Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - There is a push by Buffalo leaders to get state funding to help in the restoration of Hostel Buffalo Niagara in the city's Theatre District. The building was closed earlier this year.
Buffalo Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski says he's hopeful the state will approve the application for $2 million in RESTORE funds this week for several reasons.
"It's in the Theatre District. It's a very historic building. It holds large structural significance in that small downtown core, and ultimately it was a home to the hostel that might not have generated revenue, but the cultural implications of having a hostel in the Theatre District to see shows, performances, and to consume our city is critical," said Nowakowski in an interview with WBEN.
The one thing that got lost in the closing of the hostel earlier this summer was it is not a revenue-generating entity that could afford $3 million in significant repairs to the building. The repairs needed to the back of the building is what prompted the closure.
Nowakowski believes the money will be enough to shore the building up, and to get the roof and masonry structure done.
"I think it's enough to get the health and safety codes up. I think that's enough to get it going. It's going to need continual work, and if the hostel is going to return as a tenant, they have to show positive revenue growth to be able to keep the building maintenance up," Nowakowski explained.
Nowakowski feels the hostel is important to Buffalo.
"Even though it may look trivial to some, it actually does have a cultural impact to the Theatre District, and to get people visiting in Downtown Buffalo. Yes, we need people to live, but we also need people to visit, and that has spurring effects to local businesses, cultural attractions, our sales tax and our revenue in the City of Buffalo to be healthy city," Nowakowski added.
Larry Rubin is the attorney for the hostel. He says there was a meeting last week on the application.
"I'm glad to see the city is where the Buffalo Renewal Agency is continuing to want to help the hostel," said Rubin, who adds he's taking this as an encouraging sign.
The hostel continues to remain non-operational after the sudden closure this past summer.
"I understand the work on the rear of the building, that's not the hostel. It's the rear of the building that is what the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency is trying to repair, and they have responsibility for that. Those repairs are coming along well," Rubin noted.
The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency has $1.2 million to match the $2 million, if the state approves the application.
