BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — A redevelopment plan is finally being proposed for a former beloved bowling alley in Buffalo.
The owner of the former Voelker's Bowling at the corner of Elmwood and Amherst Street, which closed in 2021, is working with a developer to bring a brand-new mixed-use building to that popular corner.
"I'm encouraged," said Buffalo resident Paul Gorski.
The former Voelker's Bowling Alley has become an eyesore, but the owner has forged an agreement with a development company to build a five-story apartment building, with a possible restaurant and a little nostalgia — if you miss those bowling lanes.
"One of the things that's important to us is that we sort of 'pay homage' back to the institution that was the bowling alley. And right now, our plan is to incorporate commercial space on the ground floor and hopefully have some bowling alleys," said developer Connor Kenney.
Kenney works with the national developer called SAA|EVI. He tells me the former site is coming down soon.
"The demolition will occur probably in the next month. So that building will be coming down. Right now, it's not structurally sound. It's a bit of a safety hazard," he explained.
The Buffalo Housing Court ordered a demolition to come in full swing in taking down the Voelker’s Bowling Alley.
The proposed building would run along a stretch of Elmwood Avenue and then turn the corner at Amherst Street.
"They're anticipating approximately five floors, 230 rental units with a first floor that would include some retail," described Joe Golobmek, North District Common Council member.
Golombek says a small community meeting was held Thursday night to show renderings.
"I think that there's still some tweaking that needs to be made. But you know, some people were freaking out. It's going to be lower (income). It's going to be for moderate income," Golombek said.
Getting buy-in from the neighborhood will be key. But already the council member's Facebook post has some calling the proposed building "ugly."
Paul Gorski has lived nearby on Amherst Street for 25 years and disagrees.
"It's a great project," said Gorski. "Having apartments there, I think particularly affordable apartments - there's bus transportation, you're on a major bus route. You can walk to Wegmans you can walk to Tops. There's a lot of things going for it. They're trying to be sensitive to what the neighborhood would be interested in, at least the impression I get."
Connor says he grew up in the neighborhood and is very sensitive to the future redevelopment.
"There's a sentimental value to this particular project. I think we're going to put a lot of time and effort into making sure we do this the right way and create a product that I think we will be proud of and the community can be proud of," he shared.
