USA, NY: Resurgence Brewing Company to open primary location in Buffalo
Resurgence Brewing Company announced this week it will open a primary location in the Old First Ward, adding to a wave of development in one of Buffalo's most historic neighborhoods near the edge of downtown, WGRZ-TV reported on February 27.
Resurgence Brewing will join Ellicott Development's multi-use project at the site of the E. & B. Holmes Machinery Company complex on Chicago Street. The existing Resurgence location at Niagara Street will remain, but it will transition into a new pilot research role.
Ellicott Development, which purchased the Chicago Street land from a preservationist after his plans fell through, has decided to partially demolition the 19th-century structures. The company will build a new complex with Resurgence as a prime tenant, in addition to apartments, a rock climbing gym and other retail space.
Construction should start within the next few weeks, and the project could be completed by late summer or early fall, according to a company official.
Some preservationists may be sad to see part of the historic E. & B. Holmes complex go away.
But the redevelopment of the site is an exciting prospect for the Old First Ward Community Association.
Executive Director Tori Ferraina said she's hopeful the influx of customers will drive traffic toward some of the existing local businesses, which have made their own comeback of sorts over the past few years. She specifically pointed to the example of Undergrounds, a coffee shop on South Park that used to be home to a funeral parlor.
"It's really started to give some new life to the neighborhood. People are coming in and they're interested in being in the Old First Ward," Ferraina said. "We've always loved it, but we're glad other people are seeing the potential as well."
Bella Shields, whose family first settled in the Old First Ward more than a century ago, said the addition of new coffee shops, restaurants and apartment spaces is long overdue.
Finally, it appears the explosion of Canalside is trickling into their neighborhood.
"I never thought there would be any push forward for this community. I kind of thought we were forgotten about for a long time," Shields said. "There's huge future here for my children, and my children's children, about how much the Old First Ward will be appreciated."
Ellicott Development, which already owns upscale living spaces across the street from the E. & B. Holmes complex, has identified the Old First Ward as an area of focus.
"Our acquisition and redevelopment of the former E. & B. Holmes Machinery Company Complex fits well with our already completed work and future plans along the Buffalo River where development and general activity have ramped up in recent years," director of development Tom Fox said. "This project along with others in planning will further transform this former industrial section of the city into an attractive live-work-play neighborhood along the historic riverfront."
01 March, 2018
