Category: PostEvents

Buffalo’s film resources continue to broaden. This time it’s Buffalo Camera entering the scene, dreamed up by Expressway Cinema Rentals out of Philadelphia. Whereas recently-opened Buffalo Expendables specializes in selling sells grip tape, gels, fabric, rope, camera, electric, grip, etc., Buffalo Camera brings more of the heavier technical equipment – camera and lighting rentals – to the city’s film landscape.

Buffalo Camera is now located inside a refreshed industrial complex – the old Buffalo China complex (69 Hayes Street in South Buffalo) a few blocks from the Buffalo FilmWorks soundstage complex. This ideal location is primely situated for convenience to the local film community, as well as international producers call upon this city with increased frequency. Not only are film crews seeking out Buffalo more often, they are bringing larger and larger films, which call for a convenient resource of this nature. Not to mention the smaller independent features, episodic television, commercials, and other industry projects.

You can feel that everyone is committed to building something great together.

James Madison, Co-owner and CEO of Expressway Cinema Rentals

“Buffalo is a vibrant and creative community with great people,” says Co-owner and CEO of Expressway
Cinema Rentals, James Madison, who is thrilled to offer a full range of film and video equipment rentals and support. “There’s an energy and camaraderie. You can feel that everyone is committed to building something great together. This is exactly the type of place where Expressway can have an impact. It has all the creative ingredients. We’re here to help stir the pot.”

Zac Rubino, Co-owner and CTO of Expressway adds, “I have gotten to know many of these talented
professionals over the years and we understand how important this is. That is why it was critical to work
with people who are ingrained in the culture here in Buffalo. By bringing Ben Mannarino and his company
Buffalo Camera into the Expressway family, we can bring the full scope of Expressway’s premium
equipment and services to the region, but also in a way that will be uniquely Buffalo.”

“I truly appreciate the trust this community has shown in me over the years,” Buffalo Operations Manager,
Ben Mannario says. “I am excited to show off all the work we have put into this new facility. Bringing
Expressway into Buffalo and pushing Buffalo Camera to the next level is going to be a game changer for
us locally. Having this level of inventory and support in the market is going to create a lot of
opportunities.”

It was Buffalo FilmWorks (motion picture studio) that was a significant catalyst in helping to bring the full-scale camera prep facility to Buffalo. Realizing the undeniable need in the region, the plan was to engage with Expressway Cinema Rentals to explore the possibilities. By offering a high quality experience for camera crews, more production companies and film studios will ultimately consider Buffalo for their filming needs.

Having a full-scale camera prep facility in Buffalo and right around the corner from us will be a huge upgrade for the creative infrastructure in the region.

George Pittas of Buffalo FilmWorks

“As our exclusive rental provider, we are pleased to have Expressway and Buffalo Camera offer in-house
camera rentals at the stages,” George Pittas of Buffalo FilmWorks says. “Having a full-scale camera prep
facility in Buffalo and right around the corner from us will be a huge upgrade for the creative infrastructure
in the region. We are excited to have them on site.”

“The Buffalo Niagara Film Office is grateful to our partners at Expressway Cinema Rentals for coming to
Buffalo and bringing their resources with them,” says Buffalo Niagara Film Commissioner, Tim Clark.
“Their commitment to make high quality equipment easily accessible in the same city that productions are shooting will strengthen the local motion picture industry.”

Buffalo FilmWorks may now be the largest sound stage in North America – larger than anything in Hollywood or NYC.

During a press conference on Thursday, Clark let the cat out of the bag, so to speak, by informing attendees that with the addition of Giant Studio 4 (stay tuned), Buffalo FilmWorks may now be the largest sound stage in North America – larger than anything in Hollywood or NYC.

“The Buffalo (film) journey has gone from zero to 150MPH,” said Clark. “And it’s heading to 300MPH.”

Clark went on attribute much of the recent growth to the city’s top-notch work ethic. He said that people in Buffalo show up to film sets half an hour early, whereas in other cities they might be an hour late. It makes all of the difference in the world. Add to that, the growing film assets, the production companies, the landscapes, the four seasons, and a city that is hungry for anything film related, and we have a pretty awesome recipe for continued success.

