The post office at the corner of Main and Northampton is no longer. As far back as 2009 I was writing about this corner, and the potential that existed behind the drab tile exterior. Well, that day might actually be here.
Back in 2007, Artspace opened its doors after building owner Mark Pagano sold off a good chunk of the former Buffalo Electric Vehicle showroom. Pagano retained the rest of the building, which (from corner in succession) includes the former US Post Office (3300 sq.’ available with corner exposure), a methadone clinic with a long term lease, a vacant space (5500 sq.’ available with two bays frontage). Next door to that is Artspace.
I spoke to Pagano about the building, and the opportunities. He assured me that the methadone clinic and Artspace have not had a conflict, and that perspective tenants looking at the available footprint within the building should not view the clinic as a drawback. Unlike other clinics on the West Side and other parts of the city, this clinic is positioned in close proximity to the ever-growing Medical Campus.
Pagano sees himself as an advocate for the building. He told me that he has already had a number of business owners reach out to him regarding the space, but he is holding out for ones that are a good fit for the historic building and the neighborhood. He said that the post office was an excellent tenant for many years, and that at this stage of his career he in not desperate to lease the empty commercial units and will wait for the right tenants to inquire.
He also mentioned that he is hopeful that the tenants that do move in will see the value in replacing the first floor facade of the building, which would look identical to the first floor of the Artspace building. “When I get the two available units rented, we will look at redoing the entire facade. In that case, I will include the restoration of the clinic as well. But I need to have the whole place leased so that I can do the whole thing at once. All of the plans are there, and I’m ready to get to work.”
The building has done a lot for me over the years. Now I want to do something good for the building.
In order to find the best tenants for the building, Pagano is willing to cut some deals. As I mentioned before, he’d rather see quality tenants that will allow him to restore the entire building facade and contribute to the neighborhood. “The building has done a lot for me over the years,” stated Pagano. “Now I want to do something good for the building.”
Building features that should be considered are:
- Directly across from Delta Sonic (Tim Hortons)
- Next to Artspace, Buffalo Center for the Arts and Technology, and and the Artspace Lofts (in back)
- Along the Metro Rail route
- On the crest of the Medical Campus
- Abundant parking that includes access to 20,000 sq.’ of underground parking
- Truck bay access in rear of building – formerly utilized by post office (see image above)
- 17′ ceilings
- Much of the original terrazzo flooring exists under the tiles
- Owner is willing to wheel and deal with lease for appropriate tenant
Get connected: Heidi Nuessle | Hunt Commercial | 716-880-1817