Local developer Paul Kolkmeyer is planning to bring new life to the lower end of Main St., in downtown Buffalo, after buying up several properties.
Business First says he already paid $3.2 million for 237, 241 and 251 Main St., near Swan and Seneca.
Later this month, he'll close on the Rand Building and the Main Court Building, with a price of $8.5 million.
Business First says, once all five buildings are under his control, the developer will kick off a $37 million project. It calls for dramatic changes on Main, with more apartments and condos, a boutique hotel and a banquet center. He also plans to bring new tenants to the Rand and Main Court Buildings.
He plans to submit formal plans to the Buffalo Planning Board in early 2015.
Also in business news, a Buffalo company is awarding prizes for unique woodworking projects.
Norwood Sawmills, whose U.S. factory warehouse is located in Buffalo, is a global manufacturer of portable sawmills. Every year, they invite customers to compete for prize money. Company officials say the contest also energizes them to develop even more tools.
And it's high tech vs. bling at retail stores this holiday season. Who wins? The National Retail Federation says electronics stores saw 23 percent of sales over the holidays last year, but the sector with the highest percentage of holiday sales is jewelry at 28 percent.
