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

As Ellicott Development Co. continues to fine-tune its plans for a proposed eight-story building on Court Street, several options for the structure are being considered, including bringing a hotel to the property.

After drydocking the project because of economic conditions, Ellicott Development renewed plans earlier this year to construct the multi-tenant building on a block of Court Street between Franklin and Pearl streets. It would replace two surface parking lots - one owned by Ellicott Development and a second that it has an option on through the City of Buffalo.

The fact that Ellicott Development is reviving the office plans is viewed in many quarters as a sign that the local economy is rebounding.

The company retained Kideney Architects to design the building, which includes a glass and stone facade.

Once planned for 11 stories and nearly 300,000 square feet, the building will likely be eight stories and 225,000 square feet with 135 indoor parking spaces.

William Paladino said a number of tenant options are being considered, including bringing in a 120-room hotel.

"Nothing is definitive," Paladino said. "A hotel is one of the options, but there are others, too."

Depending on lease talks, construction could start within the next year.

The project is one of several that Ellicott Development has in its pipeline, including renovating the soon-to-be-former Stereo Advantage property on Main Street in Williamsville into a mixed-used building with 40 apartments and a 105-room hotel. Ellicott is working with Amherst and Williamsville officials on the project.