NAIOP, the commercial Real Estate Development Association and leading organization for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial and mixed-use real estate, recognized SWBR with a 2014 NAIOP Award of Excellence for its adaptive reuse and historic restoration work on DePaul Riverside Apartments. The firm served as architect of record for the $20 million project that was completed in April 2014.
Buffalo’s Riverside Academy closed in 2002, after more than 100 years of service. The original building was constructed in 1896, with a major addition in 1921. After almost a decade of neglect, the building was in serious need of rehabilitation. DePaul chose to renovate the vacant four-story building into 68 affordable and special-needs apartments.
The completed building has a storied 1895 brick façade, new building entrance, restored historic entrance of the former school, new elevator in the main entry lobby, restored grand stairway with new elevator and new resident mailboxes clad in historic chalkboards, a grand stairway with updated fall protection at the top of the stairs, and a restored auditorium with office, conference and support spaces beyond.
NAIOP recognizes responsible, sustainable development that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live.