Redevelopment of the Dulski Building on Delaware Avenue is getting a lift from New York State. Overshadowed by the unveiling of a new concept plan for Bass Pro and Canalside, Governor Eliot Spitzer also announced this week an incentive package to assist the $63 million conversion of the 1970-era clunker into a mix of office, hotel and residential space. The ‘200 Delaware Avenue’ project is being undertaken by UniQuest, a joint venture consisting of Uniland Development Company and Acquest Development.
Conversion of the Dulski Building, revitalization of Buffalo’s inner and outer harbors, building the Peace Bridge, and improvements to Old Falls Street in Niagara Falls are local priority projects receiving State funding under the Governor’s ‘City-by-City’ economic development plan. The Governor’s approach will create a targeted and comprehensive economic development strategy for each region as well as a set of priority projects based on its unique assets, competitive advantages and stakeholders’ input.
200 Delaware will be assisted by a $7 million grant and a package of loans and tax credits. Private sector investment totals $56.6 million, including up to $14.6M in loans from Empire State Development’s Job Development Authority and Economic Development Fund.
“It is encouraging to see this Governor focus not only on New York City, but New York’s cities. There is tremendous potential and opportunity in the urban core of this community. This building will stand as a symbol of the rewards possible when public and private sectors share risk and responsibility,” says Carl J. Montante, Uniland President and Managing Director.
Plans for the 15-story structure include 37 condominium units, a 150-room luxury hotel, and over 128,000 square feet of class office space. Asbestos abatement work currently underway is expected to be complete by next March. According to Uniland, the building’s concrete façade will start to come off next spring and its new glass façade should be in place by May. An early 2009 opening is anticipated.
The building’s planned façade has been slightly changed from earlier plans. It will now feature a two-tone blue glass façade, a two-story atrium/lobby, balconies on the residential floors, and a small addition along Huron Street.
According to Uniland spokesperson Judy Griggs, “interest in offices is high” and the developer expects to announce what flag the hotel will operate under in “early November.”
Pricing for the condominiums on the top three floors has not been set. “We can’t solicit possible purchasers in anyway, shape or form until we’re finished with the Attorney General process,” says Griggs. “However, we can take email addresses from those who would like to receive project updates on the residential part of the building.” Email Judy to get on the update list.
Lower Delaware Avenue is seeing a significant amount of development including the recently completed New Era headquarters, renovations at the Statler, and the new Federal courthouse on Niagara Square. Can you feel the momentum building?
Rendering and images taken from the building’s 15th floor courtesy of Uniland Development.