Buffalo, New York — Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant $10 million investment in 35 commercial and mixed-use development projects on Buffalo's East Side, marking a major step in the state's commitment to revitalize commercial corridors and support community-led economic development. According to Challenger Community News, this funding from the new East Side Building Fund is dedicated to accelerating private building renovations and infill development across the East Side.
The $10 million East Side Building Fund, first announced by Governor Hochul in May 2025, represents strategic deployment of state resources to serve the East Side community's economic development needs. The fund specifically targets commercial corridor revitalization by easing the financial burden on property owners undertaking renovations and new construction.
"The East Side Building Fund awards represent the strategic deployment of resources our administration committed to better serve the needs of the community," Governor Hochul stated. "By easing the financial burden on property owners, we are directly investing in our commercial corridors, ensuring they are revitalized and better equipped to anchor and support East Side neighborhoods for years to come."
The award structure includes both large mixed-use development projects and smaller facade and infrastructure improvement grants for established businesses and community organizations.
The $10 million was distributed among 35 projects, representing diverse approaches to commercial revitalization:
Project recipients represent community entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and developers participating in or graduating from the Community Based Real Estate Development Training Program—a critical pipeline for local development capacity.
The East Side Building Fund represents more than capital infusion—it signals commitment to community-led economic development anchored in the neighborhoods themselves. Brandi Barrett, founder and co-owner of Barrett & Benitez Development and recipient of a major award, articulated the significance:
"The commitment Governor Hochul has to the East Side of Buffalo continues to be reflected in moments like this! Her commitment to reinvest has ignited true change where transformational projects like Loads of Love can be a true reality. We are grateful to Empire State Development and their local team for not only understanding the need for essential services like a laundromat, but understanding our story, resonating with the barriers, and being problem-solvers and support along the way. Thank you, Governor Hochul, ESD, and the entire City of Buffalo!"
The awards span infrastructure improvements for existing businesses—like Doris Records' 60-year legacy institution receiving upgrades for continued viability—to transformational new construction like the Loads of Love mixed-use development combining essential services with affordable housing.
The 35-project portfolio reflects a diversified, community-responsive approach to commercial development. Rather than concentrating investment in single mega-projects, the fund distributes capital across multiple corridors and project scales:
This portfolio approach acknowledges that commercial corridor revitalization requires both flagship developments and incremental improvements to existing community assets.
While specific project timelines vary, the East Side Building Fund awards enable property owners to proceed with previously stalled or underfunded renovation and construction plans. The funding removes a primary barrier—capital availability—allowing projects to move from planning to permitting and construction phases more rapidly.
Many projects involve facade improvements and mechanical upgrades that can be completed within 6-12 months, while larger mixed-use developments like Loads of Love and Legacy Developers will have multi-year construction schedules aligned with complex financing and phasing requirements.
The $10 million East Side Building Fund investment complements broader Buffalo and New York State economic development strategies, including ongoing support for commercial district stabilization, workforce development, and community-based real estate training programs.
For construction companies and developers operating in Buffalo and upstate New York, these community-led projects represent opportunities to support neighborhood revitalization while contributing to meaningful economic development. The award structure demonstrates state commitment to sustained investment in urban commercial corridors.
More information about the East Side Building Fund and available support programs is available through Empire State Development and the City of Buffalo.
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