Ciminelli Real Estate Corp. and its partners are about two-thirds done with a $19 million project to convert the former Mentholatum Co. headquarters and manufacturing building on Niagara Street into 49 market-rate apartments.

Pierre Wallinder continues to amaze me. Last week, I was touring a friend around town by bike. We hopped on the bike ferry at Canalside and headed to the Outer Harbor. After exiting the ramp, we walked over to the Sail Buffalo Sailing School compound, which really is a compound these days. We found Pierre sitting on one of his sailboats, in-between sailing classes. I asked him if he would give us a quick tour of the place, and he happily complied.

Buffalo is surrounded by water on at least two sides, but those yearning for residences with water views have had limited options—until now. A new era of handsome, energy-efficient, residential buildings has dawned along the Buffalo River. The units are market price and loaded with amenities in addition to their desirable location.

Larkinville's newest addition, the Swan Street Diner, will be open for business by September.