The property at 500 Franklin Street is not expected to be vacant for long. Architect Matt Moscati’s (TRM Architect) Franklin 500 LLC is beginning to seek approvals for a 15-unit apartment, three-story apartment building for the site. First stop will be the Buffalo Preservation Board this afternoon at 3 PM. The fire-damaged building at 500 Franklin was demolished last month.
The new building will include 14 studio apartments ranging from 539 to 591 sq.ft. and one, two-level, two-bedroom apartment at the front of the building overlooking Franklin Street with 1,394 sq.ft. of space. A lobby and an entrance to the enclosed thirteen car parking area will occupy the ground floor along Franklin.
From the Planning Board application:
The 3 ½ story proposed structure will contain the following: A parking level from Franklin Street that will ramp down ½ story below grade to a level consisting of an enclosed parking area accessed by an operable overhead door and (2) stairways. The entrance is at grade level along Franklin Street and ½ story to (1) residential adaptable studio bedroom apartment and lockable storage units for each of the building tenants. The third level shall consist of (7) studio apartment units and the lower portion of a (1) multi-story two-bedroom apartment along Franklin Street. The fourth level shall consist of (7) studio bedroom apartment units and the upper portion of the (1) multi-story two-bedroom apartment. The apartment(s) will be comprised of the following configurations: a sleeping area, a living area, a kitchen area, a walk-in closet, a bathroom, and a utility room.
**side elevations – Franklin Street elevation not provided**
The Preservation Board office did not forward a front elevation, but the building will apparently have a red brick façade with a precast cornice. The sides show a mix of red brick, finished DensGlass sheathing, and cement board. Limestone block will be placed along the foundation. There will be a 1,315 sq.ft. rooftop patio for tenants and a green roof area.