Expansion and renovation plans for the aging Smith Theatre could see the venerable Theatre District building expanded upward to welcome new apartments and lofts.
The six-story addition is just one of many options being considered for the Smith Theatre and any final decision is months away, cautions Shea's President and CEO Brian Higgins.
"It is an opportunity," Higgins said. "And, we have to consider all options."
Shea's has just finished a $5 million renovation of the 710 Theatre and Shea's, itself, is in the early construction phase of a $35 million project that will add 25,000-square-feet to the historic landmark.
Still, a Smith residential expansion could help downtown by adding more residents but also being a development standard bearer for more residential-anchored projects.
"We need to create an environment that encourages people to live downtown and stay downtown," Higgins said.
The possible Smith expansion also plays into Gov. Kathy Hochul's development vision of creating more housing opportunities across New York.
Hochul said older buildings in New York City have been renovated into apartments and the same thing can happen in Buffalo.
So what happens now?
Higgins said Shea's is just starting an internal review that may determine what happens to the Smith Theatre.
"Let's see where it goes," Higgins said.
Shea's considering development options for Smith Theatre
