Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The proposed redevelopment of the LaSalle Station property could see some significant economic spin off work its way down Main Street and deep into the University District - and, perhaps, also down Hertel Avenue and into North Buffalo.
After more than three years of planning, the City of Buffalo, along with its Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) selected a development team led by New York City-based Albanese Organization to spearhead a planned $191.3 million, residential-anchored development on the 11-acre LaSalle Station property.
The central development piece will be constructed of three apartment buildings with a total of 465 units including ones that target workforce and affordable housing tenants along senior citizens and market-rate apartment dwellers.
"You don't realize the impact that 300 or 400 new apartments can have," said Tucker Curtin, owner of The Steer and Lake Effect Diner - two restaurant mainstays in the University District.
Work could begin within the next year and the project comes after the University and North Buffalo districts have already seen such new, residential-anchored developments as the Rails on Main and Axis 360 apartment complexes.
"From my perspective, things are coming together great," Curtin said.
For Albanese, this is the company's first project in Buffalo. Its development team partners include the YMCA Buffalo Niagara, Mustard Seed Consulting, Wendel and Go Buffalo Niagara.
Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon calls the development "a cornerstone" for the University District.
Initial plans include the development of a pair of six-story apartment buildings and one five-story building. Amenities include a day care center, community building, a playground and some street level retail space.
The NFTA LaSalle Station will be demolished but a new station will be incorporated into one of the apartment buildings.
Located on the 11-acre LaSalle Station property at Main Street and LaSalle Avenue, the project also neighbors Shoshone Park.