Buffalo Camera | 69 Hayes Place Suite 2A | Buffalo, NY 14210

The post Buffalo Camera Finds a Home at old Buffalo China appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

In this episode of WNY Soundstage, host Daniel Lendzian speaks with Adrianne Salmon, Marketing Director of Buffalo Iron Works. Buffalo Iron Works is a live music venue, located in Buffalo’s historic Cobblestone District. Known for the diversity in their music programming, Buffalo Iron Works is also host to Cobblestone Live, an outdoor music and arts festival, being held on Friday July 15, and Saturday July 16, 2022. Click here for a list of upcoming events.

This episode includes:

Why Buffalo Iron Works is important to the Cobblestone DistrictThe creation of the events calendarThe balance between “known artists” and less familiar actsThe open stage program featuring local actsThe challenges of running a venue during a pandemicThe importance of the kitchen in the venueA discussion of Cobblestone Live 2022

Connect with Buffalo Iron Works:
Buffalo Iron Works 
49 Illinois Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
716.200.1893 | Twitter | Instagram

Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival

Buffalo Iron Works, Lockhouse Distillery & Twenty6 Productions present the Fourth Annual Cobblestone Live Music & Arts Festival, to be held on Friday, July 15th and Saturday July 16th, 2022 in the heart of the Historic Cobblestone District in downtown Buffalo, NY. The festival features two outdoor stages located on Illinois and Columbia streets, indoor stages at Buffalo Iron Works & Lockhouse Distillery, a vendor village, local artisans, food trucks and multiple bars throughout the site. Artist lineup to be announced in the coming months!

Over the last decade, the Historic Cobblestone District has become a breeding ground for live music and entertainment. Cobblestone Live is a single neighborhood of bars, restaurants, and venues coming together to put on a two-day community focused festivals which will continue to grow to a national sized event in the years to come.

ADVANCE:

Two-day general access: $40
Single-day general access: $25
Two-day VIP access: $175
Single-day VIP access: $100

DAY-OF FESTIVAL:

Two-day general access: $50
Single-day general access: $30
Two-day VIP access: $200
Single-day VIP access: $125

Upcoming Events at Buffalo Iron Works

June 2022
JUN 23 | WHEATUS
JUN 24 | ORANGE CORNER
JUN 30 | THE JAUNTE

The Jauntee Summer Tour 2022 hits Buffalo Iron Works – Thursday June 30th, 2022!

July 2022
JUL 02 | CADENCE JAYDENSE
JUL 07 | THE SCALES
JUL 09 | STREETS SOPRANO
JUL 10 | WILDERADO
JUL 13 | JOSE RAMIREZ
JUL 14 | IDLEWILD SOUTH
JUL 15 + 16 | COBBLESTONE LIVE
JUL 20 | THEM COULEE BOYS
JUL 22 | CONSIDER THE SOURCE
JUL 24 | JOHN MORELAND
JUL 30 | SHWAYZE
JUL 31 | THE RED JUMPSUIT + ATTACK

Shwayze w/ Special Guests make their Buffalo Iron Worsk debut – Saturday July 30th, 2022

August 2022
AUG 05 | 90’S ROCKFEST
AUG 09 | BAKED SHRIMP
AUG 11 | POPA CHUBBY
AUG 13 | LITTLE STRANGER
AUG 20 | PAUL CAUTHEN

90’s Rockfest Coming to Buffalo Featuring:
Best of Foo – The Region’s Ultimate Tribute to Foo Fight & Lounge Fly – The Premier Tribute to Stone Temple Pilots

Event list is subject to change. For the latest information or to purchase tickets, please visit buffaloironworks.com

The post Behind the Scenes: the business of music and event promotion in WNY with Adrianne Salmon, Buffalo Iron Works appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

An historic firehouse on the West Side has a new owner.  Commercial and residential developer Milestone Development of WNY LLC purchased 310 Jersey Street yesterday for $400,000.  Seller, Project X Holdings LLC, purchased the property in 2017 for $435,000 and had plans to open a brewery and restaurant there. A previous owner had plans to convert the 12,400 sq.ft. building to apartments but did not follow through.

The proposed brewery required an adaptive reuse permit to operate a restaurant in the 2R zoning district. Plans also call for a studio apartment, one-story addition to the rear, façade alterations, and addition of an outdoor dining patio. The plans faced pushback from neighbors and the Planning Board turned down the proposal.

