Genesee Block Sold
FINALLY, the long hoped-for renovation of the Genesee Block has taken a significant step forward. Genesee Gateway LLC has purchased three pieces of the long-dormant block from Williard Genrich’s Platinumdome Inc. The purchase of 109 Genesee (entry image) and parking lots at 429 Ellicott and 62 E. Chippewa streets closed last Friday.
Separately, developer Roger Trettel purchased the beautiful, four-story, skylight-topped Charlie Baker Building at 99-101 Genesee (photo below) several weeks ago.
All of the buildings on the block, sans Eddie Brady’s tavern, are expected to be redeveloped. Exact uses for each of the buildings remains fluid, but plans are expected to involve restoration of the vacant buildings along with new construction.
Genrich has owned the Genesee Block buildings since June 1984.
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Comment Options
chris69
Wow, 23 years! I WONDER HOW MUCH TAXES THEY PAID ON THOSE 23 YEARS!
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chris69
I would think that it would have been less risky and less money to redevelop them than to hold them for speculation and pay the taxes while letting the buildings decay.
There is really something wrong with our property tax, inspection and property related courts/enforcement if its cheaper to pay taxes on a building without tenants or any form of income.....and cheaper to pay fines than to maintain property.
Since the only thing of real value is the facade...I would like to see brand new construction in the rear of the building encompassing the entire block, perhaps using the basement for underground parking with surface parking for customers.....since the front is 3-5 stories...it should be easy to build a 3-5-7 story building in the rear with a slight setback so as to not distract from the period facades.
THEN WE GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS THE OLD WORLD CHARM OF THE FACADES AND ALL THE MODERN CONVENIENCES IN THE REAR.
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Andrew
Another great day for Buffalo! But please put in residences.
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Hospitable
wow...I don't believe it...
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Hospitable
I have been in love with the Charlie Baker house and that tall green window for ever...if I had the chance to rent that... I could die a happy man.
Putting my feet back on the ground... another huge blight thats taken out of commission... close enough to Chippewa and the business district where we could see a glimmer of hope for some retail. I could see some sort of streetside cafe with residental above.
No one can rent the third floor of the Baker House.. Its already been taken care of .. lol
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Jas
It must have been the painting a few months ago!
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sbrof
like a dream come true, and the truth is actually having the property change hands is something worth getting excited about... then again until a "shovel hits the ground" I am not going to get too twitter-patted.
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SilentMajority
And the ball keeps rolling! Wow first the Bills win and now this! It's a new day for Buffalo! Juat wish I had the capital to get in on all the fun.
How many time's has Genrich's company changed names? It was originally Nothern Lights and now Platinumdome (huh?)... never a good sign. How much more property in owned by this company? Hopefully the rest is sold and they take their (lack of) development elsewhere.
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al-alo
the apocalypse is upon us! the apocalypse is upon us! aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!
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BuffaloSoldier
Who does Genesee Gateway LLC consist of? Please hold the celebration until we understand who these buildings are being entrusted to. God willing, the new ownership is credible.
Now that he is out of the picture, Buffalo can breathe a little easier about its future. Williard Gengrich was a waste of space in this town. What has he ever done to help this city? I don't even believe that he is a credible developer. What has the man ever done?
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SilentMajority
Genesse Gateway LLC... hopefully the name is an indication of their plans for the property!
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chiknlil
This is great news! It is about time, I hope that Genesee Gateway LLC does something spectacular with this site. Now we just need to get the darlings of our preservationist community, Pyramid Development, to do something with the buildings that they own. We heap praise on the work that has been done on 'THE CHURCH' while their property on Genesee has rotted and collapsed, same with the properties on Main and Ferry. They need to be held accountable for the scar that they are leaving on the community, despite the good that Scot has done with the Church and Jessie has done with the NMG.
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NBJOHN
Happy hour at Eddie Brady's to celebrate?
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SteveP
I agree with chiknlil wholeheartedly. Somebody has to be held responsible for letting the site rot for so many years. Still, Scot and Jessie have done marvelous work in the past and I hope they continue it in the future. Here's hoping they keep up my old place on Linwood and do as much to it as the church because my place truly was a gem in the neighborhood.
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SLEEPL8
That block is wrecking ball ready. I say take down the buildings and use the land for much needed surface parking.
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Frankster
Good for Roger, good for this block, good for downtown Buffalo, good example for the Fishers to emulate now that they finished the awesome job on the Church, good riddance Genrich!. Great news all around!
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zen
This is very disappointing. Williard was right on the verge, nay the threshold of doing something with these buildings.
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Olcott_Beach
I welcome the news; the redevelopment of this corner block will make a major impact in this area. One that is much needed and will only add to the Oak Street Lofts and Washington Street Market.
My favorite, albeit under-appreciated, Charlie Baker Building will be a dramatic addition with the spectacular atrium brought back to life.
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eyepharded
All I can say is its about damn time.
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