Hostel Buffalo-Niagara announces Designated Developer Status

Hostel Buffalo-Niagara is excited to announce they have been named designated developer of 667 Main Street/664 Washington Street by Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA). The Hostel plans to redevelop the vacant rear of the building and has selected Savarino Companies to provide owner’s representative services. The plan represents an innovative extension of the activities and services the Hostel has been providing in the Theatre District for the past 24 years. The plan calls for street-level commercial storefronts and transformation of the upper floors into extended-stay private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and kitchenettes.

“These new boutique suites will be ideal for families, groups and young professionals looking for more privacy while experiencing a curated, communal stay in Downtown Buffalo”, says Anthony Caferro, Board President for the nonprofit organization founded in 1988. “The concept bridges the gap between backpacker lodging and chic accommodations, representing a model being explored throughout the United States, but that does not yet exist in Western New York. We thank the City of Buffalo for granting us developer status and Buffalonians for supporting us over the years.”

As Downtown real estate has increased in value, the Hostel was at risk of being lost to commercial redevelopment.  In 2017, the future of the hostel was in limbo, as the City had sent out a request for proposals for the building.  A successful Save the Hostel campaign was launched. As a cultural asset of Western New York and a magnet for tourists from across the globe, the Hostel plans to expand, to serve the community for many years to come. They are once again calling on the community for assistance. To get involved in support of the reimagination, preservation, and redevelopment please join their facebook group: facebook.com/friendsofthehostel or contact directly at stay@hostelbuffalo.com.

In 1994, the Hostel redeveloped the former Norban’s Department Store into Hostel Buffalo Niagara.  The hostel began operations in 1996, providing space for 50 guests a night, along with a communal kitchen, dining and several lounge spaces.  Between 6,000 and 7,000 overnight guests visit the Hostel each year.  Since the Hostel is the only of its kind in the region, most of these guests would not have visited Buffalo if the Hostel did not exist.  In addition to supplying rooms for guests, the Hostel provides a 24/7/365 presence in the Theater District, hosts over 70 artistic and cultural activities annually, and curates several exhibitions each year at BOX Gallery.  The current economic impact of the Hostel is estimated to be between $1.5 to $2.3 million dollars a year.

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Hostel Buffalo Niagara is an independent 501C3 nonprofit organization that runs the hostel located at 667 Main Street in the heart of Buffalo’s Theatre District, close to all that’s happening Downtown and around the city. The Hostel provides an affordable, laid back communal home-base for travelers from all over the world visiting Niagara Falls, exploring Buffalo and the Greater Western New York Region.