PAMS Properties LLC, consisting of architect Karl Frizlen, Michael Joseph, Jordon Levy, and Ron Schreiber, purchased the Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic school and gymnasium in South Buffalo yesterday for $340,000. Thirty-two market rate apartments are planned for the $4.57 redevelopment project. The school and gymnasium are located behind the church at 432 Abbott Road and front both Tamarack and Athol streets. The circa-1921 George Dietel designed school, vacant since 2006, is three stories tall and constructed with the same brick and stone as the adjacent rectory building.
Eighteeen one-bedroom and fourteen two-bedroom units will range in size from 476 to 1,160 sq.ft. and are anticipated to rent from $550 to $1,2000/month. Apartments will retain the original wood flooring in the former classrooms and auditorium area and built-in cabinets that remain in portions of the gymnasium wing. Eight of the apartments will be located in the gymnasium wing fronting Athol Street. The remainder of the units will be in the brick school building closer to Tamarack Street. The two-story gymnasium will be used as a fitness center and office space. On-site parking for 38 cars is proposed.
Frizlen is working on two other school conversion projects. At Seneca Street and Mineral Springs Road, 36 units will be created in the St. Teresa School. The St. Rose of Lima school at the northeast corner of Winston Road and Parkside Avenue in North Buffalo is expected to house 21 apartments with 478 to 974 sq.ft. of living space and renting in the $700 to $1,250 range.
Preservation Studios is working on obtaining Historic Preservation Tax Credits for the three reuse projects.
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