Uniland Development Company’s strong advocacy for the Buffalo business community and its transformative office and multi-family projects were celebrated at the 2026 NAIOP Upstate New York Chapter Commercial Real Estate Awards, one of Western New York’s premier industry gatherings. NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (now known as CREDA), is a leading organization for developers, owners, and investors of office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use real estate. Founded in 1967, NAIOP comprises 21,000+ members and provides strong advocacy, education, and business opportunities through a powerful North American network.
Uniland leadership and projects that were lauded include:
Uniland’s Laura Zaepfel Honored with the NAIOP Advocate of the Year Award
Laura A. Zaepfel, Uniland Vice President of Corporate Relations, was honored with the NAIOP Advocate of the Year Award, which recognizes someone who truly embodies the impact that thoughtful, committed advocacy can have on the commercial real estate industry and our community. As Nancy Cox, Advocacy Committee Chair of the NAIOP Upstate New York Chapter, noted when presenting the award, “This year’s recipient has been a driving force behind our renewed focus on advocacy by bringing not only deep experience, but an essential developer’s perspective that has strengthened our voice and our efforts. [Ms. Zaepfel’s long-standing commitment to advancing a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable Upstate NY, through both her professional work and extraordinary community leadership, makes her the perfect person to receive this inaugural honor… In her role at Uniland, she has built a reputation as one of Western New York’s most effective and respected advocates—someone who not only understands how to navigate complex issues, but who brings people together to move ideas into action.”
Advocating for Economic Development
NAIOP noted Ms. Zaepfel’s leadership with a range of impactful projects across the region, which were also emphasized by A.J. Baynes, Jr., President & CEO of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, who, as the event’s emcee, noted her leadership, especially during her recent term as Board Chair of the Amherst Chamber. In the suburbs, this includes helping secure $30 million in government funding for critical sewer infrastructure upgrades along the Transit Road corridor, which will unlock new development in Clarence and Amherst, including at the Eastern Hills Town Center site. In downtown Buffalo, her leadership has helped advance major investments at Avant, including the reimagined Embassy Suites Buffalo and D’Youville University’s new osteopathic medical school at 285 Delaware Avenue, which is the largest local construction project of 2026. Additionally, Ms. Cox of NAIOP added, “[Ms. Zaepfel’s] work on public-private initiatives like Renaissance Commerce Park in Lackawanna and the City of Buffalo’s consolidated Department of Public Works campus reflects a long-term vision, one that strengthens our regional economy and extends the infrastructure that will enable future development.”
BestSelf Behavioral Health Headquarters and Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center as the Office Project of the Year
One of Uniland’s most significant projects in recent years, BestSelf Behavioral Health’s Headquarters and Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center, was a multifaceted initiative. Executing the project from site acquisition and construction management to property management, Uniland led the complete redevelopment of 899 Main Street in downtown Buffalo, transforming the existing building into a new corporate headquarters and Child Advocacy Center. BestSelf is the largest community-based behavioral health organization in Western New York, serving over 41,000 children and adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
The $22 million project on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus involved significant renovations, including the addition of a third floor to accommodate BestSelf’s expanding needs. The result is a state-of-the-art facility providing a modern and supportive environment for both BestSelf’s administrative operations and the critical services offered by the Child Advocacy Center. Click here for a full case study about this major project.
Through dozens of meetings and site visits to multiple existing BestSelf facilities, Uniland’s team learned about the organization’s diverse operations and programs. Going to the drawing board, they proposed adding a third floor, thereby expanding the size of the building to 67,000 SF in a way that could accommodate their operations with workspaces fostering collaboration as well as patient-centered treatment rooms. This became the first building-story addition in Uniland’s 50-year history and that of its veteran project team.
For many partners, the most impactful element of the site is the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf. It strategically consolidates services previously spread across multiple locations, bringing together a multidisciplinary team under one roof for this critical casework. The team includes law enforcement, victim advocates, forensic interviewers, medical examiners, prosecutors, and mental health providers working collaboratively to provide safety, support, and healing. Being located on the BNMC enhances access for patients and their family members, as well as the various case partners, with a range of mass transit options and on-site parking.
Expanding BestSelf’s Operational Footprint
BestSelf President & CEO Elizabeth Woike emphasizes the potential: “The expanded center will enable BestSelf to serve every child in our community who needs support. This represents a monumental improvement from the CAC’s previous location, which could only accommodate one-third of the more than 3,000 annual cases of sexual abuse reported in Erie County. We are grateful to the community for helping us achieve this critical milestone.”
