Two teams are vying to develop the City-owned Webster Block at the foot of Main Street. Ellicott Development and the Sabres organization are proposing mixed-use facilities for the property that is north of First Niagara Center and is across Main Street from Canalside and the inner harbor.
Washington @ Scott Street. Ellicott proposal above, Sabres below.
Ellicott Development is teaming up with Castle Mosey LLC on a $64 million proposal that includes a 140-room hotel, 42 apartments ranging in size from 1,200 to 3,000 sq.ft., 110,250 sq.ft. of office space, 8,600 sq.ft. of retail space and parking for 1,089 cars. The retail space would be located along Perry and Main streets. The tower portion of the project would form an ‘L’ along Scott Street and extend down Washington Street. A team led by Charles Gorden Architecture designed the project.
Pending selection and approvals, work would start next May and be finished in December 2014.
Main and Perry intersection. Ellicott proposal above, Sabres below.
The Sabres organization is proposing ‘Harbor Center,’ a $123 million complex that would include a 200-room hotel, retail and restaurant space at the corners of Main and Perry and Washington and Scott streets, and a 965 car parking garage. A two-rink hockey facility and fitness center would be constructed on top of the parking garage, one with seating for up to 2,000 spectators. The hotel, to be developed and operated by Benderson Development, is proposed for the northwest corner of the site extending along Main Street. The brick, cast stone, and metal paneled complex would connect to First Niagara Center over Perry Street. The Sabres are bringing in construction heavyweight Mortenson Construction, Icon Venue Group to coordinate the effort, and Populous (previously HOK Sport, designer of Coca Cola Field) to design the project.
Construction would begin in February and the complex would open in stages with the garage, retail and ice facility opening by September 2014 and the hotel in June 2015.
Both developers are seeking a public subsidy. The amount and type of subsidy being sought hasn’t been released but the Sabres are said to be requesting a larger subsidy than the Paladino team.
A developer is expected to be chosen in two weeks.
“We’re still hoping to be able to meet the August 15th deadline for selection,” said Mayor Brown.
Main @ Scott Street. Ellicott proposal above, Sabres below.