A number of people and organizations have been raising the creative flag in Buffalo for a couple of years now, by concentrating on rallying artists to do what they do best: create works of art. The creation of art tends to build a scene around the artists and the people who support them. It’s a great first step to test the waters in various districts.
One particular block in Downtown Buffalo has been gaining “creative” speed through a series of art initiatives that have come to fruition over the last couple of years. Now, a couple of the people spearheading the artistic movement on the 500-block of Main Street have decided to up the ante by taking the MAIN(ST)UDIOS building located at 515 Main Street and transitioning it from being an “artist-only” building to “a unique workspace, geared towards creative professionals.”
In order to get the ball rolling on the project, building manager and Buffalo creative Erica Eichelkraut has been working with building owner and developer Roger Trettel to roll out a dynamic footprint within the building that will feature hardwood floors, tall ceilings, large windows and a shared meeting space (finished studios will be available for rent starting February 1, 2014*). The second floor will be fashioned into private worklofts, and the dramatic third floor, rumored to be a former speakeasy (brass staircase, marble baseboards, oak paneling and a full wall of windows overlooking Main Street), will be made available for similar purposes. Queen City Media has moved into the first floor of the building, which features a large workspace.
“Queen City Media is excited to be part of what seems to be a rejuvenation in downtown Buffalo,” said Jeseph Meyers, the company’s Creative Director. “We are a young company who provides marketing and branding services to many local businesses in Buffalo. The excitement and momentum of the 500 block and surrounding areas align perfectly with what we aim to accomplish. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to work with and network with other local businesses and watch the City of Buffalo grow around us.”
The concept behind this reworked building identity is to offer a range of scenarios for businesses that are looking to infiltrate the downtown hub without paying exorbitant prices. By bundling a number of creatives under one roof with the “studio” concept, anchored by a single tenant on the first floor, Trettel and Eichelkraut are throwing their hats into the ring in anticipation that 515 Main Street is going to be the perfect setting for creative entrepreneurs in 2014.
*Monthly rental rates from $300-$900, including all utilities and 24/7 access. View more information, click here.
Inset photo Queen City Media: Facebook