Redevelopment plans for the Sid Birzon Building at 686 Main Street received a lift courtesy of the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation. The City’s not-for-profit local development corporation is providing a $400,000 loan to the developer. 686 Main Street LLC, headed by John J. Barry Jr., purchased the vacant building in September 2005 for $150,000 and is proposing to create a mix of residential and commercial space. The building fronts the light rail tunnel entrance ramp in the Theater District.
Ten loft apartments with private terraces are planned for the upper floors of the three-story 30,000 sq. ft. terra cotta and brick structure. The first floor and mezzanine will contain 7,000 sq.ft. of commercial space according to plans drawn up by Hamilton, Houston Lownie. Interior parking will be provided for twelve cars.
Timing for the project appears to be good. With both the Webb and Warehouse Lofts projects wrapping up, there are very few residential projects under way downtown at the moment. Condominiums at 200 Delaware Avenue, Waterfront Place and the Statler are coming, but only the townhouses at Waterfront Place are currently being marketed.
Primary funding for the $2.975 million Birzon rehab is being provided by the Community Preservation Corporation. The developer is also utilizing federal and state Historic Tax Credits to make a go of the project. Construction is expected to begin in a few weeks.