Dumpsters are signaling new life for the West Village, one of Buffalo’s oldest neighborhoods. Schneider Development recently started work on Turner Brothers Lofts that will see 40 lofts and commercial space in two buildings at 295-305 Niagara Street. Schneider is not the first developer to see potential in the West Village. In recent years, Ellicott Development (The Graystone), Kissling Interests (West Huron Lofts), and Anthony Baynes and Kent Frey (100 South) have undertaken significant adaptive reuse projects in the neighborhood. They follow long-time residents and recent property purchasers that have been drawn to the neighborhood’s location and character and have upgraded some of Buffalo’s most interesting properties in the process.
Approximately five years ago, developers Sal Zambito and Tim Sick of Sunset Bay Park Inc., saw the potential for affordable condominiums in The Whitney, a historic multi-tenant property located at 65 Whitney Place. They renovated the three-story building into six, two bedroom, one bath residential units with 1,093 sq.ft. of living space.
With long-term leases in place for the units, Zambito and Sick were patient with sales and decided to sell the last of the units earlier this year.
Built in 1898, the Italian palazzo-style building was originally built as a hotel for the PanAm Exposition. With an exterior consisting of decorative brick quoining and splayed arches, The Whitney is a perfect companion to its neighboring homes along one of the most architecturally appealing streets in the city. Located in the West Village Historic District, residents are steps away from restaurants, coffee shops, downtown offices, light rail, the waterfront, and other conveniences.
With sales prices starting under $130,000, buyers were encouraged to improve and cultivate the individual characteristics of each space which feature exposed brick, high ceilings, recessed lighting, original molding and wood detail, and central air and heat.
The final unit’s new owners, buyers with a west coast perspective, set-out to create a period-inspired sophistication of the era with a complete transformation, including a beautifully appointed kitchen and bath. Improving the flow, without compromising storage space and views of downtown and City Hall, the new kitchen boasts custom cabinetry with built-in seating, natural stone countertops, an apron front sink, stainless steel appliances, open shelving, a concealed washer/dryer, and designer-appointed lighting.
Masculinity meets femininity with the unit’s updated bathroom, which features an over-sized walk-in shower, tile in hues of aged greys, and a zinc vanity paired with a marble countertop.
The living area features wood flooring, new recessed LED lighting, and an exposed brick wall. Rear bedrooms have exposed brick walls, ample closet space, and carpeting. The light-filled master bedroom overlooks the Johnson Park neighborhood as well as the downtown skyline.
The renovated apartment, available for immediate occupancy, includes a basement storage area and two off-street parking spaces.
Leasing Information: Walter Olszowy, 716.380.3353