While details are still in flux, T.M. Montante is moving forward with its $63 million development of the old Millard Fillmore Hospital site on Gates Circle. The public was invited to talk about it Monday night at the Burchfield Penney Art Gallery.
The 10 acre hospital site is one of the most visible development sites in the city, right on historic Gates Circle and surrounded by some of the most economically sound neighborhoods in Buffalo.
Nearly everything on the site will probably be leveled, except the city's parking ramp.
Canterbury Woods is planning a $28 million, six-story complex holding 50 independent living and assisted living apartments in a building right on the curve of Gates Circle, roughly where the main hospital building is now.
Montante will develop the rest of the site.
"Our first building, and when I say ours, that's the T.M. Montante building, that would be facing Delaware," said Montante President Tim Vaeth.
"We're looking at an urban grocery store, an urban market which would be about 25,000 square feet. We're also looking at a health and wellness facility which is going to be about 55,000 square feet. On top of that we're going to have offices. We intend to move our own offices into the location."
Vaeth says the goal for his company and for Canterbury Woods is to start construction early next year after extensive demolition and site cleanup. An implosion of the hospital tower is under consideration.
The senior housing component could open in 2016. Montante's buildings would open in January of 2017.