Uniland Development Company’s advocacy on behalf of the commercial real estate industry and its innovative new industrial offering were recognized at the Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Buffalo (BOMA Buffalo) 2025 Awards Celebration. The chapter is a non-profit trade association and a federated chapter of BOMA International, a global organization that supports property owners, managers, service providers, and property professionals of all commercial building types —including more than 10.5 billion square feet of U.S. office, industrial, medical, and mixed-use space — with advocacy, influence, and education. A flagship annual event for Western New York’s commercial real estate industry, the BOMA Awards honor individuals and companies who exemplify outstanding leadership, achievement, and professionalism in the commercial real estate industry. Reflecting the growing momentum of BOMA Buffalo, the 2025 BOMA Greater Buffalo Annual Member Meeting & Awards is more than a celebration of outstanding achievement in commercial real estate—it is a launchpad for excellence on a regional and national stage.
Uniland’s Laura Zaepfel Honored with the BOMA Buffalo Distinguished Service Award
Laura A. Zaepfel, Uniland Vice President of Corporate Relations, received BOMA’s Distinguished Service Award, which acknowledges a significant and lasting contribution to the BOMA Buffalo community. As BOMA celebrated in her awards citation, “For decades, Uniland’s Laura Zaepfel has been advocating, championing, and leading critical initiatives that have strengthened the BOMA Buffalo community. Working extensively with local, regional, state, and federal government leaders and business executives, she has spearheaded numerous corporate, sector, and community initiatives that have advanced the workforce, market conditions, economic opportunities, and business landscape of Western New York’s commercial office building industry.”
In both her professional role at Uniland and her numerous volunteer leadership roles across the community, Ms. Zaepfel collaborates with leading businesses and support organizations to develop policies and enhance procedures that foster a diverse workforce and a sustainable economy in the region. Dedicated to fostering an inclusive community, she works internally and externally on initiatives and workforce development efforts that reflect our community and create environments where every member feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute and thrive.
Under Ms. Zaepfel’s stewardship, Uniland is actively involved across Western New York in its support of local businesses, organizations, and development programs whose purpose is to benefit all people across the region. Through its commitment to educational, recreational, and socially conscious programs, Uniland helps to build better communities. Ms. Zaepfel also leads Uniland’s support of workforce development initiatives. These include Uniland providing leadership and professional skill development to more than 80 organizations in Buffalo-Niagara and Rochester, including BOMA Buffalo, Associated Builders and Contractors, NAIOP-The Commercial Real Estate Development Association, the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and Invest Buffalo Niagara, among many others. Through this industry involvement, coupled with support for Uniland’s internal, industry, and academic continuing education, mentorship, and professional development, Ms. Zaepfel strives to have Uniland associates and their industry peers grow in their careers and advance their horizons.
Uniland’s Flex Warehouse & Storage Suites at Eastport Commerce Center as Best New Industrial Property
Expanding Uniland’s decades of industrial development experience and the company’s innovative approaches to flexible solutions for diverse workspace, the Flex Warehouse & Storage Suites at Eastport Commerce Center in Lancaster are meeting a new market need. Tailored for the needs of small businesses, service professionals, and contractors, these industrial solutions address a growing market challenge and help local companies thrive in Lancaster and across the Western New York region.
Tailored for the needs of small businesses, service professionals, and contractors, a total of 57 individual units will be available, starting at 1,500+ SF per suite (approximately 50′ x 30′). Each unit has its own overhead door, man door, garage bay, and 16-foot ceiling clearance at the eave. All suites are move-in ready, with short-term rental options available. Units start at $1,925/month.
Eastport Commerce Center boasts easy access and visibility. Strategically situated just north of Walden Avenue in Lancaster, NY, this prime location provides easy connectivity to major transportation arteries, ensuring seamless logistics for your business operations with close proximity to major highways and thoroughfares, including Route 20, Route 33 and the I-90 New York State Thruway.
The development—situated at 800-850 Eastport Drive, Lancaster, NY 14086—is the first within this 121-acre business park, and it has the potential to meet an emerging market opportunity for local small to medium-sized businesses, including start-ups, at a time when industrial vacancy rates are at an all-time low. According to CBRE Upstate New York data from 2025, the Western New York region’s industrial vacancy is 2%, far less than the national rate of 4.8%.
The 2025 BOMA Buffalo Awards event was chaired and emceed by Uniland Senior Property Manager Jennifer O’Connell. A member of the BOMA Buffalo Board of Directors and Chair of its Awards Committee, Ms. O’Connell was BOMA Buffalo’s 2022 Property Manager of the Year. Held at The Admiral Room at The Marin in downtown Buffalo, the BOMA Awards featured City of Buffalo Mayor-Elect Sean M. Ryan as guest speaker, where he delivered his first formal marks to the business community since his election to become the Queen City’s 64th Mayor.
