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Development would add 200 condos/apartments to downtown

Posted at 11:28 PM, Dec 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-02 23:28:42-05

The plans Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation has for 201 Ellicott Street include what woudl be one of the largest residential structures in downtown Buffalo, in the form of an 18-story and 4-story building. The mixed use concept would also bring a grocery store to the central business district.

The buildings would provide up to 200 apartments or condos. That's half the amount of units that existed in downtown Buffalo in 2000. There's upwards of 1,200, now. An estimated 8,000 people call downtown home.

At a holiday celebration in Larkin Square a couple of soon to be empty nesters from Williamsville ross around the idea of city living.

“We're mostly looking suburban, but the thought of urban living still crosses my mind,” said Vance Conway.

People like the Conways, are the reason buildings with 200 housing units might work for downtown.

“They don't want to have the ownership but, they want to have the ability of living in downtown,” said Michael Schmand of Baby Boomers and empty nesters considering the move. Schmand is the executive director of Buffalo Place.

Developers are paying attention, as more people eye a move to downtown. They believe a mixed use area, like the one planned for 201 Ellicott Street, may the best thing to cater to the city's needs.

The Developers say they believe the new place will work well for young professionals and people working at the Medical Campus.