'Bowling' will stay at former Voelker's Lanes project
Developer SAA-EVI plans to build a five-story apartment building at the site of the former Voelker's Lanes.
Date Posted: October 22nd, 2024
Written by: Jacob Tierney – Reporter, Buffalo Business First
Originally published on Buffalo Business First Oct 18, 2024
Developer SAA|EVI is moving forward with plans for a 275-unit development at the former Voelker's Lanes site at 680 Amherst St., Buffalo, providing new details on the project in documents submitted to the city — including a plan to include a bowling alley in the project.
The developer is planning a two-part project. The first phase would entail knocking down the existing bowling alley to build a five-story, 230-unit apartment building, as previously announced.
SAA|EVI is proposing a bowling alley and bar on the first floor of this building, with apartments above. These affordable apartments would be available to those making as much as 80% of the area median income.
The second phase would entail renovating a historic building at 141 Marion St. to hold 15 apartment units and construct a four-story building at 111 Marion St. with another 30 units.
The first phase is expected to take about three years, with work on the second phase starting once the first is complete.
SAA|EVI is seeking the city's permission to create a planned unit development for the project. This special zone would span 3.1 acres across 10 parcels on Amherst Street, Marion Street and Elmwood Avenue.
The developer has a deal to purchase the property from owner Am-Elm Realty Inc., which is controlled by Krista Voelker and the Voelker family.
Voelker's Lanes closed during the pandemic. Plans for demolishing the building have been in the works since 2021, with a housing court judge issuing a demolition order early last year.
Passero Associates is the lead architectural firm on the project, with additional work by CJS Architects. Kulback's Construction is the general contractor.
The city planning board is scheduled to discuss the application at its meeting Monday
