The anticipation is finally over. Further details of one of the most significant development projects to take hold in the Elmwood Village – Elmwood Crossing – have finally been unveiled. Sinatra & Company Real Estate and Ellicott Development made the announcement at Kleinhans Music Hall, where they set out rendering for onlookers to view. The community is expected to give feedback on the concepts, before the two developers set out to solidify the plans.
Elmwood Crossing is the site of the former Women and Children’s Hospital campus. Up until this point, community feedback has been given, per the initial project specs that were presented this past January. An independent firm was retained to compile the feedback, which has led to some changes, including a proposal to create additional green space at the 7 acre site.
Still on the table are:
- A grocery store
- A variety of housing options such as townhomes, condominiums, and apartments
- A hotel
- A day care
- Retail and office space
- A considerable community green space
According to to the two developers, new project elements include concept designs for the high-profile former Variety Tower and Alfiero building. Altogether there is 600,000 square feet of building space to play with.
Bill Paladino of Ellicott Development said, “It’s mixed use design will provide new and upgraded amenities to the area, owner occupied housing for different income levels, affordable and market rate rental units in existing and redesigned buildings, as well as providing public assets for the community at large to enjoy. We will be redeveloping and further stabilizing a neighborhood for decades to come providing a refreshed exciting area whether you are new to Buffalo, a lifelong resident or just visiting.”
Nick Sinatra, President of Sinatra & Company Real Estate commented on the project, “We are eager to start construction on the adaptive reuse of the former hospital site and are pleased to receive community input for this important project as we look toward a close of the municipal approval process.”
According to the development team, some elements of the project may be complete as early as 2019, while others will extend on a multi-year timeline.