Author: westcoastperspective

Plans for the restoration of the Sattler Theater at 512-16 Broadway are coming together. Western New York Minority Media Professionals Inc. (WNYMMP) will unveil design and restoration plans for the historic property at a November 25th fundraiser. The non-profit group intends to renovate the Beaux Arts building for use as its headquarters and a performing arts center.

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A Canadian coffee chain is opening its first American store in Williamsville. Pending village approvals, Coffee Culture will be moving into 5590 Main Street next spring. According to Business First, the company is looking to open several more locations, including downtown Buffalo. The Mississauga, Ontario-based company has 23 existing coffee houses in Southern Ontario with 19 under development. Locations average 2000 sq.ft. with seating for 60.

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Mark Croce’s plans for a boutique hotel at 504 Franklin Street are apparently gelling. The downtown restaurateur and property owner was approved for nearly $6 million in community revitalization tax credits for the project. Croce purchased the six –story, terra cotta clad building at the corner of Franklin and Huron six years ago.

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Work is underway to create a Refugee Garden in a vacant lot at 92 19th Street. People United for Sustainable Housing, Inc. (PUSH Buffalo) is spearheading the effort. The garden will be used by neighbors and local refugees including about thirty recent Burmese refugees participating in English as a Second Language classes at the International Institute.

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Trimming the Blue Hairs, written by Cristin Frank, is an all-ages story that’s likely to touch your heart and make you laugh out loud. Set in the Greater Buffalo area, Trimming the Blue Hairs shows the transformation of a hot-shot hair stylist into a visitor in the homes of the elderly, to do their hair. At 25, Ella Boyce goes from selfish and absent minded, to sensitive and sweet. What starts as just doing the hair of her neighbor, turns into a new career and lifestyle. As her new life unravels, so does her romance with Quinn, an admirable character…

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The new Federal Courthouse on Niagara Square is getting its shell. No, the façade of the Dulski Building isn’t being reused. The ellipse of the Courthouse is getting a ribbed pre-cast skin that will be veiled by suspended glass planes. A transparent curtain wall will front Niagara Square. According to the General Services Administration, the project is 18 percent complete. New York City-based Kohn Pederson Fox Architects designed the $123 million, 268,000 sq.ft. building. It is expected to open in mid-2010. Entry image by Glenn E. Murray, Esq.

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A vacant Main Street building may be on its way to reuse. Greenleaf Properties purchased 916 Main Street in mid-September for $70,000. The company has not revealed its plans for the property but Greenleaf is primarily an apartment owner and management firm. According to the firm’s website, Greenleaf has been involved in real estate management and development since 1986. Their current inventory consists of approximately 40 buildings and over 350 units in the city.

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University Heights has made headlines recently, and not for good reasons. Crime and blight are reaching levels unacceptable to many in the community. Two long-time residents have had enough of the disorder. They have started a blog- buffalowatch- chronicling the quality-of-life issues and problem properties dragging down the neighborhood. While Main Street is showing glimmers of renaissance with new restaurants, stores and investment, a few of the residential side streets are not fairing as well.

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Redevelopment of the southeast corner of Elmwood and Forest avenues may be moving forward. Amherst-based Affinity Elmwood Gateway Properties LLC yesterday purchased 1105 Elmwood Avenue, previously occupied by Home of the Hits, for $200,000. The subsidiary of Chason Affinity Cos. has six adjacent properties 1109-1121 Elmwood and a property on Forest Avenue, all owned by Hans Mobius, under contract.

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