In a win for sensible urban design, Ellicott Development Company has revised its plans for a retail project anchored by Tim Hortons at 1088 Niagara Street. Previously proposed as a one-story, 4,600 sq.ft. building with parking in the front has been changed to an 11,000 sq.ft., two-story building with parking to the rear. The building is not located at the corner, and the drive-thru and Niagara Street curb-cut remain, but the layout and architectural changes are fairly significant. The project description does not mention the use for the building’s second floor but the site plan and elevation show it as apartments.

The Buffalo Planning Board had previously tabled the proposal and Ellicott Development met with concerned citizens before redesigning the project.

OLD

NEW

From Ellicott Development’s project description to the Planning Board:

Since our presentation on November 6th we have made several changes to our proposed project at 1088 Niagara Street, a mixed-use building featuring a Tim Hortons and other tenants to be determined. One of the most noticeable changes is the relocation of the building so that it sits on the lot line fronting Niagara Street instead of being set back. As a result, the parking, which originally would have separated the building from the street, has been relocated behind the building.

Another change to the plan includes the relocation of the Tim Hortons entrance to the south side of the building, which would also feature an outdoor patio. A five foot wide sidewalk and landscaped area has also been added to act as a buffer from the parking lot and drive-thru lane. Finally, the Albany Street curb cut has been shifted to the west and a new landscape area has been added at the corner of Niagara Street and Albany Street.

The design of the building has also been noticeably modified. A second floor has been added, and will accommodate a tenant to be determined. The proposed façade would be brick, and feature architectural elements such as pilasters, parapets, awnings, storefront windows, and gooseneck lighting. These elements have been included to reflect the historic nature of the neighborhood while also breaking up the mass of the building, which would create a more pedestrian friendly site.

We believe this project will be a great addition to a neighborhood that is experiencing a transformation.

Plans for the development will be reviewed by the Planning Board tomorrow morning at 8:15 in City Hall Room 901.

OLD

NEW