A new mixed-use building is now open on what was a vacant lot on Buffalo's West Side.
State and local officials helped cut the ribbon on the Siano Building, at the corner of Grant St. and Potomac Ave., on Monday. Developer Chris Siano says the building has 11 market-rate apartments.
"The apartments have ten-foot ceilings. They have floor to ceiling windows and] sanded in place hardwood floors. The building's also heated and cooled with geothermal heat, so no natural gas is required to heat or cool the building," Siano said.
Niagara District Council Member David Rivera says the project shows that people have not given up on the city.
"This adds to the vibrancy and the vitality of the West Side and it brings density and it brings businesses. And that's exactly what we want to do," Rivera said.
Siano said the building also has ground level commercial space still available. He says the $2.3 million project was made possible with a grant through the state's Better Buffalo Fund.