News

Nov 12, 2023

Uniland Development plans spec warehouse at Lackawanna's Renaissance Commerce Park

Uniland Development Co. plans to build a third warehouse and manufacturing

Uniland Development Co. plans to build a third warehouse and manufacturing building on spec in Renaissance Commerce Park in Lackawanna.

The structure would join Uniland's existing 151,000-square-foot manufacturing site at 8 Dona St. and a building under construction nearby at 2 Steelworkers Way.

The former was fully leased in time for its grand opening in March, and Uniland President Michael Montante said he expects the second building to fill up with similar speed. That's why the company is already planning a third.

"As a developer, we look at things years in advance," he said. "We know these things don't happen overnight."

The Buffalo and Erie County Industrial Land Development Corp., an arm of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, owns the land. The corporation board on Wednesday authorized the creation of a purchase agreement for the sale of about 12 acres of land on the former Bethlehem Steel site. The final purchase agreement will need to be approved by the board.

Uniland will pay an estimated $552,500 for the land, though the actual price will depend on a final survey of the site.

The building will be at least 150,000 square feet.

ECIDA President and CEO John Cappellino said this project is the latest in a string of developments on the former Bethlehem Steel property.

"It's great to see all the activity out there," he said. "We continue to see interest."

Under the preliminary terms of the agreement, Uniland will have 18 months from the time the deal closes to start construction and 18 months from the start of construction to complete the project.

If construction does not start on time, the corporation may buy the land back for 85% of its purchase price.

Montante said Uniland hopes to begin construction six to 12 months after the deal closes.

The foundation of the 151,000-square-foot warehouse at 2 Steelworkers Way is nearly complete, he said. Construction has been slowed by the discovery of partial foundations of former Bethlehem Steel buildings that were never removed from the site.

"It's challenging for sure, but we're getting through it," Montante said.

Uniland plans to finish that warehouse and welcome its first tenants by the end of the year. No tenants have been announced.