By Bill Burk
Tom Fox is the Director of Development for the Ellicott Development Company. He is heading up the group looking to turn the old Point Chautauqua Golf Course into a housing community. The project, tentatively called Sunset View at Point Chautauqua, has three distinct sections including single family homes, town houses, and condominium-style residential units.
Some background on the company:
Ellicott Development Company is out of Buffalo and stands as a prominent figure in Buffalo’s real estate sector. Founded in 1975 by William Paladino, this company has played a pivotal role in transforming Buffalo’s urban landscape through a strategic blend of development, redevelopment, and management. With a focus on enhancing both commercial and residential properties, Ellicott Development has significantly influenced the city’s economic and architectural evolution.
Ellicott Development Company’s origins are deeply intertwined with the historical development of Buffalo, New York. Established during a period when Buffalo was grappling with economic challenges and urban decay, the company emerged as a beacon of revitalization. The founder, William Paladino, envisioned a future where Buffalo’s historic structures could be repurposed to meet contemporary needs while preserving their architectural integrity. This vision has guided the company’s projects and strategy over the decades.
Ellicott Development operates through a multifaceted business model that includes commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties. The company’s approach integrates real estate development, property management, and leasing. This comprehensive strategy allows Ellicott Development to maintain a hands-on role in every stage of a project, from conception through to its ongoing management.
Like any development company, Ellicott Development faces challenges related to market fluctuations, regulatory hurdles, and economic uncertainties. The real estate sector can be volatile, and the success of development projects often hinges on external factors such as economic conditions and changes in zoning laws.
However, Ellicott Development’s adaptive strategies and innovative approaches position it well for future success. The company’s focus on sustainability, urban revitalization, and community-centric projects aligns with broader trends in real estate development. As Buffalo continues to evolve, Ellicott Development’s role in shaping its urban landscape will remain crucial.
Mr. Fox recently hosted a meeting for the community. I followed up with Mr. Fox recently on his reaction to that meeting, and how the project will develop in the future.
The Villager (V): Your initial meeting with the community got mixed reviews. Some of the locals seemed against the development. Is that how you saw it?
Tom Fox (TF): We were happy to see a big turnout at the recent informational meeting we held on Sunset View. In our experience, active community interest and input results in a better project. There were many valid concerns that were raised, many of which will be reflected in revised and more developed plans as we further pursue the required approvals to move the project forward. Despite a general sense of negativity in the feedback at the meeting, we’ve heard a great deal of positive response as well since that time from those in support and with great interest in the success of our project. Our vision is to redevelop the property in a way that thoughtfully weaves into the existing community surrounding the former golf course property.
V: That property served well as a golf course. How do you see it as a housing development?
TF: With its dynamic topography, the property has the benefit of incredible lake views including an orientation to the sunset, hence the development naming. Sunset View will offer a range of high-quality housing options in an amenity-rich resort-style environment that will be home to year-round residents and weekend vacationers alike.
Q: What are your next steps?
TF: Pending receipt of the necessary approvals, which we will continue to pursue following the mentioned plan revisions, we hope to start work on the initial phase of Sunset View next year. Completion of all project phases will be guided by market demand. We anticipate that the completion of all project phases could take several years.
V: How do people find out more?
TF: Here is our project website, where we have project information posted along a video presentation and an opportunity for those interested to reach out with comments and questions…. Sunset View CLC – A Chautauqua Lake Community: sunsetviewclc.com