The post Done Deal: 310 Jersey Sold appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Leave it to Myles ‘DogBeGreat’ Stubblefield to amplify the Juneteenth Festival vibe by creating his own celebratory event that is based on his love of canines and the environment. We have discussed Myles’ dedication to these passions in a previous article. As founder of Buffalo Worm Works and Dog Learning Center (DLC), Myles has masterfully laid a pathway for others to follow, whether dog lover or earth activist.

Now, Myles has chosen to shine a light on African American History in a different sort of way. His event – a supportive extension of Buffalo’s historical Juneteenth Festival – will demonstrate how to best educate dog owners when it comes to canine obedience training. Myles specializes in dogs that need the most help, whether they are unwanted, have been abused, or simply never trained properly. Anyone hoping to gain some insight into the training process is encouraged to attend this informative event, which will ultimately help people to become better dog owners (and best friends) with their four-legged companions.

“This unique celebration is honestly an expression of my heart out loud,” said Myles. “I love Buffalo, and I invite everyone to come out and share in peace and kindness together.”

Myles, who is a dog behavior specialist, will be joined by Nickel City Canine Rescue.

For those who attend the event, a portion of the proceeds will be directed to the reconstruction of the Juneteenth Headquarters’ roof in Downtown Buffalo! Support will also benefit K9 Vision Inc. and BFLO Worm Works, both of which are black owned businesses that were adversely impacted due to the pandemic.

Ultimately, Myles is also seeking to expand upon the role that animals have played in traditional African cultures – a role that is often times overlooked. His goal is to educate the community about animal welfare and sustainability – two subjects that are near and dear to his heart. Of course the event is also about unity and togetherness, which is something that we could all use a little more of these days.

The Juneteenth Community BBQ will be held at the Dog Learning Center, at 317 Ensminger Rd. Tonawanda Ny 14150 on June 18, 2022, from 1pm-6pm, featuring local vendors, music, food, etc. 

Demonstrations

● T. Harris Canine – obedience demo with working dogs

● Mary Craig Storytelling

● Sean Felton “Super FLY” – MMA and Self Defense Demo

Music

A DJ tent will be hosted by local renowned DJ LoPro 

Food

Munch Buffalo – Kitchen of Froth Brewery Stubb’s Be Grilling – Slow smoked meats. Order your choice of chicken and sausages Reese Catering will be providing $10-$15 compostable “to go” boxes at the end of the event

The post Myles ‘DogBeGreat’ Stubblefield amplifies the Celebration of African American Culture appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

One of the reasons that we all love Buffalo is for its architectural heritage. We’re so lucky to have a sensational historic building stock, not just in the city, but throughout the region.

As a way to get more people out learning about the region’s architectural legacy, Preservation Buffalo Niagara (PBN) has launched its second season of the Preservation Passport series, a self-guided tour program exploring Western New York’s National Register-listed historic districts.

The Preservation Passport is essentially a guide to exploring various districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 2022, the following historic districts are being spotlighted.

West Village Historic District in Erie CountyAlfred Historic District in Allegany CountyEllicottville Historic District in Cattaraugus CountyFrench Portage Road Historic District in Chautauqua County

All of these historic destinations are within easy reach of Buffalonians, whether it’s popping over to the West Village, or making a day-trip out of it by visiting the Alfred Historic District, which consists of 55 acres and 133 buildings dating from 1818 to 1930!

Each travelogue guidebook will be released throughout the spring and summer starting this June with the release of the Alfred Historic District travelogue.

“This June, we’re encouraging fans of history, architecture, and our region’s beauty to get out and explore!” said Christiana Limniatis, PBN’s Director of Preservation Services. “Our new season of Preservation Passport makes it fun and easy for anyone to experience Western New York’s historic architectural legacy one historic district at a time. And with its gorgeous, diverse collection of buildings, the Alfred Historic District is a great place to get started!” 

Preservation Passport Season 2 travelogue guidebooks are available as a package set ($65 for PBN members or $75 for the general public) or individually ($15 each for PBN members or $20 for the general public). 

First-time tour-goers can get started by ordering the Preservation Passport Starter Kit ($75 for PBN members, $85 for the general public). The Starter Kit includes a PBN tote, a subscription to receive all four self-guided tour travelogues, a passport book, and passport stickers to record each tour taken. Each Preservation Passport book lists all current National Register districts in Western New York. All items are available at www.preservationbuffaloniagara.org.

