5 - 7 Genesee Street

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January 2016
Photos: Buffalo Rising, Daniel Seiders, Mike Puma

Location

5 - 7 Genesee Street, Buffalo NY 14203
Google Bird's Eye View
Ellicott Council District
SBL: 111.46-9-1.1
Erie County Property Info
County Tax Map (loads GIS page)
City of Buffalo Parcel Viewer

Adjacent to: 9 Genesee Street and 537 Main Street
Across from: 545 Main Street

Owner

Formerly BUFFALO RED HOTS LLC per propertyviewer
Now an investment group headed by Steve Carmina as of 11/2013

Physical Description

Two joined 3-4 story Greek Revival-style buildings, 6,920 sq.ft total.

Current Condition

  • The ground floors of the two three-story buildings are connected, but the upper floors are not. The upper floors windows are currently blocked. Structural issues were reported in 2012. Full renovation to begin Spring 2014.

History

  • 1845 - Built ca. 1845, one of the oldest structures in downtown Buffalo.
  • 1860 - 4th story added to 5 Genesee Street
  • 5 Genesee was once 'Antwerp Diamond Co.'
  • 7 Genesee was once a 'Charles Sprenger's Lunch' and 'Hotel for Men'.

Recent Events and Actions Taken

  • August 2008 - Texas Red Hots was still utilizing the ground floor but is no longer in business in 2012
  • August 2008 - Building(s) listed at $199,500
  • July 2011 - Common Council passed a resolution titled "Revitalization of the 500 Block of Main Street." All 500 Block owners with unoccupied buildings were requested to appear before the Council, and more aggressive enforcement was requested for City code violations.
  • 2012 - A potential buyer had briefly looked at opening a Greek restaurant at the site
  • 2012 - Block stateholders and the City are considering stabilization, demolition, saving the facade, new infill, or a pocket park / outdoor dining area
  • November 2013 - Developer group led by architect Steve Carmina has acquired the property. "The interconnected buildings will become residential and commercial space. The front façade will be restored and later additions to the rear of the building will be removed to create a courtyard." (Chris Schmidt, Buffalo Rising)
  • March 2014 - Architect Steve Carmina announces potential plan fora trio of upstairs apartments and a first floor restaurant
  • August 2014 - Restaurateur Don Warfe hopes to open Pomme Frites in the first floor
  • November 2014 - Unfortunate yellow facade scheduled to be removed. Also, restauranteurs Chuck Goodspeed, John Glavey, and Joseph Jerge announce plans to open a restaurant similar to Goodspeed's Brick Oven Bistro.
  • July 2015 - New roof framing is erected.

Other Pertinent Facts

  • Located in the 500 Block local historic preservation district
  • Access and visibility will improve as one lane of east-bound traffic will from Main to Washington, along with parking, as part of Main Street re-traffic project.

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Added 2013-01-14 • Last changed 2018-01-22