Evergreen Lofts

In Buffalo, Evergreen Health purchased the former Buffalo Trunk Manufacturing Company to convert into needed affordable housing. SWBR renovated the historically significant building with Preservation Studios consulting.

The design preserves much of the original 1901 structure, including exposed wood beams, exposed brick and the main stairwell. Repairs were made to exterior masonry and the timber frame. All windows were replaced with historically correct metal clad wooden windows. Energy-conserving HVAC, appliances and light fixtures, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and green label certified flooring were added. Low/no-VOC paints, adhesives, and sealants were used. In all, 56 energy-efficient apartments were created, along with laundry facilities, community room, elevator, storage areas, offices and service/maintenance areas. A new lobby, main entrance, stair, exterior canopy and private courtyard complete the aesthetic.

The resulting Evergreen Lofts provides affordable housing – with full access to nearby supportive services, including medical, mental health and transportation – for people near to or experiencing homelessness, and a safe option for people facing housing discrimination elsewhere. “Our goal was to make a place where people both were welcomed and would feel comfortable,” said Ron Silverio, Evergreen’s president and CEO.