Stories 6785-ESA

Through collaborative capacity building and major capital investment, progress is being made to reactivate this iconic community anchor.

Former Board Chair, Paul Lang, describes how he believes this one-time “lightning rod for activity” will again see a bright future.

An Underground Railroad station, providing escaped slaves sanctuary before crossing to freedom in Canada, is being preserved.

A long list of jazz legends has passed through the club’s doors. It also has a long history of being a welcoming place for everyone. A state-funded expansion will allow the club to welcome even more.

The Nash House Museum, the restored the residence Rev. J. Edward Nash, Sr., provides a glimpse into the life of one of WNY’s most influential African-American leaders.

With help from the Commercial Building Stabilization Fund, Michael and his business partner are restoring a historic theater and creating “a cultural art center like Buffalo has never seen.”

Treasured lifetime memories are shared by the Board Chair and others who are working to re-establish the Market as a vibrant public shopping hub and attractive regional destination.

James Morell used to ride by this majestic beacon on his bike as a kid. Now, as Board Chair, he’s helping to lead the very large-scale task of restoring and repurposing this art deco masterpiece.

New York State funding will help bring this park’s greenhouse back to its original glory, reopen it to the public and reconnect it to the surrounding community.

A new headquarters, formalized infrastructure, full-time staff and long-term plan are just the beginning. Continued capital and programming enhancements will transform the corridor into a world-class historical and cultural destination.

Local Program Administrators tell us why it’s so important to the economy to create and maintain vibrant commercial corridors by supporting small business renovations and improvements.

Capacity-building funds supported museum consultants and staffing to help preserve and catalogue precious pieces from Buffalo’s black radio history.

East Side Avenue’s Commercial Building Stabilization funding was a “dream come true” for Dr. Uzo. It allowed him to save a former chocolate factory/historic building where he now runs a UPS Store with his son.

You can hear the excitement in Terry’s voice: an underground-railroad-connected church is stabilized; museum enhancements are complete; the music club’s expansion is visible. Big things are happening on Michigan Street!

East Side Avenues’ partners define what capacity building means to them and how it is making their organizations and programs thrive.

When Tommy used to lend a hand at Mike’s as a teen, little did he know that one day he would own the place. Now he’s using Commercial District funds to make upgrades, including a new outdoor patio— the first of its kind in the area.

After taking a commercial development class, Ellen feels ready to take on a significant redevelopment project. She plans to create a multi-use facility her community can take pride in.

With the help of NY State funding, dedicated beer enthusiast John Domres is revitalizing a historic Buffalo brewery, creating a brewing museum and even moving his family into the renovated space.

The Community-Based Real Estate Development Program provided training to East Side residents and building owners in commercial real estate development.

Coffeepreneurs Larry and Jackie Stitts hope to take a dilapidated old supermarket and turn it into a community gathering place. Building stabilization funding will help make their dream become a reality.

Community-Based Real Estate Development Training student Anita Sanders shares her vision for creating a positive force in her community by building a mixed-use, multi-amenity complex.

Darold is grateful for the opportunity to learn commercial development from experts and believes completing projects like 590 Leroy lifts the community as a whole.

The once-bustling Niagara Frontier Food Terminal played a huge part in Buffalo’s early economy. Building stabilization funding will help preserve it and reimagine it into the future.

Evanette plans to help revive the area she grew up in so it can become the thriving, walkable neighborhood it once was.

Board member Annie O’Neil-White tells us how she was inspired by people's stories and admiration for this beloved historic treasure.

Leroy Love has served generations of Buffalonians in his street-side shop, where customers are “king.” Commercial Districts funding will allow for substantial updates before he passes the shop down to his sons.

East Side Commercial Districts and New York State funding helped a historic bakery get a fresh facade; expand its footprint and workforce; and maintain its long-standing city location.

After retirement, Gio wanted to contribute to his hometown’s economic revitalization, so he opened a cigar shop on Jefferson Avenue. Commercial Districts funding helped make it a welcoming, social destination.

Angelo worked at Ted Banks Auto Service growing up. Now he has the chance to buy and save that building from demolition thanks to two East Side Avenues programs.

Two trusted, community-based business support organizations are partnering to create a dedicated, hands-on support network to help small businesses on Buffalo’s East Side succeed.

Three students tell us why they are thankful they took this extensive, hands-on class and their plans for the future.

Northland's Executive Director, Stephen Tucker, gives us a tour of this unique training facility and Northland Corridor anchor.