Public Works in the Works at Buffalo

Is Uniland Development Co. getting ready to be named the designated developer for the proposed new City of Buffalo Public Works campus?

The Amherst-based developer isn’t saying so, and Buffalo officials are mum on when a designated developer may be named for the oft-discussed project. But, in a move that may foreshadow Buffalo’s upcoming decision, Uniland has paid $2.68 million for 62 acres of land that had been owned by railroad behemoth Norfolk Southern Railway Co. The deal closed on Aug. 9, according to filings in the Erie County Clerk's office.

Uniland put the largely vacant parcel in Buffalo’s Bailey Avenue-Dingens Street neighborhood under contract in May.

Also, in early May, Uniland officials had a brief discussion with the Buffalo Planning Board regarding a possible reuse of the 62 acres along Bailey Avenue. No action was taken by the planning board.

“The acquisition of approximately 62 contiguous acres within a metropolitan area presents a compelling opportunity for Uniland for future commercial industrial use,” said Ryan Weisz, Uniland senior marketing manager. “Uniland consistently identifies the availability of substantial, contiguous land parcels and views this as a strategic asset.”
Buffalo has not set a time frame for when the city campus designated developer role will be announced.

At least three other development interests have responded to Buffalo’s RFP process.
The new public works campus would replace the aging but historic Broadway Barns, located just east of downtown Buffalo’s central business district.

Last fall, the city designated a development team led by Silo City developer Anthony Cherry, Bellwether Advisors Danielle Shainbrown and Nicole Roman, Carmina Wood Design, and Hallmark Planning & Development to transform the Broadway Barns into a mixed-use complex with recreational, residential, and some retail components.
The Broadway Barns project won’t begin until the new public works campus has been developed, which should be completed by 2026.