Developer Rocco Termini is planning a pair of redevelopment projects in North Buffalo. Termini has the FWS complex on Elmwood Avenue under contract and is also planning to renovate a nearby industrial property at 316 Chote Street. Both will be a mix of residential plus commercial space and utilize historic preservation tax credits.
The FWS complex at 1738 Elmwood Avenue contains 85,000 sq.ft. of space in a series of two and three-story buildings built around a central courtyard. It was designed by Esenwein & Johnson for the General Railway Signal Co.
316 Grote Street, behind Papa Jake’s restaurant and across from the Pierce Arrow complex, is a 28,160 sq.ft. two-story building currently owned by Ursula Mangano. “Houk Lofts’ will contain 22 one and two-bedroom apartments and approximately 2,000 sq.ft. of commercial space. A tattoo studio is expected to be one of the commercial tenants.
Termini told WIVB: “This is an untapped neighborhood. You’re three blocks from Buff State. You’re a block away from Wegmans. It’s a walkable, sustainable community. And I think it’s going to be a very cool community.”
Total cost for the two projects is approximately $30 million.