Downtown development slowed in 2008. While work continued on three of the largest downtown construction projects in years, four others were cancelled or suspended. 2008 saw just 42 new downtown residential units completed, a marked decline from prior years.
Construction continues on three significant projects- the Avant, Federal Courthouse, and Waterfront Place- each started in 2007. The long-anticipated renovation of the Genesee Block by CityView Properties started last year along with the Allentown Lofts project by Kissling Interests. Work to bring cars back to Main Street was initiated with the conversion of the 700 block to two-way traffic.
Residential development took a breather with Webb Lofts, four town home units at Waterfront Place, and The Whitney completed last year. Rocco Termini pulled the plug on the promising Century City Lofts project but is making up for it with plans to convert the AM&A’s warehouses into a mix of 48 lofts and commercial space. Further north, Eran Epstein started construction on three, two-unit condominiums at 504 Washington Street.
A number of smaller renovation projects were also announced or started last year including The Martin Group’s renovation at 477 Main Street, Don Warfe’s conversion of 501 Main, Avalon’s ongoing work in the 700 block of Main, and an office building renovation project at 334 Delaware.
Bashar Issa pulled the plug on the renovation of the Statler along with dreams of a new downtown skyscraper near Niagara Square.
Two new residential projects were proposed for Waterfront Village where Ellicott Development continued work on the mid-rise tower at Waterfront Place. Plans for a Watefront Village Wingate Inn were unveiled to widespread disappointment.
In the Cobblestone District, Savarino Cos. and Avalon Development finished the mixed-use renovation at 95 Perry Street. Due to a faltering economy, the Seneca Nation halted construction on the permanent Buffalo Creek casino complex. Nearby, Clinton Brown unveiled plans to convert the historic Cooperage on Chicago Street into commercial space and 22 residences.
Downtown also saw a smattering of new restaurants and retailers including the Jenny Shop and Marcell by Chaybeen in the Ellicott Square Building, Avalon Copy Center at 723 Main, Just Vino in the Granite Works, and the 2nd Cup in the Buehl Block. Ellicott Street has gotten noticeably busier with Sea Bar, Fix Day Spa and Country Upholstery in Ellicott Commons and the Puppy Playpen in nearby 431 Ellicott.
With a number of projects on the drawing board, 2009 is shaping up to be a better year.
Memorial Auditorium is scheduled to be demolished as the larger Canal Side project will be working its way through the environmental review process. This year could see the start of renovations to the Donovan Building, construction of a parking ramp near the Marine Drive Apartments, and construction of the Bass Pro store. Benderson faces an uphill climb. Some retail analysts are predicting 150,000 to 200,000 store closings nationwide after the worst holiday season in decades.