Commemorative Event Takes Place at Tishman Building

June 24, 2013

(Buffalo, NY) -  Senior Leaders of Hamister Group, LLC were joined today by Congressman Brian Higgins and Mayor Byron Brown to commemorate nearing the end of the pre-construction phase and looking forward to the start of the construction phase at the Tishman Building in Lafayette Square.

The Tishman Building was purchased by Hamister Group, LLC in December 2012 and interior demolition has been ongoing since that time. 

Hamister Group, LLC's plans for the renovation of the 174,400 square foot building include a 124-room Hilton Garden Inn with a ground floor bar, a second floor restaurant, eighteen market rate apartments and 18,000 square feet of Class-A office space which will be the new home of Hamister Group Inc.'s Corporate Office.

Mark Hamister said, “I’m thrilled to be a part of the re-birth of Downtown Buffalo and truly believe that each of us can do our part to reinvest in our Community.  Buffalo is entering this time of growth due in no small part to the strategies of Mayor Brown, the tireless efforts and advocacy of Congressman Higgins and to the citizens and visitors who believe in our great City.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “There is a new excitement building in Buffalo thanks in large part to private sector leaders like Mark Hamister who see value and opportunity in investing in Western New York’s future. The Tishman Building project will take what is uniquely historic Buffalo and revive it into a great mixed-use facility that meets the needs of today and reinvests in our downtown core.”

"Today's event is significant because it clears the path for construction on a plan to convert an historic building into a vibrant hotel, a business hub and upscale rental units, creating more jobs and spurring additional investment", said Mayor Byron Brown, noting that currently there's more than $1.7 billion in economic development activity underway in Buffalo.  "I want to thank Hamister Group for being part of Buffalo's success story and its continued commitment and dedication to our community" 

The Tishman Building was opened in 1959, and, at 20 stories tall, was the first new building in downtown Buffalo in thirty years.  It was designed in the International Style by Emery Roth & Sons who were also the designers of the Pan Am Building and the World Trade Center in New York City.  It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in February 2012. 

The estimated completion date of this project is October 1, 2014.

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