The Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency is planning to put the Hostel Buffalo Niagara building in downtown Buffalo up for sale after all the bids for stabilizing the deteriorating rear structure came in much higher than expected because of the extra expenses that come with a public-sector project. BURA had budgeted up to $2 million to make critical repairs to the roof and frame, plumbing and electrical systems of the building at 664 Washington St., which abuts the rear of the Hostel building at 667 Main.
That work was deemed essential to prevent further deterioration or even a collapse, and had already forced the temporary closure of the Hostel. The City of Buffalo shut down Hostel Buffalo-Niagara Wednesday morning, posting four condemnation notices on the front door of the Theatre District mainstay and forcing the relocation of eight guests. However, the lowest contractor bid that the agency received was $2.
3 million, not including $70,000 it already spent on remediation and immediate repairs. That would put the agency in a deficit on the project, officials said. And the cost could increase if other problems were discovered after work began.
So BURA's board instead decided to put the buildings for sale, even as officials still try to see if they can reduce the scope of work to bring down the bids. The impending closure, at least temporarily, of the Hostel Buffalo Niagara on Main Street has raised questions about the city’s cultural landscape. "We need to explore all options and a.
