In an earlier era, the cavernous complex of brick buildings was an orphanage. It later became a seminary for Catholic priests, then a diocesan education center. But for the past quarter-century, the buildings in the 500 block of Dodge Street near Wohlers Avenue have been empty. "It's been vacant for so long, and it was not maintained or taken care of," said Frank R. Robinson, who can see the complex from the front porch of a home he has lived in since the late 1950s. "It was an eyesore. It brought down the property values." When a fleet of construction vehicles converged on the site earlier this year, Robinson and other neighbors were pleased that the former German Catholic Orphanage was being primed for an extreme makeover.

Recently, nearly 100 people gathered beneath a large tent to help usher in a new life for the complex. ErieCounty's largest nonprofit group is teaming up with numerous funding partners to transform the site into a $16.2 million residential community, complete with a chapel and a small center that will provide services to dwellers.

When St. MartinVillage is completed next year, it will feature 36 townhouses and 24 apartments that will be marketed to low- and moderate-income residents. Three buildings are being torn down, and two others are being renovated. An old chapel is also being restored.

The Community Action Organization of Erie County is the project's lead sponsor. It has been working with the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Key Community Development Corp. and other partners. Mayor Byron W. Brown joined other local government leaders and community activists at the groundbreaking. The project is being funded through numerous sources, including $2.4 million in federal housing money earmarked by the city, state funds and other grants. The project will be built using energy-efficient technology.

Robinson's earliest recollection of the site was when he was 9 or 10 years old and the complex was being used as a seminary for priests. He hopes the project strengthens one of Buffalo's historic neighborhoods. But he said it will be important for residents who move into the new housing to "take pride" in their community and care for their homes. He also urged city officials to take more aggressive steps to deal with blighted empty buildings that dot many streets around the former orphanage.

Lenord Bethel has lived on Dodge Street for nearly 50 years. When he moved there in the early 1960s, the neighborhood was peaceful and immaculate. These days, a light post outside Bethel's home is adorned with flowers that mark the spot where someone was gunned down a couple of years earlier. Bethel wants to believe that the construction of the new housing in the center of his neighborhood will be a catalyst for community renewal. 'The place will look better,' he said. 'It will make people feel better and safer.'" M. Scott Allen of GAR Associates, Inc. completed an appraisal and market study on this project.

The Buffalo News
July 2010