City of Buffalo looking to secure $3.5 million from state to help expedite Statler project renovations

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Some state funding may be on the way to help speed up the process of the Statler Hotel rehabilitation project.

The Buffalo Common Council on Wednesday approved submission of a state grant application that could cover parts of the cost to fix the Statler.

"We prepared an application to be submitted to Empire State Development Corporation for $3.5 million for repairs to the Statler," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown with WBEN on Thursday. "The money will do foundation repair work, the vaults under the sidewalk would be repaired, there will be sidewalk repair work, and that work is essential before other work to renovate the property."

In addition, there will restoration of parking to accommodate hotel guests, residents and users of the event space.

The city will seek funding through the Restore NY Communities Initiative Round 8. The Statler Project itself is expected to have an estimated cost of $160 million.

"When it's all said and done, there will be over 200 apartments in the Statler, another more than 200 hotel rooms in the Statler," added the mayor. "The city has been working closely with Gov. Kathy Hochul, the Empire State Development Corporation and other partners to assist Douglas Development in moving this project forward and getting the Statler fully renovated."

"The revitalization of the Statler Hotel underscores not only my dedication, but the Council’s and City of Buffalo’s dedication to preserving its historic treasures while driving economic progress," said Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski. "This initiative will not only honor our city's heritage but also lays the groundwork for a prosperous future, intertwining our economic and historical pursuits for downtown Buffalo."

Both the Common Council and the mayor noted this project is essential for strengthening Buffalo's downtown.

"The state knows how important this project is to downtown Buffalo and all of Buffalo. For us to be able to bring more tourists to our community and to create more jobs. Having more hotel rooms is critically important, but also having more people living downtown to patronize businesses downtown will make our downtown and our city stronger and more vibrant," Mayor Brown said.

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