It was Buffalo’s first office skyscraper. Now it’s being turned into apartments

Key Takeaways:

• The Dun Building was built 130 years ago, making it Buffalo’s first high-rise.
• McGuire Development purchased the building two months ago.
• Plans focus on converting the space into a mixed-use, residential project.
• The site is located on Pearl Street in downtown Buffalo.
• The redevelopment underscores Buffalo’s ongoing adaptive reuse movement.

The Historic Dun Building

The Dun Building holds a storied place in Buffalo’s architectural history. Constructed 130 years ago, it was the city’s first high-rise and stood as a testament to Buffalo’s growing commercial clout at the time. The building, located on Pearl Street, has remained a notable fixture in downtown Buffalo.

The Recent Acquisition

McGuire Development purchased the venerable property just two months ago, setting in motion plans that would once again bring the Dun Building to the forefront of Buffalo’s development scene. The purchase marks a new era, as developers move swiftly to reimagine the site’s future.

A Mixed-Use Future

While commercial offices once dominated the Dun Building, the plan now is to create a mixed-use, residential-focused project. This approach reflects a broader shift toward offering diverse living and working spaces within a single structure. It also aligns with the city’s efforts to provide more housing options in the downtown core.

Downtown Revival

Downtown Buffalo has seen a surge in adaptive reuse projects aimed at preserving historical landmarks. The Dun Building’s conversion continues this trend, illustrating how contemporary developers find new functions for storied structures. With housing, commercial, and other community uses potentially under one roof, the project promises to invigorate Pearl Street and the surrounding area.

Looking Ahead

Although the final details will emerge as the project progresses, this latest redevelopment initiative underscores Buffalo’s dedication to honoring its architectural heritage. By breathing new life into the Dun Building, McGuire Development exemplifies how preserving history can also spur modern growth—bridging the city’s past and future in one dynamic space.