Substantial transformations are taking place in the once forgotten industrial landscape of what is now commonly referred to as the Larkin District. Anchored by Larkin at Exchange, this old neighborhood is seeing new life as a successful urban district home to some of the premiere companies in the region, exciting industrial architecture, and a steady residential base.
Most recently, Larkin Development Group has renovated the Schaefer Building at 740 Seneca into a mix of office and residential space. Young + Wright Architecture has moved in and occupied the first two floors and a third floor will soon become residential space in the form of two apartments. Those apartments are scheduled to be ready early 2011. According to Larkin Development, the building has been most widely known as housing the Marine Trust Bank (occupied in 1919) which later became Marine Midland Bank (1960s) and later HSBC (1990s). It was originally designed by architect Joseph J. W. Bradney and constructed in 1900 to house Henry Schaefer’s grocery.
Also under renovation is the “U Building”, a three story brick structure just north of Larkin Exchange at 237 Van Rensselaer. When completed in 2011, it have exclusively commercial space available for lease. With its new use, also comes a unique history brought back to life. A Romanesque Revival structure built in 1892, it has been occupied by many different industrial companies over time including the Larkin Company. During its occupancy by Larkin Co., a bowling alley was built in the basement for Larkin Men’s Club members. This is one of the more breathtaking buildings in the district and its renovation along with other surrounding developments will really help shape the new image of this district.
But the revival of this district does not depend on just renovated buildings; an extensive redesign of the streetscape for a half-mile located along Seneca between Fillmore Ave and the Larkin District will enhance its aesthetic quality as well as its walkability. First Niagara Bank, Larkin Development, and the City of Buffalo came together to fund this $2,000,000 project known as “Spotlight Larkin Streetscape Project”. New streets, sidewalks, bike lanes, curbs, landscaping, lighting, benches, bus shelters and crosswalks will visually transform this part of Buffalo.
In addition to the previously mentioned enhancements, will be the creation of “Larkin Square”, the triangular intersection of Seneca, Swan, and Emslie Streets. According to Larkin Development “A positive and accessible public community space excellent for festivals and performances as well as a quiet game of chess or place to read a book. With it’s central location in the Larkin District, Larkin Square instills an urban community and furthers cultural and neighborhood growth.”
Just north of the U Building is a former gas station which the development group is currently holding onto as the market unfolds to determine its new use but around it will be planned and permanent green space facing Seneca Street that will make for pleasant gathering spaces for employees and residents alike.
Also underway is another project from the development group, 111 Hydraulic. This project is part of the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program and will eventually see a two-story commercial building and parking lot on this site.
Besides Larkin Development, there are other developers with plans to bring new office and residential space to the district. The Kamman Building is almost directly across from the Schaefer Building and is currently planned to become the new home for a local architecture firm. Seneca Industrial Center –the hulking gray structure next to Larkin Exchange has been purchased from Seneca Development and should see an exciting renovation in the future. Savarino has purchased what was last used as a factory fro New Era Cap and plans to bring new office space to that building as well.
It is all underway and some parts of the final product are hard to visualize right now but the Larkin District is seeing substantial new development all around and in all sorts of ways. As time progresses we will see a district that is urban and diverse, but is also the perfect fit for companies who might not be able to find the space they want downtown, yet still seek better alternatives to suburban office parks that in a new era in commercial development wants great public space, architecture and mixed-uses as much as a good bottom line.
If you are friends with the blog on Facebook, you can access dozens upon dozens of photos taken in the Larkin District by me this weekend. Click on the Facebook link at the top corner of the author bio page. Or click here.