Bridge Street Landing coming to Tonawanda Island

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WBEN).....Despite offering a post card-like, picturesque view of the Niagara River, a large swath of Tonawanda Island has sat largely under-developed and, to a certain extent, over looked.

But, that is a changing.

Clarence-based VisconeCo. has proposed developing the $24 million-plus Bridge Street Landing - a residential-anchored project that will feature a four-story, 114-apartment main building along with nine, fully furnished rental units that face directly on to the river.

Some 2,000-square-feet commercial space along with a full public access river walk are also part of the Bridge Street Landing project.

"Developing along the water is something we are good at," said Tom Celik, VisconeCo. chief operating officer.

Mayor Austin Tylec said he hopes Bridge Street Landing can spark other Tonawanda Island developments as well as projects elsewhere in North Tonawanda.

I see it as a catalyst project," Tylec said.

Among its still-growing portfolio, VisconeCo. has developed a pair of neighboring River Road apartment complexes.

In fact, developing in North Tonawanda has become something of a sweet spot for VisconeCo.

"North Tonawanda is very welcoming," Celik said.

Located at 78 Bridge Street, Bridge Street Landing is being eyed on a nearly four-acre site whose history includes serving as a fire training center and going back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, an Erie Canal barge landing location.

Because of its history, VisconeCo. has already started some remediation work.

VisconeCo. is also working with the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency on a 15-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes package to help Bridge Street Landing financially pencil out, Celik said.

Actual construction is expected to start later this summer.