The City of Niagara Falls, through the Department of Economic Development, has issued a request for proposals for the site of the former Wendt's Dairy, located along Buffalo Avenue in the city's LaSalle neighborhood.
The parcels offered for development include 8450 Buffalo Ave., and 8411 Troy Ave. Once the former processing facility for milk and juice for Wendt's, Niagara Milk Cooperative and Upstate Niagara, the art-deco-style building could be the ideal site for a return to food processing, laboratory, advanced manufacturing or other creative use(s). Given its location in a primarily residential neighborhood, special consideration will be given to the impact future use will have on the surrounding community.
Mayor Paul Dyster said, "The site of the former Wendt's Dairy provides a unique opportunity in a city currently undergoing more than $800,000,000 in development projects. Flanked by residential and business districts in the city's LaSalle neighborhood, with access to major transportation thoroughfares and international border crossings, this latest RFP is prime for development in what continues to be an ever-expanding and competitive market."
Anthony Vilardo, director of business development, said, "In recent years, our department has seen great success in attracting private sector development to formerly tax-delinquent properties through the RFP process. This site has a tremendous potential for a variety of appropriate uses. We look forward to working with potential developers on securing the highest and best use for the future of the former Wendt's Dairy."
Located just steps from restaurants and retail in the Buffalo Avenue business district, the parcels offered for development are situated a few short miles from the Niagara Falls International Airport, the I-190 New York State Thruway and international border crossings at the Rainbow and Lewiston-Queenston bridges.
The city will accept written proposals received in the purchasing department office at City Hall on or before noon Friday, July 13. The selection committee shall review all complete proposals, and selection of a preferred developer will be chosen and presented to the Niagara Falls City Council for approval.
