F.N. Burt Box Co.
Preservation Studios worked with Savarino Companies on the rehabilitation of the sprawling F.N. Burt Box factory, converting it to housing, offices, events space, and a variety of commercial uses. The open floor plate of the interior provided great flexibility for the new use with the industrial nature of the building integrated into the layouts. The two large courtyards, one covered and one open air, now provide a unique space for indoor events and a private garden oasis for tenants.
Address
500 Seneca Street - Buffalo, NY
Estimated Rehabilitation Costs (QRE)
$37 million
Total Project Cost (QRE + Non-QRE)
$44 million
Square Footage
300,000
HTCs
$12.4 million
Timeframe
2012 to 2017
The F.N. Burt Box Co. factory is a series of nine interconnected buildings that were constructed between 1900 and 1926 as the company expanded. They produced high-end cardboard boxes for cigarette cases, perfume boxes, and jewelry boxes. The oldest building was built in 1900 of heavy timber construction and while other early additions were built in the same way, the later additions in 1926 were constructed of reinforced concrete as construction methods evolved over time.
As new additions were built, openings were cut into perimeter walls to allow for a pass through. As the complex developed, two interior courtyards were framed by the buildings; one in the east portion and one in the west portion. The east courtyard remains open, but the west courtyard later received a roof and was enclosed.
Preservation Studios facilitated the complete historic tax credit application process, including the National Register listing.
