Over the past few years, Hertel Avenue has begun to attract a good number of antique and furniture shops. Hertel has also managed to support a number of mid-century modern shops. Those businesses, and the bubbling business climate of the street, have helped to attract another young entrepreneur to set up shop in North Buffalo. Interior designer Jonathan Casey is in the process of opening Project 716, a mid-century-meets-contemporary furniture and home accessories boutique. The store will feature eclectic pieces of interest – a number untouched, some reconditioned, and a few completely revamped pieces.
Jonathan’s interest does not merely focus on the traditional mid-century finds, if there even is such as thing. His passion for furniture and home accessories is mainly what he conjures up in his mind. Jonathan is gifted with the ability to put a room together and make it work, using “finds” that might be a little bit out of the ordinary… thank goodness.
The idea for a store came about from his interior decorating business. Jonathan decided that he needed something concrete – a showroom – where he could display his passion for all to see and buy. “I’m also going to be working with local artisans such as Barry Yavener who is a furniture artist at Buffalo State College,” Jonathan told me. “He’s a craftsman and a professor, and makes one-of-a-kind pieces. I want to support the local artisans who are looking for a place to showcase their wares, as long as it’s eye-catching and goes along with my taste.”
As for Project 716, the storefront is being transformed into what will soon be a colorful and adventurous beacon on the street. With contemporary-metallic green apple tin ceilings and a rustic wood floor, there are telltale signs as to where the direction of this business is going. The real statement will be when Jonathan fills the beautiful display windows and flips the switch, illuminating the handpicked pieces that best reflect his gregarious personality.
This year, Jonathan will be decorating two rooms at the Junior League of Buffalo Decorator’s Show House – the library and the wet bar. That should give Jonathan a boost in publicity for his new venture. Project 716 is slated to open in coming days.
1203 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo NY 14202