All of downtown is seemingly ripe for development these days.  This from James Fink at Buffalo Business First:

Plans to renovate the upper floors of a historic downtown Buffalo office building into residential units is taking a big step forward with a prominent developer agreeing to take part in the project.

Representatives from Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. confirmed they will be partnering with the Kissling Interests LLC on a proposed $8 million makeover of the White Building at 298 Main St. Plans call for renovating the buildings top floors into at least 24 apartments.

Floors seven through 10 have been largely vacant since the DamonMorey LLP law firm moved from the building to the Avant Building.

The deal came about through the close relationship that Dennis Penman, Ciminelli executive vice president and principal, has with New York City-based Anthony Kissling, Kissling Interests namesake and founder. Kissling has been investing in Buffalo area real estate for nearly 15 years.

The White Building deal may open the door for other joint ventures between Kissling and Ciminelli, although both Penman and Kissling said there has only been preliminary talks.