Three cheers for Matthew and Christopher Moscati and TRM Architecture, Design and Planning! They are putting the finishing touches to the reconstruction of 591 Delaware Avenue, a historic building that was perilously close to being demolished just a few years ago.
A devastating four-alarm fire ravaged the circa-1899 Clarence L. Bryant House in February 1996 while under the ownership of Dr. Charles Battista. Due to the fire’s extensive initial damage and subsequent deterioration caused by natural elements, the building’s roof and majority of interior structural elements no longer existed or were left structurally unsound. As such, the City of Buffalo Housing Court issued a demolition order in August of 2000. Battista was asked to repair, sell or pay for demolition of the property through insurance proceeds. He chose to do nothing and the City seized the property due to unpaid back taxes.
Matthew and Christopher Moscati acquired the property in December of 2001 at a City of Buffalo auction. As seen in the ebeforei and early construction photos here, it took extraordinary vision and a love for the city to take this project on. Their goal is to not only rebuild a fire-scarred prominent property on Delaware Avenue, but also to reconstruct the 11,000 sq.ft. landmark designed by Esenwein & Johnson and bridge over a hundred years of design innovation. The finished development will provide high-end professional office space integrating the latest sustainable building technologies within the historical context of the original structure. There will also be one two-story residential unit, a modern living space further promoting the benefits of mixed-use concepts within the downtown core.
Located within the Allentown Historical District, 591 Delaware is integral to one of Buffalois most important urban neighborhoods as it combines much of Buffalois rich history with signs of Buffalois resurgence in both business and residential development. Neighboring properties include the Wilcox Mansion, where Theodore Roosevelt was sworn into office, the Butler Mansion, and the Twentieth Century Club. These sites, 591 Delaware, and others are an invaluable part of Buffalois historical and cultural heritage, as well as economic future.
According to Matt and Chris, working with the City and obtaining permits and approvals has been easy. There was a delay in getting the project started due to hurdles involving financing. Financial lending institutionis standardized loan packages are a tough fit for a project that is anything but standard. There were also challenges due to the rapid rise of construction material costs such as steel and drywall due to Hurricane Katrina and booming construction nationwide.
The developers are reluctant to discuss how much money is being spent on the project. Unlike many other developments where the goal is to keep upfront costs to a minimum through the use of low-end materials, equipment, and systems, thereby creating a quick financial return for the owner, the 591 Delaware Avenue project is a long-term investment with long-term benefits to its owners, users, and the surrounding community. We hope to be able to show you the finished product when work is completed in late summer/early fall.
Founded in 1977 and located at 448 Delaware Avenue, TRM Architecture, Design and Planning, P.C., is a Western New York-based, 20+ employee, architectural firm with strong local ties and a broad spectrum of diversified clients. Local projects include the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, the Lexington Real Foods Community Co-op on Elmwood, and the recent St. Andrew’s R.C. Church renovation in Kenmore. National clients include Disney Regional Entertainment, Planet Hollywood, Duty Free Americas, and The Cheesecake Factory.