The Frizlen Group is currently in the process of acquiring 794 Potomac Avenue, with the intentions of building a new structure that will house 26 condo units on 2.5 floors, with 57 parking spaces under the building. Currently, the site is home to a single family home and an automotive workshop (26,000 sq.’ of land). Since embarking on the project, Frizlen has been met with some adversity from neighbors who feel that the project is “too big” and will cause congestion issues on the street.

According to Frizlen, the underground parking spots will alleviate parking issues on the street, and unit ownership means that dwellers will be more respectful of their surroundings. This is a desirable part of the city – the development will help to boost the vitality of the area. As with any multi-unit property in a thriving urban neighborhood (Lexington Avenue, Bryant, all over the West Side…), these types of buildings don’t cause traffic issues. Instead, they help to create vibrant urban neighborhoods, where people take pride in their streets and their dwellings. They walk to their parks and they shop at local businesses. Frizlen feels that he is contributing to the livelihood of the neighborhood by creating a productive dwelling from a parcel of land that was underutilized, and quite frankly a wreck.

In order to move forward with the project, Frizlen anticipates on performing an environmental cleanup, which could include removing underground tanks from the property. He says that he did his best to create a proper scale with the flanking houses. And most importantly, the units for sale will be condos that will range between $350,000 to $550,000. Buffalonians have been calling out for more condos, where people can actually invest instead of paying rent to a landlord.

For those that say that the building should be scaled down for aesthetic purposes, the renderings show a project that is on par with the scale of the surrounding structures. In a recent letter to the City of Buffalo Board of Appeals, Frizlen explained that he “adapted the architectural appearance of the new construction to the existing scale and character of the neighborhood.” He went on to say, “The building will exceed standard performance criteria and we will make sure that it will contribute to, and enhance, the neighborhood’s character.”