Owners of the old Freezer Queen complex say they will move ahead with apartments on the prime site
The building has been sitting there for a long time, since frozen food operations were shut down. The current owners, operating as Queen City Landing, bought the buildings and the surrounding open water in 2008. It's adjacent to the Small Boat Harbor in Buffalo Harbor State Park, just off Fuhrmann Boulevard.
"Why now?" asks General Manager and Partner Jerry Buchheit. "Because we believe at this point the prices of real estate have gone up enough, rental rates have gone up enough and with the growth of the medical corridor and Downtown Buffalo, there's a need for upscale professional type housing."
The complex is about a 10 minute bike ride away from the new Solar City manufacturing complex, which will also have some high-end and well-paid jobs. Buchheit says the plan calls for 115-one and two bedroom apartments, two-restaurants, a gym and indoor parking for all residents and restaurant customers. The outside of the building will be moved somewhat into the interior to allow for patios and balconies.
Work on the 50-million-dollar complex could start as early as this fall.