North Tonawanda unveils $5.4 million project on the Erie Canal (2024)

North Tonawanda’s renaissance continues, with the opening of a $5.4 million project on the Erie Canal dubbed 110 Sweeney St.

The two-story, 21,000-square-foot project, developed by JFLR Enterprise, has 15 residential units with one and two bedrooms, two commercial spaces and ground floor space for the District 37 Kitchen and Tap House restaurant that recently opened.

North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec called it “another major milestone in North Tonawanda’s revitalization.”

“This development enhances our downtown waterfront, adds needed housing, and features the new District 37 restaurant,” he said.

The building is anchored by District 37, a bar and restaurant serving American fare named after a historic bar from the 1830s that catered to workers. It’s owned by the Berrafato family, which has owned several restaurants over the past 60 years, including Mississippi Mudds and Old Man River on the Niagara River.

North Tonawanda has seen a steady stream of improvements that have turned the city from an aging, postindustrial relic to a vibrant destination with new shops, restaurants and apartments.

It started more than 25 years ago with a number of small restoration initiatives on Webster Street, one of its main downtown thoroughfares. As that progressed, city officials also embraced one of North Tonawanda’s biggest assets – its largely ignored waterfront – with projects to increase access and attract boaters and visitors.

In recent years, brownfield cleanup and public investments into the city’s waterways, infrastructure and historic buildings have attracted private investment that has transformed the city and made it a destination among residents and tourists alike. Sales tax receipts have been growing by 5% to 10% every year for the past few years.

The Sweeney Street building is on the former site of Pirson Auto Parts. That building was demolished after 110 Sweeney LLC, owned by the Riggio family, bought the parcel for $230,000 in 2015.

“Our investment team is thrilled to take part in the growth of the historic downtown entertainment district located on North Tonawanda’s breathtaking waterfront,” said Louis Riggio, developer at JFLR Enterprise.

The project received funding through the state’s Buffalo Billion II economic development initiative. Empire State Development worked with the city of North Tonawanda to secure $3 million in funding for a $13 million smart growth initiative that included several infrastructure and building projects intended to better connect the city’s downtown and waterfront, and promote more density and walkability.

“The new 110 Sweeney St. mixed-use development on the waterfront is an example of a targeted investment that will attract new residents to what is fast becoming one of Western New York’s must-visit neighborhoods,” said Hope Knight, ESD president, CEO and commissioner.

North Tonawanda will use $570,000 in state Community Development Block Grant Economic Development funds through New York State Homes and Community Renewal to assist JFLR Enterprises with the purchase of furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment, working capital and administrative expenses for District 37. The restaurant has pledged to create 39 full-time equivalent jobs over two years, with 34 to benefit low- and moderate-income people.

The project also received a $200,000 Restore NY grant.

“This project helps implement our revitalization goals for the downtown and Erie Canal waterfront area,” said Lumber City Development Corporation Executive Director Laura Wilson. “This project will increase residential density to help make North Tonawanda the ultimate live, work and play destination in Western New York.”