CHALLENGES//
Conventus, a 7-story center for collaborative medicine, dates to 1993 when Ciminelli purchased a medical office building on an adjacent parcel, demolishing that building in 2006 with a vision for significant development at the “Northern Gateway” to the then-emerging Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (“BNMC”). Working in conjunction with Kaleida Health, the result was an ideal 2+ acre site directly adjacent to Buffalo General Medical Center and overlooking the BNMC.
ACTION PLAN//
On May 26, 2006 at exactly 6:00 a.m., Western New York residents witnessed a remarkable event, as the existing 14-story building was imploded, and collapsed and crumbled to the ground in a matter of seconds. This marked the beginning of future development for the BNMC. The parcel and surrounding areas were immediately designated for medical clinics, research facilities, and to strengthen the Campus’ role in the community.
RESULTS//
Kaleida Health is the largest health care provider in Western New York, serving the area’s eight counties with state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive healthcare services. Kaleida named Ciminelli preferred developer for several of its properties stretching along the north side of High Street between Ellicott and Main streets. By teaming with Kaleida, the University at Buffalo and the BNMC, Ciminelli played a key role in bringing to fruition the vision of world class comprehensive medical care on the BNMC. Ciminelli was also part of a team that guided early stages of nearby development projects — including the Gates Vascular Institute, a new Skilled Nursing Facility and its own Conventus –through the design and entitlement process.
Construction of Conventus, the 350,000 square foot center for collaborative medicine, was completed in June of 2015. The building includes 318 underground parking spaces on 2 levels, first floor retail and other amenities, is certified LEED Platinum for Core and Shell, and was the winner of the Excellence in Office Development category by the Urban Land Institute.