Boland Modular Build-to-Rent Project: A Success Story in Buffalo’s Revitalization

Executive Summary

Completed in 2023, the Boland Modular Build-to-Rent Project stands as a landmark achievement in affordable, high-quality urban housing. This collaboration between Buffalo Modular Homes and Boland and Partners delivered modern short-term rental units in Buffalo’s Westside neighborhood, transforming underutilized land into a thriving investment opportunity. With three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom units totaling 1,600 square feet each, the project not only accelerated construction timelines by 50% through innovative modular techniques but also drove neighborhood revitalization. Investors saw quick ROI, while the community gained upscale amenities and economic boost. This report highlights the project’s journey, innovations, and lasting impact as a model for modular build-to-rent projects in Western New York.

Project Overview and Timeline

Launched in early 2023, the Boland Project addressed Buffalo’s growing demand for short-term rentals in the vibrant Westside neighborhood. Partnering with Boland and Partners—a real estate firm specializing in furnished rentals—Buffalo Modular Homes pioneered a modular approach to deliver turnkey units ready for Airbnb listings.

Key milestones:

• Planning Phase (Q1 2023): Site selection and permitting, leveraging Buffalo’s zoning for multi-family developments.
• Factory Fabrication (Q2 2023): Modules built indoors in Buffalo Modular’s climate-controlled facility, ensuring quality and weather protection.
• On-Site Assembly (Q3 2023): Modules craned onto foundations, with full completion in under 3 months—half the time of traditional site-built homes.
• Launch (Late 2023): Units furnished and listed, achieving 90% occupancy within the first month.

This timeline showcased modular construction’s edge, reducing costs by 20-30% and minimizing disruptions in a residential area.

Key Features and Design Innovations

Each of the project’s units was crafted for discerning travelers, emphasizing comfort, style, and functionality. At 1,600 square feet, the 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom layouts featured:

• Open-Concept Living: Spacious great rooms with natural light from large windows, flowing into chef-inspired kitchens with granite counters, stainless-steel appliances, and islands for casual dining.
• Luxury Master Suite: En-suite bathroom with double vanities, walk-in shower, and soaking tub, plus a walk-in closet for ultimate retreat.
• Guest-Friendly Spaces: Two additional bedrooms with shared full bath, plus a half-bath for convenience.
• Premium Amenities: Hardwood floors, smart thermostats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and in-unit laundry—upscale touches that command premium rental rates ($250-350/night on Airbnb).

The design drew from Buffalo’s architectural heritage, incorporating durable siding and gabled roofs for curb appeal. Innovations like prefabricated modules allowed for energy-efficient features—superior insulation and airtight seals—cutting utility bills by up to 25% and earning ENERGY STAR certification.

Construction Process: Modular Efficiency in Action

Buffalo Modular’s factory-driven method was the project’s backbone. Modules—complete with wiring, plumbing, and finishes—were assembled off-site, then transported and stacked on foundations in days, not weeks. This reduced labor costs, waste (by 90%), and weather delays, common in Western New York’s variable climate.

Success metrics from the build:

• Timeline Savings: 3 months total vs. 6-9 for site-built.
• Cost Efficiency: 20% under budget at $250/sq ft, thanks to bulk material sourcing.
• Quality Control: Factory inspections ensured zero defects, with 100% code compliance on first pass.

Boland and Partners praised the process for its predictability, noting, “Modular made our vision a reality faster than imagined.”

Outcomes and Success Metrics

The project’s ROI exceeded expectations. Units hit 90% occupancy in month one, generating $150,000+ annual revenue per unit at average rates. Guest reviews averaged 4.9/5 on Airbnb, highlighting “spacious, modern vibes” and “proximity to Buffalo’s gems like Canalside and Elmwood Village.”

Investment highlights:

• Rental Yield: 8-10% gross, above Buffalo’s 6% market average.
• Appreciation: Westside values rose 15% post-project, per local real estate data.
• Scalability: Plans for Phase II expansion, proving the model’s replicability.

This success underscores modular’s role in addressing housing shortages, with 100% investor satisfaction reported.

Community Impact and Future Implications

Beyond profits, the Boland Project revitalized Westside—a historically underserved area. It created 20 local jobs during construction and boosted foot traffic to nearby businesses. By offering furnished, upscale rentals, it attracted tourists, supporting Buffalo’s $1B tourism economy.

As a blueprint for modular build-to-rent projects in Western New York, it demonstrates how innovation can drive equitable growth. Buffalo Modular and Boland and Partners are exploring similar ventures in the Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley, potentially adding 50+ units by 2025.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Boland Modular Build-to-Rent Project proves modular construction’s power: faster, cheaper, and superior quality for investors and communities. Completed in 2023, it set a new standard for short-term rentals in Buffalo, blending profitability with positive impact.

Ready to replicate this success? Contact Buffalo Modular today for custom modular homes in Western New York. Schedule a consultation to explore build-to-rent options—your next investment awaits.

Project Snapshot Table