BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The former Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital site is now on its way to becoming a first-of-its-kind retirement community for those who've seen Buffalo through decades of changes. 

"Canterbury Woods at Gates Circle will offer local seniors an opportunity they've never had before, which is the opportunity to enjoy and contribute to the vibrancy in Buffalo in a city backed by the security and peace of mind that comes from being part of the premier preeminent continuing care retirement community in New York state," said Rob Wallace, president and CEO of Canterbury Woods. 

Not only is it new to Buffalo, it will be the first in the state to be located in an urban setting. The $41 million project will occupy a portion of the former hospital site. It will feature 53 independent living apartments with an assisted living component, and also give residents access to other services offered by Canterbury Woods in the future.

"They're not renting, they're actually purchasing an insurance product which is supported by the New York State Department of Financial Services and the Department of Health which guarantees them that continuum of care for the rest of their life," said Wallace.  

Wallace says Buffalo's renaissance what attracted them to the location, and Mayor Byron Brown says the project will help it continue. 

"Certainly it will encourage other developers to make investments in the city which is what we want, what we need to be able to accommodate the tremendous demand that exists now for people to want to live in the city," said Brown, D-Buffalo.

More than 130 people are on the priority reservation list for the retirement community, which will be able to house about 70 to 75 people.

During the planning process, the six-story structure underwent some design changes based on public input.

"There was some back and forth with the community, but ultimately, we think we have an even better building, a better product, a better community for the residents that it's going to serve," said Wallace.  

"I'm very pleased with the public participation process, with Canterbury Woods' willingness to listen to the community and what they wanted," said Brown.  

The project is expected to be complete in about 17 months.