Voelker's Lane Drops Rooftop Terrace From Plan

Developers removed a 5,000-square-foot landscaped terrace from the $90 million apartment project at 680 Amherst St. in North Buffalo.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Commercial

Empty concrete courtyard of an unfinished mid-rise apartment building, with a single exposed steel column rising under overcast Buffalo sky. — Developers dropped a 5,000-square-foot landscaped terrace from the $90 million Voelker's Lane apartment project in North Buffalo after safety and trespassing concerns. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Planning Board approved a modification to the Voelker's Lane Apartments plan that removes a 5,000-square-foot landscaped second-floor terrace from the interior courtyard. The project is a 275-unit apartment and retail complex valued at $90 million.

Why it matters

The terrace was removed over safety and trespassing concerns, and the change also lets developers remove support columns that would have extended into the parking lot. For North Buffalo residents, the change affects a major new housing project on the site of the former Voelker's Bowling Center.

The Planning Board approved the modification to the $90 million project, which includes 275 units. Construction is not expected to begin until at least the spring, and the timing beyond that is not yet confirmed.

The players

Voelker's Lane Apartments

A 275-unit apartment and retail complex planned for 680 Amherst St. in North Buffalo, valued at $90 million.

The Forge on Broadway

A Buffalo property with a green roof that residents have complained about for noise, which the developers cited as context for the terrace removal.

The details

Developers removed the landscaped second-floor terrace from the interior courtyard after safety and trespassing concerns, and complaints about noise from a similar green roof at The Forge on Broadway factored into the decision. The building's outward appearance is unchanged.

Late June: Planning Board approved the original plan that included the terrace.
Last year: Voelker's Bowling Center, which stood on the site for more than a century, was torn down.
This week: Developers told the Planning Board about green roof issues and the terrace removal.
At least the spring: Construction is expected to begin.

Market Landscape

The decision mirrors earlier problems with the green roof at The Forge on Broadway, another SAA property where climbing and noise created liability concerns. Developers are now weighing rooftop amenities against maintenance, safety, and construction costs in similar Buffalo projects.

Residents near 680 Amherst St. will see the site develop over time, but the terrace is no longer part of the public-facing design. Construction is not expected to begin until at least the spring.

The takeaway

Developers adjust project designs when safety, liability, or neighbor complaints arise, and rooftop amenities can carry real maintenance and insurance costs. Buffalo residents tracking the Voelker's Lane project should watch for construction starting in the spring.