Statler is Saved!

Awesome news today…
Bashar Issa (a British businessman of Iraqi desent) said he plans to convert the top 14 floors of the 18-story Statler into condominiums, creating as many as 280 units, with one- and two-story dwellings, in the $150,000 to $275,000 price range. A 150-to-200-room, four-star hotel would occupy the second through fourth floors and ground floor, mezzanine and basement levels would be filled with office and retail tenants, plus a fine-dining restaurant, small movie theater and a health club.

Seriously, the best case scenario just occurred. He also said this is a very extensive renovation so it will take three to four years. Niagara Square is gonna be somethin’ in five years with this project and the new federal courthouse. Its great that Downtown gets some much needed condos and residential life on a 9 to 5 Niagara Square.

…still no news on the sale of AM&A’s which was supposed to have a June 1st deadline. Knowing Buffalo, we might not know for a while.

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