© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Courtyard by Marriott planned for former Donovan building

Former Donovan State Office Building, downtown Buffalo
WBFO News file photo
Former Donovan State Office Building, downtown Buffalo

The world's largest hotel company has announced a planned 96-room facility in downtown Buffalo. 

Marriott International says it's Courtyard by Marriott brand will occupy three of the eight floors in the former Donovan State Office Building. 

The decision represents Marriott International's first entry into the city -- and the first hotel for Canalside. 

Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins said Marriott's commitment to the Waterfront is evidence that the public investment in Canalside is paying off in subsequent private investment and job creation. 

"For decades our waterfront sat dormant primarily due to the lack of funds and the lack of local control over our economic future. The establishment of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation put Buffalo back in control of our own destiny and the fight for Western New York’s fair share in the New York Power Authority relicensing agreement gave us the resources to create a waterfront foundation to build on," said Higgins.

The hotel is expected to open late next year -- about the same time the law firm Phillips Lytel says that it will complete its move into the top floors of the same building.

"Reports of a commitment by Marriott to locate at the intersection of downtown and our waterfront, at the former Donovan site, provide evidence that the groundwork we have laid in recent months is paying off in jobs and private economic investment.   This private sector confidence is confirmation of the improvements we see every day, and is why I am bullish on Buffalo’s future.  We have built the atmosphere that is creating a sense of place that is not only welcoming to the public but to those who recognize the value of investing in Buffalo again. This is what we have been working toward and what we expect to see more of in the days and months ahead.  Buffalo and Western New York has reason to be optimistic. Waterfront development is real and tangible, we are moving forward," said Higgins.