Work is well underway at 145 and 149 Swan Street as the two buildings are rehabilitated. Dubbed the Apartments at the HUB, the two historic buildings will house 50 new apartments and first floor retail in original storefront space. The buildings are being developed by architect/developer Jake Schneider and his team at Schneider Design. The $13.5 million project is utilizing historic tax credits with historic review and approval services provided by Preservation Studios.
“We have three commercial tenants, all of which will be located along the storefronts on Swan Street,” explains Schneider. “They are also all bicycle related venues and in an effort to strengthen the bicycle theme of the building, we will have a bicycle sculpture on the corner of Michigan and Swan and ample bike racks.”
149 Swan Street will house two of the commercial tenants including a fitness center dedicated to cyclists. “They will offer state of the art computerized bicycle training equipment and staff trained to maximize a rider’s fitness, skill, and enjoyment for the sport of biking,” he continued. The other tenant in the building will be the Handle Bar at the Hub, a pub that will be operated by Jake’s daughter, Sarah Schneider who currently operates Merge Restaurant. Sarah will be partnering with Evan Thomson in the endeavor.
“Handlebar is a sanctuary for bicyclists. It’s a place where two-wheeled enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of fueling food items like pizza and baked potatoes, and refreshments like fresh smoothies, specialty cocktails and over 12 different draft beer options,” explained Sarah. “Guests can also fuel up their electronics at pedal powered charging stations. The space is lit by bold, gothic-industrial bike chain chandeliers and features more unique interior design elements like gears lacquered into the bar top and bicycle photographs. Cyclists looking to unwind can relax outside on the patio or watch live cycling events like the Tour de France on custom designed bike pedal bar stools indoors. What better destination to head toward on a downtown bike trek?”
The remaining storefront space in 145 Swan Street will be utilized for a The Bike Shop, which is an expansion outlet of the Bike Shop located in East Aurora.