A demolition request on the Buffalo Preservation Board agenda for 144 Edward Street set off a mini-panic late last year in preservation circles. Many feared property owner Plaza Group was looking to demolish the former Immaculate Conception Church and Rectory. It was later learned that the request was to demolish a garage on the site to create additional parking for the adjacent school. The Board has not taken action on the request.
Meanwhile, Plaza Group is attempting to sell the church and rectory. The list price for the 6,800 sq.ft. rectory is $295,000 and the list price for the 9,500 sq.ft. church is $125,000. According to Plaza Group:
These two buildings have some wonderful architecture and are in a vibrant and exciting part of the city. These properties will make great rehab projects for the person looking for something unique within the city limits.
Plaza Group has an extensive portfolio of office properties throughout the city including several historic properties along Delaware Avenue and in the downtown area. The Buffalo-based firm has stuck its toe in the residential market as well. Their renovation of the Pierce Building across from Shea’s Buffalo features commercial space and four second-floor upscale apartments.
Plaza Group purchased the 113 year old church, rectory and school and was said to planning apartments and/or condominiums in the historic West Village-area complex. The developer paid $300,000 to the Catholic Diocese in a deal that closed in March 2006. The church at the corner of South Elmwood Avenue was closed in 2005 due to a shrinking parish population.
Get Connected: Plaza Group’s John McDonald, 716.874.4880