For more information about Preservation Passport, please email PBN at info@pbnsaves.org, visit www.preservationbuffaloniagara.org, or call 716-852-3300.

The post 2022 Preservation Passport Series appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Not only is Resurgence in the midst of running its annual Pints In The Park program, where the brewery pops up at regional parks throughout the summer months…

… it is also launching its permanent location at The Parkside Lodge this Friday, June 17 (4pm-9p).

This exciting partnership between Resurgence Brewing Company and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is the perfect fix for those who are looking to explore some new brews and some reliable fan favorites, at one of the most coveted park settings in Buffalo.

“The Conservancy is proud to partner with Resurgence Brewing Company in reactivating the Parkside Lodge cafe,” said Stephanie Crockatt, Conservancy Executive Director. “Resurgence in the Park is the result of a great park partnership starting with Pints in the Park two years ago, and in early 2022 featured the creation of ‘Olmsted Ale’ in honor of Frederick Law Olmsted’s 200th birthday.  With the great reputation Resurgence has, we believe their reactivation of this space in tandem with our Golf Shop will be a service enhancement for park patrons.”

From now, through the end of the 2022 golf season, Resurgence will be serving up beers, wine, cocktails, and food, in the family-friendly Lodge setting at 84 Parkside Avenue.

“We could not be more thrilled to work alongside the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy,” said Jeff Ware, Owner and CEO of Resurgence Brewing company. “For us, this project really screamed Resurgence. We’re excited to be part of bringing back an asset to the park that’s been missing for years. Adding to the resurgence of our city is what we’re all about and we truly believe people will love this new space.”

Whether you’re a golfer or a runner, or simply someone who enjoys idyllic park settings, this new park asset will be sure to please. Grab a sandwich, a beer, or both, and relax inside The Lodge, outdoors on the café’s veranda, or in a special section of dedicated green-space with panoramic park views.

“Come on out to our grand opening this Thursday (today), or our launch party Friday for a full night of music, food and – of course – beer!” – The Resurgence Crew

Outdoor seating will be available for an iconic park view. Hours of operation will be Thursday – Friday, 4:00pm – 9:00pm, and Saturday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm. For additional information about Resurgence in the Park, please visit www.Resurgencebrewing.com.

The post Launch Party: Resurgence @ The Parkside Lodge appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

The Black Rock Riverside Alliance (BRRAlliance) has partnered with Outside Chronicles to map out a 12-trek challenge that people can participate in through October 15. By completing 10 out of the 12 landmark destination visits, participants will not only get to explore some of the area’s best outdoor assets, they will also learn some things about the sites, including historical and environmental factoids.

The 2022 destinations are Black Rock – Riverside Shoreline, Cazenovia Park, Delaware Park, Delaware Park (Rumsey Woods), Martin Luther King, Jr Park, Outer Harbor, Scajaquada Creek, Ship Canal, Shoshone Park Rails-to-Trails, South Park, Tifft Nature Preserve, and Unity Island.

“Proceeds from the registrations are donated to the BRRAlliance to help us continue to promote environmental stewardship and creation of wildlife habitats throughout the city and the region,” said Anne K.C. McCooey, Executive Director BRRAlliance, Inc.

Participants are asked to take a selfie at each of the designated landmarks, in order to complete the challenge (see the rules). Those who do complete the challenge will be awarded a nifty patch, designed by Black Rock’s own Marinette Kozlow of Inspired Buffalo.

All of the treks in this inaugural challenge are designed to be fun, informational, accessible for young and old alike, and on bus routes for convenience. Anyone can sign up to engage in this family-friendly, city-wide adventure.

Individual: $20
Family: $40 (up to 4 members)

*The registration fee is used to cover the cost of Challenge prizes (patches and stickers) and expenses. All profits from trekker registrations will be donated to the Black Rock Riverside Alliance.

Register at outsidechronicles.com/urbantreks

The post Inaugural Urban Treks Challenge appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Buffalo Rising’s Local Made introduces and reacquaint readers with local makers: newly launched or up-and-coming entrepreneurs, small artists and makers.

Every Sunday at the corners of Ashland and Bryant you’ll find a great new market featuring a variety of local vendors with all sorts of fresh products. Stagecoach Market officially launched its first year with its grand opening on May 15 and will continue every Sunday. vendors carry an assortment of locally grown or made products. Stagecoach Market is open from 9am1-pm weekly and new vendors are always being added.

