Due to exterior modifications at 40-52 Ellicott Street /Ellicott Station, building owner Sam Savarino appeared before the planning and development committee on Tuesday evening seeking approval of the new modifications in the 2026 site plan.
After a brief explanation of the modifications and future plans for the building, the planning and development committee approved the 2026 site plan, 4-0 with only Jim Krencik abstaining. The approval will enable Savarino to now apply for a building permit to complete the work required to make the building move in ready for any possible tenants that might be interested.
“Our intention is to undertake some of the work before the end of the year,” Savarino told the committee.
“The masonry restoration on the outside of the building, enclosing it and getting the site work completed. We’re try to get as much done as we can. A lot of the elements of the building are actually purchased. There are glass overhead doors, all the aluminum, fixed glass openings are there, all the HVAC is there. There is some work that needs to be done on the roof to repair it. There were some structural issues with the flat roofs that need to be addressed.”
Savarino says the building department asked that the building be completed to a level where it met fire code.
“There will be an HVAC system, fully fire alarmed, light fixtures installed. All of the exterior will be complete and the site work will be complete. We’re ready to embark upon getting this building complete.”
The city planning and codes department says the 2026 site plan is consistent with what was previously submitted and there are no major red flags. Savarino says he is hoping to have 40-52 Ellicott Street /Ellicott Station completed in 10 months.
“We’re looking for a tenant to occupy the building, so we need to find a tenant. It’s been difficult to find one. Not having a pilot has been a problem, and not having the sales tax exemption has been a problem, and not having the building complete that’s next to it has been a problem. Now that the building, the residential building, is getting complete, it’s a better opportunity for us to find a tenant. We’ll look for any tenant that’s within the current usage allowed for it. We think that the space plays out very well for a restaurant type of facility that could take advantage of the meeting space.”
The five-story one- and two-bedroom apartment building next door is scheduled to be completed before the end of the year.
“It’s about 98% complete now, by my observation. When tenants will be in there, likely end of first quarter 2027.”
Savarino says only the fifth floor needs to be completed along with areas of the parking garage.
“It’s been a long journey. It’s taken a lot of time. When we all started with this, we were trying to do a project, not making a lifestyle choice, but you know it will be satisfying when the residential project is done and people are actually living over there, and we find a tenant for the commercial portion too. So, I know there’s been a lot of acrimony. I know there’s been a lot of frustration about this. I know there’s been some problems with the GCEDC over it, but I think a lot of that will fade away once you see the site is put to active use.”
Savarino says the issue with GCEDC has not been settled. Savarino sues over rescinded tax breaks for controversial project | wgrz.com
“There’s still an active suit involved, but it has been reported and it is accurate. There have been fruitful discussions with the GCEDC about a settlement of the of the matter in contemplation of the sale to Pathstone. I think it’s good news for everybody”
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