paul B. Iskalo, President and CEO of Iskalo Development.
The building is located across the street from Electric Tower, the former Niagara Mohawk Building that the developer renovated for multi-tenant use. The property is one block from Main Street, the Hyatt, and Fountain Plaza office buildings. New residential developments including Holling Place, Ellicott Lofts, Ellicott Commons, IS Lofts, Oak School Lofts, Buehl Block and The Belesario are also nearby.
“With last summer’s re-opening of the Electric Tower and downtown’s continued resurgence, the timing seemed right to give the building a new chance at life,” says Iskalo. “We’re actively soliciting interest and are optimistic someone will come forward soon with a great use for the building.”
Upon its completion around Memorial Day, the shell of the building will have been restored including its distinctive terra cotta façade, new storefront windows, building signage and exterior architectural lighting. The interior of the building, with its highly distinctive terrazzo floors and ornate aquatic-themed wall frescos intact, will be finished to the needs of the tenant. Parking is available after 5:00 pm at the Electric Tower lot.
Iskalo Development Corp. is a full-service real estate investment and development company headquartered in Williamsville specializing in corporate and medical office, light industrial, retail, and mixed use projects located throughout Western New York.
Get connected: Iskalo Development, 716.633.2096
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Comment Options
GDC
Would love to see a national retailer take over this spot, Is Iskalo Development talking to any national retail or restaurants corps to spur interest?
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mmiller
I can't wait for that "Signage" store to open! :)
Seriously, this is a great building, just dying for a cool little diner or shop.
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BuffaloBloviator
The apple must stay!
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Joshua
Why not go back to having this as a lunch/sandwich and soup type restaurant - similar to Joe's Deli on Hertle. Not too expense, not too fancy but good quality food and atmosphere. I think offering a great selection of food would emptying someones wallet would be a good choice.
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flyguy
Whats that blank wall running south along Washington behind the building of interest at the corner? Is that part of this building? If that is part of the building I suggest the "historic" look of that section be changed because a blank wall just is not good at all.
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BBB
BuffaloBloviator — Good Point. The Apple Must Stay! I say one better, someone needs to get Apple Computer on the phone and tell them that they would be a perfect retailer to encourage downtown growth in this location.
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RobH
I would prefer a signature cable-stayed apple instead.
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simcoe
I would love to see a shoe store go in here.
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MeliQ
Oh my God, I'm really surprised that this little building will be staying with us. It's these types of building that usually get razed for parking lots. I'm actually really impressed that Iskalo saw the potential in this little gem and is going to do something concrete with it. A sandwich shop or national retailer would be great fit to service the surrounding businesses. Buffalo is lacking in actual, old-fashioned delis, I know we have lots of restaurants already but there just doesn't seem to be any convenient, true to life delis in the CBD. I know, my husband works downtown and is always complaining that he can't get a good soup or sandwich nearby. There are one or two joints that I won't call out by name but they're pretty subpar according to him.
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gaustad
Would make a perfect diner or restaurant, maybe with beer and wine. However, I am sure rent is going to be pretty high for this location after it is renovated.
{deleted} Byron and company will help with grants and financing.
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RisingDamp666
Starbucks #14,567.
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