A striking Grant Street residential project by Greenleaf & Company that would cater to Buffalo State students is moving forward. Greenleaf is proposing a multi-phased development for much of the east side of Grant Street between Bradley Street and Rockwell Road. The $75 to $90 million project would include five buildings with the first phase scheduled to open in September 2016. Kideney Architects has been tapped to design the project.
Rendering from The Buffalo News
Greenleaf started putting together the development site in 2008 when Buffalo State was looking to partner with private sector developers to help meet its student housing needs. The college reversed course and ended up building a large dorm complex at the northeast corner of Grant and Rockwell Road. Over time, Greenleaf has acquired 38 of 52 properties on the block through its Bflo West Side Properties LLC and Grepe Properties LLC affiliates. Buffalo State also owns property on the block and a land swap is being discussed with college officials.
Details from The Buffalo News:
The privately financed project would begin with 75 apartments – primarily three- and four-bedroom units – in two five-story buildings that would open in September 2016 for the fall semester. Retail would be on the first floor.
The entire project calls for 750 beds in 200 apartments in five buildings over five years.
The college owns three of the parcels and will swap them with the developer to build an alumni visitor center next to the campus.
The second phase will be similar to the first, with the third slightly smaller, [Greenleaf President James] Swiezy said.
Swiezy said the apartments would be marketed and tailored to students, with rents he called “competitive.” A fitness center and computer lab are also planned.
Retail establishments would likely include coffee shops and restaurants. How well the developer rents retail space in the first phase would determine if it would be part of the future phases.
Greenleaf’s project would have some company. DHD Ventures has City approvals to construct a $25 million 10-building complex at 100 Forest Avenue. ‘One Hundred on Forest’ is proposed for 11 acres of the 22 acre property that was once occupied by Bristol-Myers Squibb and later Contract Pharmaceuticals. The proposed development will include 176 suite style units totaling 592 beds.
Get Connected: Greenleaf & Company, 716.885.8538