A western New York development company unveiled its plans to build a new innovative office space in downtown Buffalo when completed the structure is expected to compare to Google and Yahoo’s office buildings.
“It’s a classic urban infill project and that it taking something existing and trying to reuse it as much as we can, but then creating a use that’s better than what’s there and better for the neighborhood too,” said Vice President of Uniland Development Company Michael Montante.
The Uniland Development Company announced that they will turn a vacant warehouse building on Ellicott Street in downtown Buffalo into an innovative hub similar to Google and Yahoo.
“What it will be like is it will be more open, there will be a lot of natural light coming in and it would be an environment that you can come in, in a suit and tie and feel comfortable going to work there or you can come in, with a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. So it’s a more casual atmosphere,” said Montonte.
The 36,000 square foot building will have an open concept with windows that stretch from the ground to the roof unlike traditional corporate office buildings. It will also be centrally located near the city’s Medical Campus. Montante said bringing more innovative buildings to a city helps attract cutting-edge companies, and in turn boost a region’s economy.
“I’m a firm believer that without a strong city core we won’t have a strong region, so it’s important to pay attention to our city and that will help not only the city of Buffalo, but all of western New York,” said Montonte.
Montante said no tenants have officially committed to the space, but there are many interested. The building is expected to be completed by summer 2014.