Flat 12 Mushrooms

Every once in a while you meet someone so passionate about what they are doing that you can truly call them an expert. Robbie Gianadda is one of those people. Robbie has a unique business model. Everything he does is cyclical – his goal is to have a business that has a neutral carbon footprint. Each mushroom is grown from a bag of straw, and Robbie has never thrown one bag out. Even after the growing cycle is complete and the bags are no longer producing mushrooms he leaves them in his building, knowing that they can be used in other ways. Robbie gives them to local farms to use in compost or to use as field barriers to prevent runoff from affecting crops. He also knows that giving back to the community is important and makes it a big part of his business model.

Flat 12 Mushrooms offers Lion’s Mane, Chestnut, Shitake, Oyster, Black Pearl Oyster and Golden Oyster mushrooms, which you can either purchase by the half pound or they offer Bi-weekly and weekly CSA shares. In addition to the variety of fresh mushrooms, they offer Lion’s Mane Coffee, mushroom broth, pate, cream cheese, galettes and more. If you are looking for a great way to elevate your food, we highly recommend checking out Flat 12 Mushrooms!

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Nickel City Nitro

Nickel City Nitro is a love letter to the coffee community. They are a coffee brewery that features a locally-roasted signature blend. They steep the coffee for 20 hours, and infuse the cold brew with nitrogen for a smooth, velvety finish. Then, they deliver their delicious beverages to the community on their solar and human powered one-of-a-kind bike café! They want to meet you where you are. Their nitro cold brew blend is also sold in local cafes and various locations around Buffalo.

With a year under their belts, owners Jon Davis and Christopher Davis have made some significant strides. With their electric (solar powered) bike, with a rustic-looking shipping box in front, and a tap system built in (made locally), the rolling café owners are not only attending festivals and markets, they have also embarked upon a “Coffee at the Office” program that sees them wholesale contracting with the likes of Undergrounds Coffee, Great Lakes Roastery, and Big Norwegian Kombucha. They recently signed a contract with Aloft Hotel at 500 Pearl. And newly minted is a deal with Fresh Catch, for an oat milk sesame latte! That means that in the off-season they still have retail outlets to attend to. Currently, there are three base products that Jon and Christopher are pedaling – the Nitro Cold Brew (on tap and in cans), the Oat Milk Draft Latte (on tap, with cans coming soon), and Blueberry Peach Nitro Tea (on tap, with cans coming soon). Catch them this Sunday, from 9am to 1pm at The Stagecoach Market, corner of Ashland and Bryant (at Trattoria Aroma).

Website | Facebook | Instagram

West Side Yard

As a lower West Side resident, Paul Hosking decided that he wanted to purchase some land in his neighborhood, where he could grow herb and vegetable-yielding plants that would provide people with healthier food options. To that end, he purchased two parcels on Normal Avenue in 2019, and then another parcel on Plymouth Avenue more recently. The result is a sweeping piece of property that extends across an entire city block.

What makes Hosking’s nursery so different is not only his desire to nourish the community, it’s his fascination with the plants. For example, instead of growing a handful of different tomatoes, he’s growing 30 different varieties – many unusual, and some considered rare! Once he got gis hands on the seed catalogs, he couldn’t say “no” to most of what he came across. Realizing that tomatoes were much more than simply tomatoes, Hoskings got to work. This discovery phase was very fruitful, as tomatoes such as big rainbow, Mr. Stripey, brandywine, tigerella, mortgage lifter, black krim, early girl, and better boy all appeared before his eyes. And that’s just one vegetable. He ended up ordering a “crazy number” of different eggplants, basils… the list goes on. You can also find a bunch of the different types of plants at the new Stagecoach Market on Sunday (at Trattoria Aroma – 307 Bryant Street), from 9am to 1pm

Instagram

Date’d Nutrition

Date’d was created to help put an end to modernized eating by delivering traditional methods of ingredient sourcing to you in snack form. They believe in eating and creating food the same way our ancestors did back in the day, where they sourced their own goods and put love into their food.

The bars and desserts both have a shelf life of 3-6 months when stored in the freezer at all times. Date’d Nutrition believes in naturally derived sweeteners. Depending on the recipe, they use honey and maple syrup as sweetening agents. They offer a large variety of delicious bars that include Cacao peanut butter, vanilla bean, blueberry lemon, orange cranberry and many other flavors! They also have a deliciously amazing selection of delectables including strawberry rolls, cinnamon rolls and dates filled with either strawberry, raspberry or blueberry. You can check out their selection of products this Sunday at the new Stagecoach Market!

