Last week a couple of us went out on the water to see the work being done at the Outer Harbor. As we passed in front of the former Freezer Queen building I was told that the entire property was scheduled to go to public auction sometime in early November. Owned by an out of state landlord, the property boasts 20 acres of land, on which sits a 300,000 sq.’ structure. As we glided by the waterside faction of the property I could not help but think that I was staring at a waterfront park. The pier-like foundation that forms the foundation was reminiscent of a huge wharf landing like those found in cities like Boston.
Off to the right of the building was the NFTA Small Boat Harbor, and to the left bulldozers were leveling the Outer Harbor in preparation of bike trails (just past NanoDynamics). This piece of property is a big link for this section of the waterfront. I don’t know if it would be possible to turn the 300,000 sq.’ building into a residential or commercial use, though the building is said to be very stable.
I asked WNY Property’s Pierre Wallinder what he thought the going price would be for such a parcel and he estimated that the sale would be $2.5 million (maybe over). As of now there is no point of contact regarding seller information.
Tifft Nature Preserve is also located nearby, and the windmills are in the area as well. If Route 5 is downgraded to an at-grade boulevard this property could look even more attractive for residential and commercial purposes. There’s even food nearby at the recently opened Dug’s Dive.