On January 28th, 2016, four groups from various development companies around Buffalo all came together at Kleinhans Music Hall to pitch proposals for the Women & Children’s Hospital building reuse. Kaleida Health began seeking input in late 2012 for the reuse of the hospital, and discussions and community forums have been held since. Kaleida Health is “committed to a transparent process for the reuse of the Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo (WCHOB) campus. The goal of the process is to ensure that future use of the site takes into account the uniqueness of the community and the urban character of the property.”
The property in discussion, Women & Children’s Hospital, is between Elmwood and Delaware Avenues, and the campus extends across Hodge Avenue to Utica Street. This campus includes 7 buildings all interconnected, and it is a priority that all buildings are utilized. Although four groups submitted proposals for consideration, one group was disqualified for failing to use the entirety of the campus in the proposal.
Ellicott Development created one of the four proposals for consideration. Here is an overview of what we think the existing WCHOB should become:
- Spring 2018, Phase 1
- 64 market rate apartments
- 89 independent senior living apartment units
- 152 room hotel
- Office space
- Daycare facility
- Grammar Charter School w/regulation gymnasium
- Grocery store w/ surface parking
- Performing Arts Center to seat 1,200 – 1,500
- Summer 2019, Phase 2
- Mixed use new build w/ retail, office, 24 apartments and surface parking
The Elmwood Center will not only be complementary to the neighborhood that is Elmwood Village, but it will provide community assets with community access to a new Performing Arts Center, meeting, and banquet space, as well as other services provided in the program. Minimal Physical Impact of The Elmwood Center means low construction impact for surrounding neighborhood, no large scale demolitions, and certified Historic Rehabilitation where eligible.
For more information on Ellicott Development’s portfolio including residential, commercial, hotel and more, please visit http://www.ellicottdevelopment.com/
