The developers are undertaking the brownfield cleanup, adaptive reuse and historic renovation of the former F.N. Burt Company factory into a mixed use development. The new building will feature 300,000 sq. ft. of space for Class A offices and a nonprofit job training center.
The intention of the project is to bridge the downtown core and developing Larkin District with goal of spurring future development along the Seneca Street corridor. The developers will also extend streetscape improvements for the historic Larkin District further towards the downtown core.
The building has demonstrable historical, architectural and cultural significance for the region and the country as supported by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and National Park Service (NPS). If not for the efforts of the developers, the structure would most likely be demolished. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
An important component of the project will be the plentiful amount of floor space dedicated to local cultural institutions at below market rates. The building will house BCOME Buffalo job training program. Job training is identified as a regional priority of the Economic Development Council. It will also provide a location for the Management Services Organization (MSO) Center which will provide collaborative office administration and support for not for profit organizations throughout Erie County. Both programs are sponsored and operated in a collaborative partnership of The Matt Urban Center, The Old First Ward Community Association and the University District CDC and will occupy 22,000 sq. ft. of space.
FFZ Holdings will be occupying approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of the 60,000 sq. ft. they plan to lease The remaining space will be available for sub lease to both affiliated and non-affiliated companies.
