Renovations on an historic building at 319 Connecticut Street are nearly complete and leasing at the West Side beauty is now underway. The circa-1890 building contains nine apartments and first floor commercial space. The project is being developed by Angelo Tomasello (The Locke Group) and Matt Green (Ryze Real Estate), in partnership with Nick DeMarco and Brady Phelps of Maverick Development. The development team purchased the property late last year from previous owners that started a long-needed rehab but ran into financial and contractor difficulties.
“The Connecticut House features nine residential units along with a ground-floor commercial space that could be an excellent fit for a café, smoothie shop, barber shop, salon, or wellness-oriented tenant,” said Phelps. “The location is especially well-suited for D’Youville students, graduate students, and staff, given its proximity to campus and surrounding neighborhood amenities. With shared outdoor space and strong street presence, we’re excited to help bring additional energy and foot traffic to this growing corridor.”
The building was home to Hoeffler Ice Cream Company (1890s), Marine Bank (1920s), and more recently the live/work space of Jack Drummer, a local artist with work in the Albright Knox.
Several historic elements have been preserved and incorporated into the project. The first-floor commercial space and one residential unit feature original tin ceilings and terrazzo flooring from when the building housed Marine Bank. Additionally, original windows and the mansard roofline have been maintained, reinforcing the building’s historic character.
Each apartment features new energy-efficient appliances, in-unit laundry, and access to shared balcony space. Off-street parking is also available. From a design standpoint, the units blend preserved historic woodwork with modern carpentry and finishes, creating a clean, elevated living environment that respects the building’s heritage while delivering contemporary comfort.
Rents range from $1,750 for a 500 sq.ft. one-bedroom unit to $1,950 for a 600 sq.ft. two-bedroom. Occupancy is anticipated for June 1.
“Having acquired the property in November 2025, the primary challenge was piecing together prior work and aligning it with the remaining scope,” said Phelps. “That said, we are very pleased with how the project has come together and are excited to bring it to market.”
Maverick Development served as general contactor for the work. Phelps praised Tommaso Briatico Architects and Preservation Studios for helping get the project completed.
“While the building had a long runway prior to our acquisition, we’re proud to bring it across the finish line and reactivate a key corner on Buffalo’s West Side,” added Phelps. “It’s been a rewarding process restoring a structure with this level of history and craftsmanship, and we’re excited to see it contribute to the continued momentum along the Connecticut Street corridor.”
“The Connecticut House will feature nine residential units along with a ground-floor commercial space that could be an excellent fit for a café, smoothie shop, barber shop, salon, or wellness-oriented tenant. The location is especially well-suited for D’Youville students, graduate students, and staff, given its proximity to campus and surrounding neighborhood amenities. With shared outdoor space and strong street presence, we’re excited to help bring additional energy and foot traffic to this growing corridor.”…