Travelers through the intersection of Parkside and Hertel avenues can watch the construction of a major new building on that North Buffalo corner. It is a mix of residential, office and commercial space. However, the developer has to first dig 10 former gasoline tanks out of the ground.
The $7 million project is going on the corner lot long used for gas stations. Developer John Daly told WBFO that digging into the ground found far more old and leaking gasoline tanks than anyone knew about.
The digging, which will be subsidized by the state's brownfield program, will allow the project to have underground parking. That is important because the building essentially covers the entire lot.
It is not clear when the building will be open. However, Daly said neighbors seem excited about the structure.
"They're calling it a game changer. I hope it is. Because it;s we feel the first newspace that's been brought on Hertel, a mix of multi-use, of retail, of commercial, of residential. It's nice to really get rid of what was an eyesore."
The city Planning Board has just approved some outside design changes which add to the window space for the 34 apartment units and make the corner of the building more visible. Daly said the first commercial tenant - Perk's coffee - is signed up and more are in talks. He said residential tenants are also paying attention.
