A HISTORIC PART OF BUFFALO’S HERITAGE
The Present:
We are honored to say the Brisbane Building is on the National Historic Register.
Even with such an accomplishment, we continue to flourish:
The Energy Upgrade Project:
In 2021, we completed an almost $800,000 upgrade to the energy systems in the building. The work included a new, cloud-based, energy management system, direct digital controls throughout, and variable frequency drives on all air handling units. The result is maximized comfort while saving energy.
The lighting throughout the building was upgraded to LED lighting which provides greater levels of light at considerable savings.
Lastly, we took this opportunity to address Covid concerns as well as future seasonal viruses. Outside air intakes were enlarged by over 40% to bring greater volumes of fresh air into the building. We also installed Bi-Polar Ionization technology in all the HVAC systems. This technology actively removes virus particles from the air, providing a safer environment and allowing tenants to feel comfortable in the workplace.
The Future:
Peter and Stephen Hunt want the Brisbane Building to contribute to the success and growth of downtown Buffalo. They recognized that during the pandemic, many art galleries were forced to close. Meanwhile, our local artist community continued to thrive and create art. To provide them with a venue to sell their work, they decided to open an art gallery in honor of their parents – the C. Stuart and Jane H. Hunt Art Gallery.
We’ll be working with the Buffalo Society of Artists as the curator to feature exclusively Western New York Artists. We also enlisted the help of individuals from the UB Arts Management program to help run the gallery. A unique feature of the gallery will be the availability of studio spaces allowing art to be created on-site. Construction is underway with an opening scheduled for Spring of 2022.
We’re thrilled to be on the National Historic Register. However, with that honor comes a level of responsibility. As a result, we’ll be investing over $1 million to restore the exterior of the Brisbane Building
THE BRISBANE BUILDING – HISTORY
The Brisbane Building was built in 1895 by James Brisbane and James Moody, coinciding with such momentous changes as Buffalo’s world-leading electrification and events such as the Pan American Exposition. Traditionally, it has been the home of lawyers and others who profit from Brisbane’s proximity to the courts, City Hall, Erie County offices, bank offices, and other important functions. Additionally, it has been the home of numerous high-tech companies and others benefitting from proximity to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and the tens of thousands of other Downtown workers and businesses.
Brisbane’s first and second floors were the long-time home of the Kleinhans Company clothing business. The space has been transformed into conspicuous first floor retail venues and a second floor of unique Downtown vistas with thirteen-foot ceilings and encompassing windows for office tenants.
Since its purchase in 1985 by C. Stuart Hunt, the property has been continuously improved through both modern technology and historical awareness. The original building façade on Main Street was uncovered in 2010 and restored. Our beautiful lobby, pictures of which are included here, now features two rotating electronic tenant directories. Most recently, probably the fastest elevators in Downtown were installed in 2018. Heating and cooling systems, and Brisbane’s bathrooms are currently under renovation. Beautiful original wood has been preserved whenever possible and has been used again as suites are further renovated. Abundant and low-priced storage areas are available in the basement.
Charles Stanley Hunt, Hunt Real Estate’s 1911 founder, was a Brisbane tenant for 47 years. Since 1985 Brisbane has been under the ownership of principals of Hunt Real Estate. Washington Street between Clinton and Eagle Streets is now known as “Stuart Hunt Way”. We are real estate brokers and seek the most cooperative and friendly relationship with other real estate brokers in the pursuit of prospective tenants. Additionally, several Hunt Real Estate-related companies are tenants in Brisbane and Brisbane’s property management, Hunt Property Solutions, is an affiliated company. The relationship to the Western NY community, and the condition of the Brisbane property, are as crucial to the property ownership as they are to the Brisbane tenants. We look forward to having you grow your business with us here at Brisbane.
