The historic Dun Building in downtown Buffalo is poised for a major transformation as McGuire Development moves forward with plans to convert the long-vacant office property into a residential complex.
Located at 110 Pearl Street, the circa-1893 Dun Building is widely recognized as a significant architectural landmark and is considered the city’s first high-rise. Designed by the firm Green & Wicks, the 10-story structure originally served as office space for what would later become Dun & Bradstreet.
The redevelopment project will introduce 36 apartment units, including a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts. Of those, four units will be designated as below-market rate housing, contributing to affordability in the downtown core.
The adaptive reuse plan aims to maintain the building’s historic character while introducing modern residential amenities. One of the most notable exterior upgrades involves reconstructing the building’s ornate cornice, which was removed in the 1980s. Restoring this feature is expected to enhance the building’s historic façade and reinforce its architectural identity.
While the upper floors will transition into residential use, the ground floor will remain dedicated to commercial space, potentially accommodating an office or retail tenant. Meanwhile, the building’s basement-level restaurant, K:Dara, will continue operations throughout construction and after the project is completed.
The restaurant recently reopened following repairs from a water leak that caused damage to the garden-level space, underscoring ongoing efforts to stabilize and maintain the building during its transition.
McGuire Development acquired the property in October for $1.85 million from Priam Enterprises, marking a key step toward revitalizing the long-underutilized asset. The building has seen a gradual decline in occupancy over the past decade, with office tenants vacating as leases expired. It has remained largely vacant for the past five years, aside from the basement restaurant.
Project design is being led by Carmina Wood Design, which will oversee the integration of modern residential features within the historic framework.
The Dun Building redevelopment reflects a broader trend of adaptive reuse projects across Buffalo, where developers are repurposing historic commercial structures to meet growing residential demand. By preserving architectural heritage while introducing new housing options, such projects play a critical role in downtown revitalization efforts.
Once completed, the conversion is expected to bring new life to one of Buffalo’s most iconic early skyscrapers, contributing to the city’s ongoing urban renewal and preservation initiatives.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rising.
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