BUFFALO (WBEN) - It's been a process years in the making, but local officials gathered Wednesday to celebrate the 201 Ellicott development project, as they expect to welcome their first tenants by the end of the year.
"To make this thing a reality was a tough road, but we got here," said Paul Ciminelli of Ciminelli Real Estate.
The residential building measures five stories along Ellicott Street and seven stories along Oak Street, and it includes 131 one-bedroom units and 70 two-bedroom units, for a total of 201 affordable housing units. Also as part of the development, Braymiller Market is located at the corner of Ellicott Street and Clinton Street.
"We broke ground in 2019 after a really collaborative approach and seeking a lot of significant input," said Ciminelli. "We know there's a need for more affordable housing, especially here in downtown Buffalo."
While construction may have began just two years ago, the process of developing the former city-owned parking lot began about five years prior to breaking ground.
"There is a saying in the African-American church, 'Speak it into existence,'" said Mayor Byron Brown. "Our goal in the City of Buffalo is 40% affordability of all housing units in our city, and we are now close to 25%."
