The Norstar Building, today known as the Bank of America Building, located at 560 Main Street (aka 10 Fountain Plaza), has been nominated to the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places. Ciminelli Real Estate is planning convert nearly all of the nine-story building that opened in November 1982 to residential use.
The historic designation creates opportunity for the Norstar Building to be revitalized to become a catalyst in transforming downtown from a traditional 9-to-5 Central Business District, currently focused on corporate offices, into a Central Connectivity District that emphasizes downtown as an area for socializing, collaborating, and experiencing culture. The designation also unlocks key advantages that make redevelopment more viable and impactful, including:
- Historic preservation incentives: Historic Preservation Certification and listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places makes the property eligible for certain grants and tax credits that may significantly improve the financial feasibility of redevelopment into a mixed-use building anchored by multifamily housing, and retail and amenity spaces.
- Enhanced redevelopment outlook: The improved financial feasibility outlook supports plans for redeveloping the Norstar Building that complement broader revitalization efforts around Fountain Plaza and the Theater District. This includes projects proposed by Shea’s Performing Arts Center, the expansion of Odoo’s workforce in Fountain Plaza, D’Youville University’s new medical school, and programming by Buffalo Place and Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC). Together, these initiatives are redefining downtown Buffalo’s identity with an emphasis on living, socializing, collaborating, and cultural experiences.
“It’s a unique opportunity to honor the building’s innovative past while considering its future in an increasingly more vibrant Downtown Buffalo,” said Kyle Ciminelli, President of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation.
From the National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form prepared by kta preservation specialists:…