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Studio Vegans 

Studio Vegans offers a variety of Vegan related services that are perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. In 2018 Naquasia Boyd became the face, videographer & photographer behind Studio Vegan; turned vegan and started vlogging again, not just to share her fun tasty recipes, but also as a food diary. Chef Naquasia Boyd shares her wholesome handcrafted innovative classics on her site and offers services like private meal prep, online cooking classes, catering, at home private chef, romantic dinners and personal evenings for 2-4 people. Her cooking classes start at the beginner level and teach the basics for both vegan and gluten free diets. Her blog offers a bevy of recipes and vegan lifestyle tips. Be sure to check out some of Chef Boyd’s vegan treats at the Stagecoach Market!

Website | Facebook

Foibles Coffee & Pie

Sadie Mathers, who hails from Wisconsin, found her grounding in the ‘coffee shop world’ after being the most frequently-seen and welcoming face behind the counter at Tipico on Fargo Avenue. Mathers worked her way up to managing that location and was hungry to gain every kind of knowledge she could about coffee… and running a business.

The menu is unique, with both savory and sweet pies, quiches, and of course a feature of Tipico coffee. Her house made and flavorful pie fillings are cradled in a warm embrace of flakey dough that seems to melt all of the day’s worries away with every bite. The shop specializes in pies that reflect each change in seasons. For the spooky month of October she is offering a “Scary Cherry Pie” and a “Munster Mushroom Pie.” With clever names on each of her specials, Sadie reminds both herself and others to keep the fun that should be found in our everyday lives. Be sure to pick up a pie this Sunday at The Stagecoach Market!

Website | Facebook | Instagram

The post Local Made | A monthly guide that features rising entrepreneurs and artisans appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECDHD) is not waiting for a developer for the North Aud Block before constructing a four-story building for itself. The agency is seeking proposals from Construction Management firms to enter into an agreement to provide pre-construction, construction, and post-construction management services as related to the Canalside Gateway Building located along Pearl Street, north of the Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum.

A description of the building from the RFP:

The Canalside Gateway Building, with an approximate 3,000 square perimeter footprint, will be a four-story structure that includes a level along the canal towpath. The steel framed structure with masonry veneer will set on a combination of concrete foundations and piles. The towpath floor will provide an area for the Canalside operations team to maintain and store equipment for Canalside, as well as facility personnel offices. The first floor will provide meeting rooms and visitor information area. The second and third floor will provide office space. The building will also include public restrooms on the two lowest levels and ADA accessibility to the towpath from the first floor. At the time of this Request for Proposal, the consultant team has completed the Design Document phase.

 Proposals are due July 13.  TY Lin International is designing the building that has a construction budget of $12 million.  Work on the building is expected to start early next year and be done by December 2024.

ECHDC is still seeking a developer for the remainder of the North Aud block site.  The nearly two-acre vacant parcel would include retail, restaurants, office space, residential units, hotel uses and structured parking within several buildings that acknowledge portions of the 19th century street grid while allowing for the site to blend into the current 21st century surroundings and infrastructure. The assumed development plan for Parcel A1 includes nearly 425,000 sq.ft. in several buildings with an estimated 200 residential units, commercial and retail spaces, office/operations space for ECHDC, and up to 450 parking spaces located in a structured ramp that would be constructed both below and above grade. Developer proposals are due September 1.

The post Out to Bid: ECHDC Building appeared first on Buffalo Rising.

There is a mounting urgency to address food insecurity on the city’s East Side, especially in the wake of the Tops massacre. From grassroots efforts to full fledge development initiatives, it is now clearer than ever that help is finally on the way.

One of the most recent developments to be announced is the advancement of a new market on High Street, between Locust and Mulberry Streets in the city’s Fruit Belt District. The project is that of St. John Community Development Corp., with financial support from Buffalo’s Black Billion. The new market – dedicated to fresh food access – will occupy the site of four vacant properties on High Street – 226, 232, 236, and 238. The combined corner lot is within eyesight of the Medical Campus.

The Development Corp. paid $142,000 to the City of Buffalo and $60,000 to Promised Land Church for the parcels.

