City of Buffalo considers public funds to accelerate Statler project

Buffalo, New York (WBEN) – Public funding could be provided to help speed up the process of rehabilitating the Statler Hotel.

The Buffalo Common Council on Wednesday approved submitting an application for a state grant that could cover part of the cost of repairing the Statler.

“We have prepared a request to submit to the Empire State Development Corporation for $3.5 million for repairs to the Statler,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown told WBEN on Thursday. “The money will allow foundation repair work to be done, the arches under the sidewalk will be repaired, there will be sidewalk repair work, and this work is essential before other renovation work on the property.”

Additionally, parking will be restored to accommodate hotel guests, residents and event space users.

The city will seek funding through the eighth round of the Restore NY Communities initiative. The Statler project itself is expected to have an estimated cost of $160 million.

“Ultimately, there will be over 200 apartments in the Statler, and over 200 hotel rooms in the Statler,” the mayor added. “The city has worked closely with Governor Kathy Hochul, the Empire State Development Corporation and other partners to help Douglas Development move this project forward and completely renovate the Statler.”

“The revitalization of the Statler Hotel underscores not only my dedication, but that of the Council and the City of Buffalo to preserving its historic treasures while fostering economic progress,” said Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski. “This initiative will not only honor our city’s heritage, but also lay the foundation for a prosperous future, bringing together our economic and historic activities for downtown Buffalo.”

The Common Council and Mayor have emphasized that this project is essential to strengthening downtown Buffalo.

“The state knows how important this project is to downtown Buffalo and all of Buffalo. So that we can attract more tourists to our community and create more jobs. Having more hotel rooms is critically important, but also having more people living downtown patronize downtown businesses will make our downtown and our city stronger and more vibrant,” said Mayor Brown.

WBEN reached out to Douglas Development for additional comment on progress with the Statlet, but received no response.