Commercial, Residential Development Proposed for Lullaby

By Brandi Makuski
City leaders this week will be asked to consider a new, four-story mixed-use development for the former Lullaby site on Centerpoint Drive.
Blenker Companies Inc., based in Amherst, has proposed a 14,000-square-foot development at 1017 Third Street. The first floor will consist of commercial and retail tenants, such as a restaurant, coffee shop, fitness or professional offices, with floors two through four offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Eight twin town homes, arranged in a series of four buildings with attached garages, are being proposed for the rear end of the two-acre site, facing Portage Street. The zero lot line town homes will be sold at $140,000 to $240,000 for either a two- or three-bedroom home, approximately 1,400 square feet each.
In its proposal to the city’s Redevelopment Authority (RA), Blenker said the project would employ local contractors, vendors and suppliers as well local workers for construction, daily operation and maintenance.
The total value of the project is estimated at $6.2 million – $9 million.
The development is the latest in a series of proposals for the space, located at the corner of Third St. and Centerpoint Drive, which has been vacant since 1997. The city acquired the property in 2008.
The RA meets Mar. 15 at 4 PM in the City Conference Room of the courthouse, 1515 Strongs Ave. The public is welcome to attend.