Queen City Landing Hopes to Hit Jackpot
Business First’s James Fink has the details:
Buchheit said Queen City Landing's first phase will focus on the Freezer Queen warehouse, which could be home to as many as 130 upscale condominiums. Initial plans call for adding two more floors to the building to make way for the extra condo units.
Construction could start later this year.
Future phases may include the construction of a 250-unit condo tower that could be as tall as 15 stories and building a 250-room full service hotel that could be expanded by another 100 rooms.
The 20-acre property sits between the Small Boat Harbor and the NFTA’s Lakeside Distribution Center warehouses on Fuhrmann Boulevard.
Gerald Bucheit is the former owner of the Statler. He sold the property to Bashar Issa and has been busy constructing the Quaker Crossing power center on Milestrip Road in Orchard Park. Jon Williams owns Ontario Specialty Contracting. The team purchased the property for $3 million at a November 2007 auction. Plans for the ambitious project are expected to be presented to City officials in coming months.
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Comment Options
Martin
this should generate a few hundred posts...fun read today I'm sure.
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galaxyjay
let the pessimistic posts begin?
I think JCJ does incredible work so im hopeful..
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flyguy
I think you actually need attractions and better connections to downtown proper to justify a hotel there right now. Until the amenities are built there and the area is actually cleaned up and maintained I dont really see how successful this can be. Sure if Bassmasters comes back it may fill up for that tourney once a year but theres not enough connection out there or other development, its just a standalone really out there. Get a real plan together and connect the area to downtown within the next 12 months. Get the Metro rail extended over or uinder the Buffalo River somehow and promote transit oriented development nodes out there of high density. Get a big waterfront park out there and put in 20-40 floor high rises behind to capitalize on the real estate potential of waterfront property near downtown. Get some big attractions. Perhaps we can get a House of Blues into the Inner harbor or Outer Harbor near downtown. From what I see their whole look aesthetically to their buildings is similar to the old industrial Buffalo look already present in the grain mils nearby. House of Blues is a good concert venue and that attracts money and people. House of Blues? A SIGNIFICANT Weather museum (it must be something to bring home to momma), bike museum, casino, small boat harbor and bass masters tournament, Bass Pro, HSBC Arena, Inner Harbor Historic district and an extended canal onto the Memorial Auditorium site, maybe the Bills playing on the site of the Perry Projects (those just dont work anymore in the community). Naval Servicemens Park, A skate park, Erie Basin Marina. How about it people?????????????
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flyguy
The House of Blues advertises only one location in the northeast so they arent overly plentiful and could serve as a big draw as well. Oh and by the way this shouldnt be a 20-50 year timeframe. People have grown up and died waiting for a turnaround. How about within the next 10 years for all these ideas some of which are alreday underway or done????? No more studies time for action. Bail the ship out and get it moving again.
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nick
They build quite the dapper Casino, nothing in the portfolio mentioning adaptive reuse but let's see what they can do.
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PaulBuffalo
For a short time almost 20 years ago, I worked at the Freezer Queen offices. In the winter, I couldn't help but feel that I was on a frontier and that I should've packed provisions and brought sled dogs. If condos work here, anything is possible. I hope the developers are successful. Density is the key.
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tonyarmani
im really skeptical on this project...if you count the number of times the world "Could" is used, you will start to see my point.
Real businessmen have an idea and plans and know the steps they need to achieve that. Let's just hope these guys do too.
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flyguy
If NYSDOT would construct a Boulevard along the outer harbor to replace the existing Route 5 set far away from the water buffered by a state park between the water and it and then leave the whole length of the eastern side for intense commercial development with metro stops nearby feeding a TOD concept I think this could be a really cool area. Im thinking the contrast bewteen Central Park in Manhattan on one side of the street and the urban density on the other side of the street say along Central Park W or 5th Avenue.
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SLEEPL8
GalaxyJ--The words "could" and "may" are used quite freely here which sets off my scepiticism alarm.
Is there really a demand for more "upscale condominiums" ??? IF Uniland builds the Gates Circle tower there will be quite a saturation of high priced condos when you combine that with the waterfront tower currently under construction. The Freezer Queen site is a good distance from any grocery stores or other shopping. How appealing can this place be? I do agree with the possiblilty of a waterfront hotel/conference center being successful but with stiff competition coming from the Seneca Casino "Resort" how successful can they be? All this condo/hotel development is too much too soon. I have to agree in part with flyguy in that more diverse harbor development is necessary if this is all going to fly. (although flyguy does have some lofty goals for the inner harbor)
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comptart_lws
"former owner of the Statler". hmmmmmmmmmmmm
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NBJOHN
A fresh coat of paint would even help this white elephant
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Martin
If they still have a cooler system it would be great to get them running again so that the future residents could just nip downstairs for a butter lamb.
