The potential developer of the iconic Trico Building is moving forward with plans for a $50 million mixed-use facility that will provide important services for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the new University at Buffalo Medical School. The Krog Corp. filed its site plan application with the city yesterday to convert the 600,000-square-foot building on Ellicott Street into a hotel, residential and commercial space.
The exact mix of each use has not been detailed but the extended-stay hotel will be located along Goodell Street, apartments will occupy half of the building primarily along Washington Street, and commercial space will occupy four floors along Ellicott Street.
“I’m pleased to announce that plans are moving forward on this important adaptive re-use project at one of Buffalo’s historically significant buildings, which will benefit the public in several ways,” said Mayor Brown. “Most importantly, Krog will breathe new life into this long vacant building, which will result in future investment and job growth in Buffalo.”
Peter Krog, P.E. and founder of The Krog Corporation stated, “Krog is thrilled to be part of the continued resurgence of downtown Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Trico is an important part of Buffalo’s history but the building had fallen into a state of disrepair. While we still face many challenges, we’re confident that our adaptive re-use plan will return the Trico Building to prominence and serve as a useful and complimentary addition to the Medical Campus.”
The Buffalo Brownfield Restoration Corp., which owns the property, signed a Purchase Agreement with Krog last year. The project’s components include:
• Krog will partner with Hart Hotels Inc. for the construction and operation of the project. They have worked together on several projects throughout NYS.
• The project will be a major mixed-use facility that will provide important services for BNMC and the new UB Medical School.
• The hotel will serve the extended-stay market.
• The project will include residential apartments to meet the housing needs of the medical school and nearby hospitals. The apartments will feature some of the historic interior structural components of the building.
• Rounding out the development will be commercial and retail space compatible with and supporting the demands of the surrounding health science businesses.
The façade will be restored to replicate the original construction, in accordance with State Historic Preservation Office and National Parks standards. The project returns the historic structure to productive use, supports other development occurring in all directions around it, enhance opportunities for a live-work community, and generate new real property and income taxes.