A development group that plans to redevelop the historic Trico Building in downtown Buffalo is moving forward with the project. The Krog Corporation has filed a site application with City Hall for a $50 million dollar conversion. Plans call for the Ellicott Street parcel to be transformed into a mixed-use facility that would include a hotel, apartments and commercial and retail space.
The long-vacant building, which served as the birthplace of the windshield wiper, has since fallen into a state of disrepair. Mayor Byron Brown says once it is redeveloped, the 600,000 square-foot structure will fit in nicely with the nearby Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
"Another hotel is very much needed in that area to serve the needs of the medical campus. There will be housing, as well, which is also critically important with the growing employee base at the campus," Brown told WBFO Wednesday.
The mayor says one of the city's goals is to capture as many new hires as possible to live in the city. He says he thinks the project will also appeal to local preservationists.
Krog will partner with Hart Hotels for the construction and operation of the project, which will include an extended stay component.
“Krog is thrilled to be part of the continued resurgence of downtown Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus," said Peter Krog, P.E. and founder of The Krog Corporation, in a statement. "While we still face many challenges, we’re confident that our adaptive re-use plan will return the Trico Building to prominence and serve as a useful and complimentary addition to the Medical Campus.”
Construction is scheduled to begin sometime in 2016.