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bison716
BIG! BIG! BIG! Either I'm crazy too,... but I can vision this building the same way they vision it. THIS IS THE ONE TO WATCH FOR! If this project is done correctly, we could have a whole new district in that area. If the project progresses quickly, I don't see it up till maybe 2012 at the earliest - extremely the earliest (Thats if no obstacles come in the way). That gives our city and potential investors 4 to 5 years to expand projects into this area. The new "Fuhrmann Boulevard" should be completed around this time, and projects always seem to follow new road construction. I hope they stick to their plans, and cant wait to see what JCJ comes up with!
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NSphere
I like to think I'm pretty optimistic about the city (and unfortunately having to defend it constantly to some suburban friends) but I'm not holding my breath on this one. I hope its successful because even though things are happening on the waterfront, this is a necessary push for some real private investment. That being said, I doubt the market will easily absorb these units and this "could happen
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NSphere
~Sorry about the double post... stupid laptop (moderator please feel free to delete above post~
I like to think I'm pretty optimistic about the city (and unfortunately having to defend it constantly to some suburban friends) but I'm not holding my breath on this one. I hope its successful because even though things are happening on the waterfront, this is a necessary push for some real private investment. That being said, I doubt the market will easily absorb these units, and this "could happen project" is not likely without some substantial guarantees. This is not a knock against the project, but a combination of the market, the speculative nature of this project, and Bucheit's track record I'm not betting on this one.
Good luck, but I'm not holding out any expectations.
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GnoXimian
As far a a hotel goes, they just built one right behind the Turnpike store. That's another topic, especially if they plan on building up that area. I would love the idea of more condos in that area, especially with the continued plans to develop, however, I think it would be great to make the bottom two floors of the condos a little more affordable, something that will allow more people to afford that kind of living space, maybe something like the 120 - 180 thousand dollar range, and not just the upper 200 - 300 thousand dollar range. This is a blue collar town don't forget, a lot of blue collar industry still. I love the idea none-the-less. A nice park area, boat docks, and maybe a small shopping area, diner/restaurant and mini grocery store.
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Downtownjunkie
Are they asking for any taxbreaks or incentives? Just curious. I like this project alot though and I really hope it is successful, this area could really use some new development.
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sbrof
I too am often an optimist but just the fact that he owned the Statler for so long and allowed it to fall apart gives me worry. I do hope that the condo part goes through. The hotel I see as being more problematic because of the lack of other amenities around it. But if downtown needs hotel it is better to go here than Cheektowaga or Amherst where they go now.
The condo's I think since there would be a lot of them would help to provide some economics of scale. They certainly wouldn't be all very expensive but might offer something for people looking to own something at a more reasonable price. Who know we will find out more soon hopefully.
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xosder
It's not going to be long until you are reading on this site that environmenal and design work have begun on the connection of the central business district to the outer harbor through a bridge(s) at the foot of Main Street or possibly at Erie Street...DOT currently has a contract out for improving Rte 5....industrial parks across the street are filling up. So is the potential of this site starting to make a little more sense to the pessimism thread?
Our outer harbor will be developed in total someday, and this is the way it is going to happen...site by site, as opposed to the NFTA playing developer and holding our entire waterfront hostage for decades. Being the first and only group out there doing anything should give them a somewhat competetive advantage with regard to control of other potential development sites in the outer harbor area.
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carl
i think jcj's work i really tacky....but what ever
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chris69
with nanodynamics growing and expanding, thesmart thing would have been for offices not hotel space
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Chris
These guys are boomers - drum up interest and sit on the property until someone offers them $6 million for a property they paid $3 million for.
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simcoe
the environmental cleanup of leftover mashed potatoes and peas is going to be too cost prohibitive
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GDC
Sounds like a great idea, I hope they follow through.
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SLEEPL8
"with nanodynamics growing and expanding, thesmart thing would have been for offices not hotel space "
what the hell are you talkong about? what "nanodynamics" company wants this space?
your posts are often bigoted and always ridiculous.
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chris69
SLEEP8, what a moron who doesnt understand the state of the world, the politics of division and debt or foreign interests that are ripping his country apart or the political correctnes that is destroying his gender (that is if SLEEP8 is a male {deleted})
SLEEP8 doesnt even know about nanodynamics at the old Ford Factory at the very next pier in the outer harbor yet they have the blind ignorance to criticize putting offices in the Freezer Queen space. {more deleted- filth}
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bjfan82
"what the hell are you talkong about? what "nanodynamics" company wants this space?" - SLEEPL8
I believe there is a nanotechnology company in the next building over from the Freezer Queen plant. If the nanotechnology industry grows, then hotel space and/or more nanotechnology office space may be needed nearby. I don't think it is such a crazy idea.
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behindthemask
"could"..."could"..."could"..."could"..."could"..."could"..."could"
in other words....FLIP
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vgs
just wondering SLEEP8, how close should we all be living to a grocery store? I mean really what the hell is it with all these people and grocery stores. How many people walk to a grocery store in WNY.
and by the way the Wegmans on McKinley is about 5-8 min. Just like the Wegmans and Tops on Amherst St is 5-8 minutes from downtown.
