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Building Stability: Stark Real Estate Invests $7.95M to Strengthen Amherst’s Business Core

Elevating Infrastructure, Retaining Talent, and Reimagining Workplace Potential

At 2100 Wehrle Drive, a once-standard office building has been reimagined into a state-of-the-art facility that embodies resilience and forward planning. Stark Tech, a diversified consulting and engineering firm, has completed a $7.95 million retrofit and transformation to anchor its long-term operations in Amherst. Designed to meet LEED Silver and WELL building standards, the site now serves as the company’s centralized hub for training, administration, and future workforce expansion.

Why This Project Matters

Originally approved in 2021 as a dual-site expansion, the plan evolved in response to market shifts, supply chain challenges, and opportunities presented by post-pandemic work trends. The firm ultimately consolidated its planned investments into a single, modernized facility at Wehrle Drive. The updated site now supports a hybrid workforce, provides high-tech training infrastructure, and reaffirms Stark’s commitment to staying in Western New York, despite relocation offers from states like Florida.
The project delivers:

  • A centralized headquarters for administration, operations, and training.
  • Reconfigured space to bring remote employees back on-site.
  • High-quality infrastructure that supports future workforce expansion.
  • A long-term commitment to Amherst as the company’s strategic base of operations.

Benefits Delivered to the Community

This project contributes significantly to Amherst’s economic and employment landscape:

  • Job Creation and Retention: 80 full-time positions were retained and 20 new jobs were created, with an average salary of $85,000 to $93,750. In total, 97 full-time equivalent roles are expected across the site.
  • Tax Contributions: The project is projected to generate $979,561 in property taxes, $2.13 million in sales taxes, and $6.28 million in income taxes.
  • Construction Activity: 56 jobs were supported during the construction phase.
  • Sustainability Commitments: The facility is designed to operate fully electric and is being constructed to achieve LEED Silver and WELL certifications. These standards ensure both environmental responsibility and improved wellness for employees.

Project Timeline & Partners

• Start Date: October 2021
• Completion Date: December 2023
• Partners: Amherst Industrial
Development Agency (AIDA)

The Amherst IDA provided essential assistance throughout the development process, supporting Stark’s re-investment in Amherst through tax incentives and guidance. This partnership helped offset the high costs of converting the building to meet next-generation efficiency and health standards, while ensuring that Stark continues to support its workforce both in Amherst and at its Tonawanda location.

Rooted in Amherst, Designed for What’s Next

Stark Real Estate’s strategic consolidation of operations into a single, high-performance facility signals more than just a change of address. It reflects a forward-thinking approach to business infrastructure and a deeper commitment to staying local. By investing in people, place, and performance, the company has ensured that Amherst remains a key player in its long-term vision.
This project is not just about revitalizing a building. It’s about reinforcing the foundation of a stronger, more sustainable business community in Amherst

Stay tuned as Ivoclar Vivadent’s expansion unfolds, bringing new opportunities and strengthening the local economy!

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