Article via The Buffalo News
By Stephen T. Watson
Ellicott Development said it hopes to begin construction by late next month on a four-story, 107-room hotel on Rensch Road near the University at Buffalo North Campus in Amherst, once it receives final approvals for the project.
The Town Board last June agreed to rezone the site of the hotel and now the town Planning Board must review the site plan application for the project, which also includes a two-story apartment house. The Planning Board is set to act at Thursday’s meeting.
Ellicott CEO William Paladino told The Buffalo News the developer has selected a brand for the hotel but hasn’t finalized the agreement yet. Assuming demolition can begin early next month and construction proceeds on a good timeline this year, Ellicott would look for an opening in February or March of 2018, Paladino said.
The rezoning request for the hotel and apartment project did not stir community opposition when it was filed with the town early last summer.
Ellicott Development said it hopes to begin construction by late next month on a four-story, 107-room hotel on Rensch Road near the University at Buffalo North Campus in Amherst, once it receives final approvals for the project.
The Town Board last June agreed to rezone the site of the hotel and now the town Planning Board must review the site plan application for the project, which also includes a two-story apartment house. The Planning Board is set to act at Thursday’s meeting.
Ellicott CEO William Paladino told The Buffalo News the developer has selected a brand for the hotel but hasn’t finalized the agreement yet. Assuming demolition can begin early next month and construction proceeds on a good timeline this year, Ellicott would look for an opening in February or March of 2018, Paladino said.
The rezoning request for the hotel and apartment project did not stir community opposition when it was filed with the town early last summer.
Ellicott sought permission to rezone the 3-acre parcel to accommodate the hotel and a 12-unit apartment complex. The project would be built on 3880 and 3900 Rensch Road, off Sweet Home Road, across from the UB North Campus.
The site is surrounded by off-campus student housing, an office park and the Center for Inquiry. There are two other hotels nearby on Sweet Home, including Ellicott Development’s Staybridge Suites Buffalo-Amherst.
Two dwellings that are currently used as rental units would be demolished to make way for the project.
But the developer has agreed to preserve a limestone house at 4030 Rensch that is believed to be one of just six stone houses remaining in Amherst. The Town Board recently designated that house as a local historic landmark, said Ellen Kost, an associate planner with the town.