“We have been working on acquiring these properties for many years with a specific vision,” said overseer /pastor Michael Chapman, who leads the St. John Baptist/Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. “Now that all obstacles have been cleared and we are able to purchase the properties, our plan is to develop them into a High Street Market, an adjacent open air Farmers Market (in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County,) and a Youth Business Incubator for jobs in the community, (in collaboration with the Buffalo Public Schools.) Our mission is not only to become an economic stimulator for the East Side of Buffalo, but to cultivate this area’s fresh food access.”  

Chapman also noted that the project will result in “Two Churches, Two Campuses, One Village” in the Michigan Street area,  which is currently experiencing a groundswell of investments in its historic building stock.

The Buffalo’s Black Billion* initiative was established in 2002 by Pastor Chapman to serve as an economic engine for Buffalo’s East Side through construction, renovation, programming, and ministry.  Dean Architects and Lamparelli Construction have been selected to manage the estimated $3 million project.

“This is the largest faith-based, God-driven African American Redevelopment project in the history of Buffalo,” stated St. John Baptist Trustee, Michael Norwood Sr. “This High Street Market project is a continuation of $250,550,000 of our $1 billion of development already underway in the Fruit Belt. It is also the springboard to our newest vision—a $1 billion plan to renovate and resurrect the Jefferson Avenue corridor from Cherry Street to East Ferry Street (‘Cherry to Ferry’), creating jobs in construction, small business health care, wellness, energy efficiency and entrepreneurial training. Bringing Jefferson Avenue back to one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares will require a lot of interaction and communication with current and past residents of the community. You can be assured the finished product will have a significant memorial to our ten beautiful Black neighbors whose lives were lost in that senseless hate crime on 5.14.”  

Joining in the High Street Market announcement earlier this week were a number of elected officials led by Mayor Byron Brown, along with business and community leaders including Interim Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Tonja M. Williams, Senior VP/Regional Director, WNY Community Preservation Corp. Andrew D’Agostino, Principal of Dean Architects, Mark Dean, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County Diane Held, Program Coordinator of Buffalo Urban Leagues Project Hope, Melissa Spikes-Archer and Rev. Tim Brown, President, Baptist Minister’s Conference of Buffalo, New York and vicinity.  

Immediately following the announcement of the project, Trustee Norwood and Reverend Dr. English led community leaders and residents in a peaceful remembrance at the Jefferson Avenue massacre site, where the names of those wounded and slain were read aloud, followed by 126 seconds of silence to mark the one month anniversary of the 5.14 racial hate crime. 

The renewed commitment to unify Buffalo, and the nation, is more important than ever. Locally, there has been an outpouring of support, from food drives to rallies. People are coming together to address issues of disparity, violence, racism… and the resulting food deserts that prevent residents from accessing healthy food options that people in more affluent neighborhoods take for granted.

Further support of the Buffalo’s Black Billion High Street Market Development came from:

California and Washington, D.C.James Farr, of the National Association of Black JournalistsReverend Dr. Que English, the newly appointed Director of The Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the United States Department of Health and Human Services

“The Fruit Belt takes its name from the large number of orchards and vegetable gardens German immigrant settlers planted in this area in the 1800’s and the eventual naming of the streets that still remain,” Farr stated. “To imagine that this fallow property where we are standing today will once again be cultivated into land that provides fresh foods for the people of this community is an inspirational spark that will hopefully light the way to continued improvements for this area that is so deeply in need.”  

“Fresh food access is not a new problem here in the Fruit Belt and surrounding East Side neighborhoods,” Dr. English stated. “The establishment of this High Street Market is a huge first step in addressing that problem. However, following the deadly massacre and loss of life on Jefferson Avenue one month ago today, we must be vigilant in also providing expanded mental health care resources, not only as part of the healing process from this tragedy, but as needed support for everyday life that takes its toll on people’s minds as well as their spirits.”  

Current Buffalo’s Black Billion projects include: $57 million for the McCarley Gardens’ renovation; $160 million for the McCarley Gardens new build; $30 million for the St. John Towers Renovation; $1.8 million for the historic Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church Restoration; and $550,000 for the renovation of a building that will house ROAM/Spectrum Mental Health. St. John Baptist Trustee Michael Norwood Sr. defines the overall scope of the initiative.

The post Future Home of High Street Market – “An open air Farmers Market” appeared first on Buffalo Rising.