New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction has started on the 950 Broadway development in east Buffalo. The $13.5 million project, by Cedarland Development LLC, includes renovating and converting a 50,000-sq. ft. vacant and underutilized building into a mixed-use development with 28 affordable housing units, a free Head Start child education program and a proposed indoor urban farm.
The building has been unused for at least 18 years and was previously used as retail and office space.
“The groundbreaking for 950 Broadway today is a new beginning for this long-vacant, prominent structure in east Buffalo,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “Once a blight on the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, the historic building will now be a community anchor and catalyst for economic development. Homes will be made here, and we look forward to welcoming new neighbors to the Buffalo community.”
Buffalo aims to encourage more redevelopment of vacant structures, provide better connections between anchors and amenities through greenspace, increase affordable housing opportunities, and enhance the streetscape, according to a press release from the city.
“I commend Cedarland Development LLC for their hard work to get this project off the ground. In 2022, the city secured about $10 million through a competitive application process for the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI),” said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown. “In addition to the 950 Broadway project, the city secured funding for other projects in the Broadway Fillmore area such as revitalizing Sears Paderewski Park, affordable housing at Playter Gardens at the Market, and improvements to the Matt Urban Center.”
New York State is providing a loan valued at $900,000 and $1.1 million grant from Empire State Development’s Better Buffalo Fund to support the commercial renovations and building’s stabilization. Also, the project was awarded a $427,150 grant for the buildout of the day care facilities through the Department of State’s round 5 Downtown Revitalization Initiative for the Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood.
The Art Moderne building – with a rounded facade of granite, terra cotta and stainless steel – was designed by architects Bley and Lyman and built in 1940.
“950 Broadway represents not just a building but a commitment to revitalizing our community,” said Cedarland Development Group founder Dr. Fadi Dagher. “We are dedicated to addressing the community’s needs by delivering essential neighborhood services and affordable housing projects in collaboration with our community partners and elected officials.”
