By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

The 500 block of Main Street in downtown Buffalo, which has seen a number of new developments in recent months, could soon see a vacant building transformed into offices for a specialized law firm.

Ricotta & Visco is negotiating to purchase the four-story, 11,400-square-foot building from Kent Keating, founder of Kanoodle.com Inc. The deal has not been finalized but if it goes through, the law firm will move from Main Place Tower.

Ricotta & Visco is planning a $1.5 million project, including acquisition and renovation costs, according to documents filed with the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.

The IDA is considering an incentive package for the project under its adaptive re-use policy, said Grant Lesswing, business development officer.

A hearing is set for Dec. 9, with the IDA board expected to vote on the package Dec. 13.

"It's a building that, for the most part, has sat empty for years," Lesswing said.

The law firm anticipates adding three employees once it moves into the century-old building. It specializes in medical malpractice defense and has 13 employees, according to IDA documents.

Keating, who founded Kanoodle - now known as Seevast Corp. - bought the building in 2007 with the intention of moving his family into the upper floors and leasing the first floor to a retailer or restaurant. A Chinese restaurant on the first floor closed in 2008.

Keating dropped the plan in late 2008 and retained Alan Hastings of Hastings Cohn Real Estate to market the building. Several parties looked at the building before Ricotta & Visco emerged as a potential buyer, according to Hastings.

Carmina Wood & Morris has been retained to handle the architectural work.

The potential move comes as the 500 block of Main Street sees a wave of development.

Across the street, restaurateur Don Warfe converted the former Stewart & Benson building into his residence, saving the first floor for a Brodo outlet that's expected to open this winter.

Roger Trettel renovated a series of century-old buildings for the Cornucopia project, which will bring in a mix of retailers and offices. In addition, the Hyatt Regency Buffalo recently completed a nearly $16 million renovation.

"The face of the 500 block has changed dramatically in the past five years," said Michael Schmand, Buffalo Place Inc. executive director. "It continues to change and evolve for the better."