Bethune Lofts Selling Well in North Buffalo

Condo buyers have flocked to Bethune Lofts, the North Buffalo landmark neighboring Bennett High School.

Since Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. converted the historic five-story building at 2915 Main Street from apartments to condos in early 2023, nearly 70% of the units have closed or are under contract to close.

The latest was a unit acquired by Charles and Ayo Bryant, who paid $207,207 for a unit on the first floor of the building. The deal closed on May 29, according to documents filed with the Erie County Clerk’s Office.

Only 20 of the 87 condo units remain available, with prices ranging from $150,000 to around $300,000.

“The price is great, especially for a condo in North Buffalo,” said Greg Straus, founder and broker of 716 Realty Corp. “People love the location and the history of the building. »
716 Realty is marketing the units for Ciminelli.

Straus said he expects all units to be under contract — if not sold — by early fall.
“There’s a lot of interest in the building. A lot,” Straus said.

Built for the Buffalo Meter C., the building opened in 1917 and was designed by Louise Blanchard Bethune, the nation’s first recorded female architect.

The University at Buffalo purchased the building in 1971 and housed departments such as its school of architecture and urban planning.

Ciminelli acquired the building in 2011 and renovated it into apartments. The condo conversion was approved by New York State in early 2023.