5-7 Genesee Street has had a ghastly presence on Roosevelt Square for far too long. An investment group headed by architect and future downtown resident Steve Carmina is looking to change that.
Carmina is working with Roger Trettel, a pioneering downtown developer with other properties on the 500 block; Steven A. Carmina, an accountant; and Joe Piccone, owner of Bison Electrical Services, on the project. They purchased the properties late last year. The Buffalo Preservation Board will be reviewing the plans at its meeting tomorrow afternoon.
The interconnected buildings will become residential and commercial space. The front façade will be restored and later additions to the rear of the building will be removed to create a courtyard.
Two, large two-story units, one with 1,350 sq.ft. the other with 1,650 sq.ft., are planned on theupper floors along with a one-bedroom, single-level unit with 745 sq.ft.
Camina says a lease is pending for a restaurant on the ground floor that will feature “fine dining.”
Demolition work will start in the spring and construction will follow soon after. The restaurant has been promised September occupancy.
Carmina and his wife Brenda are renovating 9 Genesee Street next door as their new home with a small amount of ground floor commercial space.
The rehab of 5-7 will finish off and give a new look to the north end of the 500 Block of Main Street that fronts Roosevelt Plaza. Paul and Sandra Wilkins are renovating 537 Main Street as their new home and restaurant, Raclettes. Carmina expects to move into 9 Genesee in May and Oshun will be opening at 5 E. Huron Street this summer. Last week, DiAvolio’s Kitchen announced plans to open in 535 Main Street.