BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The sites of The Old Pink and Mulligan's Brick Bar in Allentown have been sold to Roche Development, the real estate broker who handled the sale confirmed to 7 News.
According to the broker, the Old Pink site at 223 Allen Street sold for around $200,000, and the Mulligan's site at 229 Allen Street for around $180,000.
We first brought you developments surrounding the properties earlier this month when we spoke to Buffalo attorney and real estate developer Kyle Roche, who said the sites were under contract to be sold. Roche is a Buffalo attorney and real estate developer. He also told us he is working to secure the lot that sits between the former bars and is currently owned by the City of Buffalo.
WATCH: Sites of The Old Pink and Mulligan's Brick Bar in Allentown under contract for sale
The lots have sat empty for months after both bars were ravaged by fire, leaving a void in the Allentown community. An arsonist burned The Old Pink to the ground in June 2024.
WATCH: One year later: Allentown community reflects on the fire that destroyed The Old Pink
Mulligan's Brick Bar caught fire six months later, in January of this year.
WATCH: Community reacts to fire that destroyed Mulligan's Brick Bar
Roche told us that details surrounding his plans for the properties are still in the works, adding that anything he develops there will be cohesive with the historic nature of the neighborhood and that he plans to engage the community for input.
“Obviously the big staples of the community, right?" James Chadwick, a longtime neighbor, said. "Like, if you're from Buffalo in general, you know what those two bars are. You’ve heard of them, whether you’ve been there or not, spent a good time there."
Monica Morrisey, who lived in the area for 10 years and was a regular at both bars, hopes the redevelopment reflects the diversity of the neighborhood.
“I think what a lot of the community wants is more of a cohesive place to have again,” she said.
“We’ve seen a lot of new builds and the 5-over-1 that you see all over the country in commercial builds," she added. "People don’t want to see that here. They want to see something that matches and goes with the character of the neighborhood."
Neighbors like Joel and James hope whatever is built also nods to the two iconic bars.
“Whatever they do build, they should build something in remembrance of the bars,” Joel said.
“The best thing you could possibly put is another fun establishment or something that's good for the community. Something that even kind of resembles what it used to be, that’s all,” James added.
“I hope that this young man and this development company can take that in stride and respect the legacy that they made,” Morrisey said.
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon issued the following statement:
“We are encouraged to see these sites are under new ownership and look forward to working with Mr. Roche on his redevelopment plans, including the potential incorporation of the city-owned lot.
My administration will ensure that any proposal incorporates community input, aligns with the standards of the Allentown Historic Preservation District, and strengthens the neighborhood in a way that honors its character and identity.”
The Allentown Association also issued the following statement:
"The Allentown Association has worked with Roche Development in the past through the BMSI Main Street Grant program administered by the Association.
We have every confidence in their ability to complete a thoughtful and quality project.
The Allentown Association does not have a specific vision for the two properties at this time. We wanted to wait until more was known about who the new owner would be.
Our goal at this time is to meet with the developer along with a small group of immediate neighbors as well as Allen Street business representatives to provide input on what types of use the residents and businesses would like to see."
