Fairfield Library Conversion to Start This Summer

Creative Structure Solutions (CSS) is closer to converting a vacant, historic North Buffalo library into luxury apartments. David Pawlik’s firm has a contract to purchase the Fairfield Library at 1659 Amherst Street from the City and rehabilitate it into five apartments and a small amount of office space.

The Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday approved variances necessary for the nearly $1 million conversion project. CSS sought variances for parking, yard requirements and permitted use.

The Fairfield Library has been vacant and neglected since 2005. The library was designed by William Sydney Wicks for the Unitarian Universalist Church. It was built in 1897 and was also occupied later by another congregation before being taken over by the City for a branch Library in the 1920s. The building’s condition led many to fear the building would be lost due to deferred maintenance and worsening water damage.

“It’s in bad shape,” says Pawlik, “but we are well versed and experienced with these types of renovations.” CSS has been general contractor on a number of adaptive reuse projects and recently completed the rehab of a former church, The Lofts at Warwick, at 700 Parkside Avenue.