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rydog71
What is the peak number of luxury condos for a city our size?
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xanbuf
So when is the Mayor going to "approve" or "support" the Empire Zoning for this one (or maybe he already has provided a favor)?! Did you read this week's ARTVOICE?! Luxury condos in Empire Zone areas (aka- taxpayer footing the bill for addition of 2-5 new jobs) for such "developers"! Yeah, because waterfront property does not have any interested parties...unless they are tax free for the first 10 years that is...
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davvid
Maybe what Buffalo needs is an architect/developer match making service. There are plenty of very good architecture firms out there that would love to do a project this size. Buffalo would benefit from alinging itself with good contemporary designers.
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SLEEPL8
Chris69.... resorting to ati-femanine rhetoric further reinforces my point that you are an ignorant bigot....Resorting to name calling ruther demonstrates your lack of class and maturity. Thank your for your suggestion as to what I should do in the corner. However, I prefer to invest that time and energy in a relationship with a member of the gender that you loathe so greatly.
Vgs...grocery stores, gas stations, banks, cafes, pizza joints, drug stores, etc....all of these things being in close proximity add to property value and marketability. There aren't any of these near this location. Having them within walking distance isn't necessary but a short commute to them would be appreciated by potential buyers. Proximity to these things definitely impacts people's decision regarding purchasing a home/condo.
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chris69
SLEEP8, my qyote was:
"with nanodynamics growing and expanding, thesmart thing would have been for offices not hotel space"
so my opinion wasnt for hotel space or residential but office space....which is further proof that you either have ADD or your a moronic liberal.
residential could work but in my opinion not in conjunction with a hotel but in conjuction with office space. Buffalo needs to encourage small business incubators, especially high tech incubators and there is nothing better than a combination of residential lofts in the same building as offices/labs.
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sjcooper
I am certain I read "Queen City Landing" in the text, this excites me. Here is why the idea of a Queen city landing is exciting to me; in my formative years (my early 20's) I lived in St. Louis Mo. and one of my favorite areas in that beautiful city is "Lacledes Landing" www.lacledeslanding.com. This is a section of an old industrial trading area much like the area the freezer queen is located. St. Louis does have some very similar economic and cultural background as Buffalo, if the hillbilly's down in St. Louis can make an old industrial trader town hot again so can us yankee's!!! (I just hope none of my St. Louis Family reads this, lol)
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RisingDamp666
I hope they keep the water tower. This pig could fly if the entire property were developed at once and the grounds thoroughly remade to signify an oasis because that's what this project would be for a while. Financing? There has to be some equity here or few lenders would want to participate in this one. The Statler/Issa connection leaves a lot to be desired. These things have to be brought to fruition or what's the point? It's a little late in the game for a flip. Put up or shut up.
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gaustad
This project will never happen - some one said above, good way to drum up interest and then try to flip in a couple of years. This is the most likely scenario. These are business people, that is what they do!
No demand for a hotel here or condos and I have to agree with SLEEPL8, there is nothing around here at all, not even a wilson farms. to build this project with the anticipation that Nano or any other company will someday expand is not the right approach.
I don't see how a project of this magnitude makes any sense.....but hey, if they want to build it - go right ahead!
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vgs
erie basin marina has damn near zero proximity to gas, groceries, etc... and yet plenty of interest in living there. People who are interested in loft, apt or condo living are not choosing that lifestyle because of suburban convieniences.
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sbrof
"Proximity to these things definitely impacts people's decision regarding purchasing a home/condo."
I think we need to draw comparisons here because most people need to drive several miles to get to these kinds of stores as it is. Especially those in far flung suburbs traveling 15 minutes to the shopping center isn't a big deal. Except they wouldn't have a fantastic view of the lake. While more amenities closer would be nice I don't think it is necessary for the project to succeed.
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walter
It was very interesting reading peoples comments about the Queen City Landing project. After you discount the people who only like to see themselves in print, there were some valid points. It is easy to fall into the negative trap in Buffalo because your arguments against success, write themselves, but let’s look at a couple of facts about this project and the owners. No one puts $3,000,000 cash up for a deal they are going to flip, they use other people’s money. The main players were at the auction and the only aggressive bidder other than the successful one was the bank who owned the property. The owners did a nationwide search for an architect who had experience in upscale class A construction, several Buffalo architects were considered and it was down to the wire between JCJ and a Buffalo firm. There has been activity on site and construction will start this summer. Though not dependent on retail for success there is a retail component involved. Nanodynamics sits on enough acreage to accommodate their operations if they double in size every year for the next 20 years. Buffalo needs to get started, and a multiuse, waterfront development with world class ingredients is a great place to start. So why don’t all the nay sayers say something useful for once like “how can I help to get it done".
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