While Flying Bison Brewing Company’s move from Ontario Street to the Larkin District was applauded, the same couldn’t be said for its new building which was deemed a “missed opportunity” in this post.

Flying Bison’s original plan called for renovating a 12,500 sq.ft. building at the 840 Seneca Street site that fronted Lord Street and was set back from Seneca. When the rehab was deemed impractical, the existing building was demolished and a new building was put on the same footprint. Commenters thought the building’s design was less than inspired and the placement away from Seneca Street was a mistake for a neighborhood trumpeted for its makeover and urbanism.

While that’s in the past, a brewer in Rochester gives us a good example on how to do it in the future.

Three Heads Brewery & Tasting Room is planned for a vacant site at 186 Atlantic Avenue in the Neighborhood of the Arts. It is to be developed by FSI General Contractors and leased to Three Heads. From Rochester Subway:

The planned 19,500 square foot building will primarily be a manufacturing facility, but will also include retail sales, an indoor tasting room, and outdoor patio. There will also be extensive landscaping ($40,000 worth at least) and public space improvements (sidewalks, curbs, LED lighting, etc.).

The Rochester brewery was designed Pardi Partnership Architects.

Flying Bison was Buffalo’s first stand alone brewery since Iroquois Brewing closed its doors in 1972 and set the stage for others to follow in the city. May the next ground-up brewery follow Rochester’s example.