The Lofts at 136 By Barry A. Muskat; photos by kc kratt This year marks the one hundredth anniversary of the Alling and Corey building (1910), built by J.R. Reidpath and Sons. The complex was absolute state-of-the-art engineering in its time and the original company or its subsidiaries occupied the complex for more than ninety years. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the first and best examples of high-rise concrete-frame construction. Many of the multistory concrete warehouses of this era are formidable, evoking the expression “built like Fort Knox.” This six-story paper distribution center has now been turned into innovative downtown student housing by local architect and developer Jake Schneider. He revitalized an antiquated, empty building, preserving its history and fabric, while incorporating many green features from design and construction to daily systems and operations. The large L-shaped complex provides the setting for urban student housing with high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and original brick walls—along with live-in resident assistants on every floor, a full-time manager, and staff. The handsome lobby—charcoal and gold accented with natural maple and steel—sets a hip tone. The main floor also has a spacious activity room, converted from the original truck bay, where eighteen-wheelers pulled into the building. That loading dock is now a double-tiered space sporting a pool table, game area, large-screen televisions, and comfortable seating. A large mural celebrates the building’s history. A section of the original paper chute (a passage that was used to deliver paper on skids through six floors of the building by means of gravity) becomes a freestanding sculpture in this space. Lofts at 136 is an independent entity, not affiliated with Erie Community College City Campus, but certainly a great amenity for its students. Its general manager, Jordan Ross, is proud of his young and energetic staff. He describes a setting that provides “not as much hand-holding as a typical dormitory,” a place where students are treated as adults. His staff is trained and available for needs like mediation and conflict resolution between roommates, basic study skills, and financial aid—services not available in normal off-campus housing. There are several different apartment layouts, from four-bedroom to studios, each with a full kitchen open to the living room. Each apartment is simply but stylishly furnished, and includes a full appliance package. All have the open spaces and high ceilings associated with loft living—along with nice features like glass transoms above the doors. Each floor includes a “study suite”—similar to a conference room in look—which is a dedicated academic space for quiet study. Rents range from $455 to $685 per person per month including all utilities, heat, air conditioning, internet, and cable. Security and safety are a big deal here, with controlled access, monitored parking, and thirty security cameras active twenty-four/seven. An immaculate laundry room is available to all, and residents can be advised by e-mail and phone when their laundry is done. The Erie County Community College library, the Central Branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, and the Flickinger Athletic and Aquatic Center are all nearby. Lofts at 136 is currently housing undergraduates from all three of the ECC campuses (North, South, and City), Buffalo State, the University of Buffalo campuses, Canisius, and D’Youville, as well as graduate students from Buffalo State, physical therapy students from D’Youville College, interns from Buffalo General Hospital, and residents from Roswell Park Cancer Institute. (Occupancy is at sixty-five percent with expectation that it will be full for the 2011–2012 school year.) Schneider cites Historic Tax Credits as a major part of the success of the project. Without those incentives, this project could not have happened. Building on ECC’s reuse of the historic main post office as the City Campus (one of the first and most successful preservation/re-use projects anywhere) and coupled with the Erie County Public Safety Building, LOFTS at 136 has helped to change the vitality of several downtown urban blocks. It’s just a small example of the economic and regenerative effect that could be had if more of our universities were located adjacent to the downtown core. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top