There is certainly some important restoration taking place here in Buffalo these days.
Today officially marks the beginning of another important piece of that restoration, when Mark Croce and friends broke ground on the Curtiss building at Huron and Franklin Streets.
Upon completion late next year, the building will be a 57-room hotel complete with a day spa, full service three-meal restaurant, state-of-the-art HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), and will be built using sustainable and green technology as they look to the future.
Not long ago, Croce got wind that Mayor Brown was applying for a “Restore New York” grant when the state announced they would be making $100 million available. Croce asked Brown to mention the Curtiss building restoration for a grant of $1.35 million. They received it. In total, Buffalo will be receiving $14.3 million from New York State, the largest Restore New York grant given.
The Curtiss restoration is expected to cost $19 million.
State Senator Bill Stachowski was pleased with the project, emphasizing its importance as yet another example of dedication to the city of Buffalo.
“Here’s to hoping it’s successful,” he said.
Councilman Brian Davis also took to the podium relating a story about Mark from 10 years ago. “Mark was then, and is today, working to make Buffalo a 24/7 city. In the ten years I’ve known him, he’s done exactly that.”
As Mayor Brown said, “Mark Croce gets it done.”
Top image by Joe Cascio. Rendering below- Young + Wright Architectural