Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Now that Evergreen Health has put the former Towne restaurant property back on the real estate market, the question becomes who will buy the iconic Allentown building, and what will they do with the property.
Evergreen put the building on the market this week, with a $1.8 million asking price, after plans to open a health clinic there were dropped because of federal funding cutbacks.
Many in the local commercial real estate industry think the building's most likely future could be another restaurant operator buying the property and re-opening it as an eatery.
"It sits at a very busy corner and it comes with parking - two big pluses," said Rick Recckio, Recckio Real Estate founder.
Located at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Allen Street, the circa-1942 era building is best known as the home of the venerable Towne restaurant that operated there from 1972 until its closing 2023.
Beside being known for its home-cooked meals like soulvaki, Texas red hots, waffles and Greek potatoes, the Towne was the place were countless deals were cut over a meal.
The building has come on the market where the stretch of Allen Street between Main Street west towards Days Park is seeing a revival with new businesses opening.
"You never want to see a building sit empty and especially in a place like Allentown, but you hope someone will step in and buy it very soon," said Mayor Chris Scanlon.