Buffalo lawmakers got a firsthand look at a massive renovation and restoration underway inside the historic Lafayette Hotel. There's a reason why developer Rocco Termini invited Buffalo Common Councilmembers on the tour. He's not looking for money but does need their blessing to buy a neighboring alley space.
"We will be putting some decks out there, just like you see at the Pearl Street Brewery, so that when people have their banquets at Pearl Street's facility here, they'll be able to use those decks," said Termini to reporters who also went on the tour.
The city-owned alley space has gone unused for many years. Four Common Councilmembers showed up for the tour and were most impressed. They also did not envision any problems approving the requested sale.
"Well, the next step is the appraisal review board will have to meet, send the item to the Common Council, and we'll take the item up," said Council President Richard Fontana. "This isn't your typical alley situation. This alley is really just the backdoor of the building over here. There's a neighbor issue that we'll handle in the Common Council, but as far as the alley being sold I see no reasons whatsoever it should not be sold. And at a fair price, too, we don't to gouge Mr. Termini. He's put in a lot of time and effort in this building."
An estimated 220 people are working on the massive reconstruction, which includes painstaking restoration of elements including small tiles and marble detail. Termini says they're planning to reopen the Lafayette Hotel on May 1.
