The comment below from buffalogal was submitted under WCP’s post called ‘Dulski Underway’. At the end of her response she poses the statement, “And if anyone has any leads for 285 Delaware first floor tenants – send them my way” in reference to Uniland’s 285 Delaware building. Her comment was followed by another one from SteveP wondering if there was a search on for national retailers to fill the ground floor spaces.
Comment from buffalogal:
The working plans for the building call for a restaurant with a large patio that opens to Delaware. The idea has always been to use that space to extend the Chippewa district down Delaware. Discussions with possible restaurateurs are already in progress. The renderings are still being refined, there is plenty of time – there are months of interior work left to be done. But an aggressive schedule is in place and work is ongoing seven days a week at the site. UniQuest is seeking LEED certification on the project – a big step away from the current condition. The architects are Stieglitz Snyder. Thank you to the astute comment on 285 Delaware just up the street. It was built by Uniland as a spec project, but office space for floors 2-3-4-5 was committed before it was complete. There is beautiful to-the-street potential on the open 1st floor – but no leases signed yet. This is a private money only project. State assistance with 200 Delaware is much appreciated for the remediation efforts, but the majority of the investment is still that of the partners. If I sound like a cheerleader, I am.
I grew up in Buffalo and worked in the South for 20 years. I worked at an executive level for a real estate company in Houston and for a major developer in Georgia. Working for Uniland is different in the best way. Risks in this marketplace are considerably higher. This company is homegrown and employees more than 100 people just within the corporate staff. Ask around and you are bound to run into dozens of local businesses that have been built and grown as Uniland subcontractors. The amount of money Uniland invests in the community – through charitable giving and city investment – is impressive. I am NOT a Pollyanna by any means, but I have been around enough to know I am fortunate to work in a good place with good people. In short, these guys deliver. Criticism and discussion is great, this forum is a great tool for people who care about the city. Just consider please that project decisions are not made in a vacuum. And if anyone has any leads for 285 Delaware first floor tenants – send them my way!!
Comment from SteveP:
Buffalogal, you’re asking US for leads about tenants for the first floor of 285 Delaware? How about giving the people of Buffalo what they want and bringing in a national retailer or a clothing shop downtown? Convince Trader Joes or some other grocery store that isn’t Washington Market to move into the space (though I doubt it would be feasible). Put a starbucks in! How hard is it to convince starbucks to come somewhere these days. Is it really that hard to find a tenant? Do some negotiating.
Yesterday I had a discussion with someone from California who was shocked that the Cheesecake Factory had moved into a small place in the mall. She said that it was not a typical thing for the company to do, and though she loves the company she refuses to go to the one here because it’s not as great as the other ones around the country. With the recent and ongoing success of New Era, a building like 285 Delaware is prime for a national tenant. But we also have to look at the success of the locals… like The Chocolate Bar on Chippewa. Every time I’m in there they appear to be doing well. 285 Delaware has the opportunity to do something really great. I know that there are some people in Buffalo that have a ton of leads… both local and national. If that’s the case, why not take a shot in the dark and give buffalogal any good lead available? If you have one… either local or national… go to buffalogals’ profile, look for the envelope, and send her a message. You must be logged in to send her a message. I would imagine that with the overwhelming amount of restaurants opening these, retail would be a welcome diversion in this district.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com