Reflecting on the Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf being named in his honor, local business and philanthropic leader Scott Bieler, President & CEO of West Herr Automotive Group, notes, “This building will continue to symbolize hope, a sanctuary for those seeking support, and a place where healing and growth are possible. I am honored to be part of BestSelf’s incredible journey and look forward to witnessing our partnership’s impact on countless lives.”
Uniland CEO Michael J. Montante adds, “Uniland congratulates BestSelf Behavioral Health on the grand opening of their new headquarters and Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. This completely redeveloped, world-class facility will provide Western New York’s largest community-based behavioral health organization with the space and resources it needs to enhance the lives of children and adults throughout our region. Uniland is proud to partner with BestSelf to realize their important mission here at 899 Main Street.
NAIOP’s award for the BestSelf project adds to the earlier recognition it has received, including the CoStar Community Impact Award for Buffalo Redevelopment of the Year, and the Building Redevelopment Project of the Year by BOMA Buffalo.
Gates Circle-Lancaster Avenue Luxury Townhomes as Multi-Family Project of the Year
Uniland’s Gates Circle-Lancaster Avenue Luxury Townhomes have set a new standard of luxury living in Buffalo’s historic Delaware District with a residential development that celebrates historic architecture with modern amenities. One of the most beautiful corridors in Frederick Law Olmsted’s Parkway System, Chapin Parkway was designed by Olmsted and Vaux in 1874, and it originates at Gates Circle. Gates Circle was redesigned by noted architect E.B. Green in 1902, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The area is also designated a Local Historic District by the City of Buffalo. Gates Circle is located in the heart of the Delaware District and a short walk from some of Buffalo’s crown jewels, including the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Delaware Park, and the historic Elmwood Village.
Uniland’s Gates Circle and Lancaster Avenue Luxury Townhomes are an architectural achievement as new residential construction within a historic district that honors the character of the area with elegant French Eclectic and Queen Anne-style architecture that balances classic style with contemporary lifestyle elements. The project is one of many highly scrutinized new-build projects in the dense urban historic neighborhood. It was widely praised by its neighbors and city officials for its contextual sensitivity while providing contemporary residential options.
Gates Circle Townhomes
Facing the landmarked Gates Circle Fountain, these seven residences are welcoming 3,900-square-foot, three-story townhomes that offer up to four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, plus a partial basement with a vault. These modern and sophisticated French Eclectic-style homes include a brick-and-stone exterior. Each home comes complete with a foyer and front gated entrance facing the famous Olmsted Parkway. A private courtyard, complete with a built-in grilling station, and an elevator are standard amenities. An optional rooftop terrace was also offered.
Lancaster Avenue Townhomes
The five Lancaster Avenue townhomes are spacious 2,500-square-foot, two-story residences with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms on a historic, tree-lined street. Offering a Victorian aesthetic, these Queen Anne-style homes seamlessly blend sophistication and charm with cedar shingles, lap siding, fieldstone exterior, and luxurious amenities throughout. Visitors are welcomed to the residences via a private, covered front porch. Residents can entertain from their balcony or private courtyard, with a built-in grilling station. They have optional elevators for easy access to all floors.
Leading the Luxury Residential Market
Despite the uncertainty that COVID introduced into both daily life and the broader economy during the project’s launch and construction, Uniland sold all 12 units, which were exclusively listed by veteran agent Ellen Warner, a licensed real estate salesperson with Gurney Becker & Bourne.
“There is a great desire for city living and many people seek more than apartment-style or loft living, which is what is predominantly being built,” noted Uniland CEO Michael J. Montante. “This is the right project for the circle. We know what this property means for Buffalo. The Gates Circle address is more than enough. In Buffalo, you really don’t need to say more than Gates Circle.”
“Despite the pandemic and all the ensuing disruption in the building industry, Gates-Lancaster proved, once again, that if you build high-end townhomes with the utmost quality and precision, the buyers will recognize and reward the effort,” reflected Ellen Warner, the exclusive agent for the sales and a licensed real estate salesperson with Gurney Becker & Bourne. “Having the honor of working with Uniland’s team to design and sell the Gates-Lancaster townhomes was one of the highlights of my real estate career. So much attention and care were given to create a project that would meet people’s wants and needs.”
NAIOP’s honor for the Gates Circle-Lancaster Avenue Luxury Townhomes project adds to its earlier recognition by Buffalo Business First’s Brick by Brick Award for New Construction and AIA Buffalo/Western New York Design Award for Large Residential.
Looking ahead, Uniland will continue to drive impactful development, help businesses thrive with tailored workspace, and champion initiatives that support long-term growth across Western New York.
