HLM Holding and Centerstone Development are moving forward with plans for a continuing care retirement campus known as Heritage Manor on the East Side. The $80 million development will be built on the site of the abandoned Kensington Towers housing project. Located adjacent to the Kensington Expressway near the Erie County Medical Center, the project is seen as a linchpin to future growth and revitalization of a long-overlooked neighborhood.
Built in 1958, the 371-unit housing project’s deteriorated condition blighted this section of Buffalo both socially and physically since it was closed in the early 1980s. Last year, the New York State Assembly provided the $5 million in funding to pay for demolition of the six, seven-story dilapidated towers.
Bids are in and developers are in a position to move forward with awarding a contract in coming weeks.
“Our budget for the demolition was right on target. The money secured from New York State will be spent to advance to the next phase of this development project which is the demolition of these towers,” according to John Giardino, CEO of Centerstone Development.
New York State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples adds, “It looks like a matter of days before these towers are finally demolished and we see cranes and construction equipment on this site.”
Heritage Manor’s first phase, a 320-bed skilled nursing facility, will begin next spring closely followed by 180 senior independent living apartments to be operated by the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. A later phase will add 158 assisted living apartments. When completed in three years, the development is expected to create 700 new jobs paying an average wage of $14/hour.
Photos by David Torke @ FixBuffalo.