Work to Finally Start on Mohawk Parking Ramp in Downtown Buffalo
The Buffalo Common Council voted on Tuesday to move forward with a new agreement with Washington, DC-based developer Doug Jemal for considerable changes to the Mohawk parking ramp downtown. Construction could begin on a total remake of the property by the end of the year.
As currently proposed and under consideration by the council, Douglas Development has a wide-ranging vision for the property, including improvements to the existing parking structure, the creation of 60 new apartments, 5,000 square feet of retail space, and, eventually, two additional parking decks for 900 more spots and another 250 new apartments at either the Simon East or Main Street properties also under contract with Jemal. Development for each of these two phases is expected to take no longer than two years, or four years in total.
The third phase, proposed by Jemal, would secure “necessary financing” for more apartments on the parking ramp, totaling no fewer than 450 apartments, of which 15% will be affordable housing units.
The proposal has the support of Fillmore District Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski, who wants to see talk turn to action when it comes to downtown redevelopment.
“Finally the ball is rolling,” he said. “I wanted to see it quicker, but I’m happy that it’s at the council now, and I want people to know that, yes, this did take a long time, but we’re getting a good bang for our buck, and we’re ultimately getting a good deal for Buffalonians.”
Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon also believes this is the smart path forward for the city.
“The great thing about that project is that Mr. Jemal is willing to forfeit any tax incentives that he’s eligible for and reinvest them in the City of Buffalo,” he said. “You don’t see that happening too often; you don’t see people lining up at City Hall to do development projects where they’re going to forego their tax exemptions. This is the second time he’s now done it, and I hope, quite frankly, that other members of the development community will follow suit and contribute back to the City of Buffalo the way he has.”
Pictures of Niagara Falls
Gallery Credit: Canva