A classic Allentown residential building is in line for a multi-million dollar upgrade. Kissling Interests is planning a top-to-bottom renovation of the eight-story Ambassador apartments at 175 North Street. The circa-1930 landmark is located between Elmwood and Delaware avenues in the Allentown Historic Preservation District.
“The Ambassador is a little tired,” says Scott LaCasse, Executive Vice President of Kissling Interests. “We feel it is time for a quality renovation.”
Work will include new elevators, electrical and plumbing work, an expanded rooftop garden, and an updated lobby, hallways and common areas. An existing 100 car parking lot will be expanded by 45 spaces to provide additional parking for guests and tenants.
Kissling has owned the property since 2000. LaCasse says the project makes sound business sense and the upgrades will help recruit and retain tenants.
“We believe that if you offer a good product, people will stay longer,” he says.
The building contains 119 residences, a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Units feature hardwood floors, 10′ ceilings, and city and Lake Erie views. Residences in an adjacent 14-unit former mansion at 173 North Street will also be renovated.
“Units will be getting a strong face lift,” says LaCasse. Work in the kitchens will include new cabinets, granite countertops, and tile flooring. Bathrooms will get new fixtures and showers. Maple flooring will be refinished and the units will be painted.
Two apartments on the fifth floor have recently been redone and are renting for $1400 per month. Rents in the building currently start at $525 per month.
Work on the $2.5 million project is expected to be underway next spring.
Kissling owns over 950 apartments in the city, many in historic buildings. The developer is also creating new units with Allentown Lofts on Virginia Street, a significant project on the Erie Canal in North Tonawanda, and a rehab in the West Village. Watch for updates on the Buffalo projects in coming days.
Get Connected: Kissling’s Tamar Blewitt, 716.882.6391
Entry image by Allentown Association.