Historic Piano Key Factory in Tonawanda Houses 55 Apartments and a Co-Working Space for Contractors
Wood and Brooks the Lofts Offers Market Rate and Affordable Housing Options in Formerly Industrial, Historic Building
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of Wood and Brooks the Lofts in the Town of Tonawanda. The $23 million mixed-use project transformed 98,370 square feet of space inside a former piano key factory into 55 apartments, and a commercial hub anchored by The Plan Room — a first of its kind, coworking space in Western New York that caters to businesses and individuals in the construction industry.
“We are working to address the housing crisis with each project we support, by creating the types of modern and sustainable homes that uplift communities and allow families to grow all over the state, including in Erie County,” Governor Hochul said. “We as a state need to build more housing in order to drive down housing affordability, and revitalizing and rehabilitating long-vacant buildings for housing and workforce development is one way we can get that done. This is another great example of what’s possible when municipalities and the state work in true partnership with nonprofits and private developers.”
This historic renovation project is located within an industrial neighborhood in the Town of Tonawanda bordering the City of Buffalo. The Wood and Brooks piano key factory at 2075 Kenmore Avenue opened in the early 1910s and was renowned for its production of ivory keys. It also played a pivotal role in manufacturing Higgins boat landing crafts during World War II. The location, which is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, has been revitalized by the Wopperer family and their extended relatives, who have held ownership of the property since 1972. The building was once known for a since-removed giant elephant head on the roof, a reference to the ivory used to make the keys.
Wood and Brooks the Lofts offers a range of high-end amenities including a fitness center, on-site café, dog park and wash station, co-working and lounge areas, and 24/7 maintenance services — all designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and commercial tenants. In addition, the project promotes sustainability and preservation through participation in the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program and utilization of federal and state historic tax credits.
Read the full press release here.