Projects that would create new housing in the downtown business district, the Peace Bridge neighborhood and South Buffalo received favorable reviews from the Buffalo Planning Board on Tuesday, but further approvals are needed.

The three projects total more than $15 million and involve transforming long-empty structures into apartments.

One $8.2 million development would convert a vacant school building at 892 Tifft St. into 35 units of affordable housing for senior citizens. If all goes as planned, work could begin next spring at the former Holy Family Elementary School. Officials from Delta Development said the project has obtained low-income tax credits and $900,100 in funding from the city.

The building has been vacant since 2004 when the school closed, except for some space occupied by the South Buffalo Food Pantry. Officials said the project would provide a permanent home for the food pantry.

Environmental reviews still must be completed, but officials hope the new apartment complex will be completed in 2011.

Meanwhile, officials from Ellicott Development presented plans to convert two vacant buildings into residential and commercial space. One project involves the former Baker’s Shoes building in the 400 block of Main Street, not far from Lafayette Square. The $3.2 million project would create 16 market-rate apartments with indoor parking. Project manager Tom Fox said there would also be first-floor commercial or retail space.

Developer Carl Paladino was asked about the ongoing conversion of old downtown structures into loft apartments and other housing. He said he’s not worried that the continuing development might cause a glut of downtown housing.

“The market is as deep as we want it to be,” Paladino told a reporter following the meeting. “The more we build, the more people will come.”

Ellicott Development is also planning a $4 million project in a vacant warehouse at 960 Busti Ave., one block from the Peace Bridge. Once home to Multiform Technologies, the structure will include 23 apartments and first-floor space for commercial or retail establishments, officials said.

Planning Board members praised all three projects, but they noted that developers must still obtain various approvals from governmental entities.