A piece of Buffalo’s industrial past is quickly becoming a part of its science and technological future as work is winding down on renovations to the four-story annex of the Trico complex at 640 Ellicott Street.
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) is converting the former industrial building into an “Innovation Center.” It will offer 108,000 sq.ft. of research and development space available for life sciences and biotech companies seeking to be part of the Medical Campus. The makeover will includes installation of new windows, elevators, heating, cooling and air handling systems, and a new roof.
The $10 million project received a $4.5 million Restore NY grant in 2008 to jump-start the work. BNMC also received a $100,000 Strategic Economic Development Outreach Program grant from National Grid. The grant was used as matching funds to assist with architecture and engineering costs and marketing of the Innovation Center.
Flexible floor plans allow customization for individual needs and tenants will have access to shared conference rooms and support services. Suites from 150 sq.ft. to as large as 24,000 sq.ft. are available. There will also be on-site management support, dedicated parking, and accessible shipping docks. Current tenant Sitel, a customer service call center provider, will remain in the building for at least the next five years. The company employs 80.
The future of the main Trico plant building at Washington and Goodell streets is unclear. BNMC purchased the properties along with the Century Centre II complex (former M. Wile factory) in September 2007.
The 120-acre Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is home to over 8500 employees, contains 4.5 million sq.ft. of research, clinical, and support space, including 20 private life sciences and biotech companies. Total annual economic impact is valued at over $1.5 billion.
Get Connected: Patrick J. Whalen, BNMC, 716.881.7480