I received a hard-hat tour of the ‘Avant’ this weekend, getting a better look at what will be on the inside of this renewed structure that should help change the downtown culture and perception of it a bit.

The Embassy Suites portion is actually a new concept for the hotel. No more atrium with windows in each room looking inside. There will be a restaurant, breakfast area, fitness center, and pool with a valet driveway facing Delaware.

The condo views are spectacular. Niagara Square, Lake Erie, Downtown/Allentown, take your pick. Having people living in 1million USD condos downtown also awesome.

It sounds like there is substantial demand for the condo and office space being offered in the Avant. Hopefully the success of this project will lead to some great rehabs and in-fill mix-use structures in the CBD. Its time downtown Buffalo reach at least ‘at/slightly above mediocre’ status.

The Avant project continues to move along quickly. Most of the glass facing north and west is up while little of it is up on the sides facing south and east. With the new courthouse, NewEra, and this leading from city hall towards the corner of Chippewa and Delaware and then going up to 285 you have a pretty sweet downtown boulevard. I’m excited to find out what restaurant takes the 1st floor…according to the website: “a most delectable restaurant.”