129-137 Tonawanda Street: Premier Development Opportunity in Buffalo’s Dynamic Growth Corridor
Situated in one of Buffalo’s most dynamic transitional zones, this rare 2.5-acre development site offers exceptional flexibility for forward-thinking investors. The property features 75,000 sq. ft. of historic buildings in sound structural condition—prime for adaptive reuse—alongside BCP-eligible land ideal for new construction, multifamily development, industrial outdoor storage, or mixed-use projects.
Strategic Location & Connectivity
Located on Tonawanda Street, a key arterial linking the Amherst Street commercial corridor, North Buffalo’s major retail centers, and the Upper West Side’s revitalized Niagara Street, the site offers premier logistical positioning. With immediate access to the Scajaquada Expressway (198) and I-190 Interstate—minutes to Canada via the Peace Bridge—and high ridership bus lines (#5, #32, #40), the location provides seamless regional connectivity for distribution, logistics, storage operations, or residential development.
Neighborhood Momentum
Recent years have seen a surge in loft-style residential conversions, thriving local businesses, and streetscape enhancements including bike infrastructure. Buffalo State University, a major educational anchor, is minutes away. The property directly abuts Scajaquada Creek and the adjacent bike path, providing recreational value and adjacency to ongoing environmental restoration studies—an added layer of future-forward appeal.
Development-Ready Features
Incentive-Ready Opportunity
With infrastructure supporting diverse development visions—from self-storage conversion and industrial use to multifamily, mixed-use, or commercial redevelopment—this incentive-ready site positions developers to capitalize on powerful tax credit programs while building a strategic asset in a neighborhood primed for continued growth
Incentive-Ready Development Site
HISTORIC TAX CREDIT (HTC)
• Preliminary historic approvals submitted
• Draft Part I application on file
• 20% NYS HTC + 20% Federal HTC
BROWNFIELD CLEANUP PROGRAM (BCP)
• Draft application submitted to NYS DEC
• Located in:
–EN-Zone (Environmental Zone)
–BOA (Brownfield Opportunity Area)
• Eligible for:
–20% NYS BCP Tangible Property Credit
–Up to 24% credit if Track 1 cleanup or affordable housing
STACKABLE INCENTIVES & PROGRAMS
• City of Buffalo 485-a (multi year tax abatement)
• Erie County adaptive reuse (sales & mortgage tax exemption)
• NYS Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) grants
• Utility Company Grants and Support
–National Grid & National Fuel
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
