Development is continuing to move along Buffalo's Niagara Street. After years of neglect, the city has put millions into improving the street and landscape. That investment appears to be paying off.
Old warehouses and manufacturing plants are being turned into upscale apartments as developers scramble to meet the demand for upscale urban housing.
William Breeser is fixing up a building near Niagara and Breckenridge where he owns a string of properties along the main street. The building, which dates back to 1877, will be transformed into a restaurant and three apartments, conveniently located near Rich Products.
"They seem like they might be a viable market," Breeser said of the hundreds employed at Rich Products.
It's a relatively small $700,000 project, though it does present some of the complications that are common with rehabbing a 19th century structure.
"There's some issues with some of the wood framing, in the roof and in the second floor and some areas where there's water infiltration. But, we've just got to replace that wood framing," said architect Jonathan Morris.
"It's in fair condition. The masonry walls are in great shape."
While there's excitement over the upscale interest in the West Side, most acknowledge that the neighborhood's turnaround began as a new wave of immigrants found their way into the area in recent years.
