A valiant effort was made to save Hostel Buffalo-Niagara, but it appears that the writing is now clearly on the wall. The City has ensured that there is no future for the Hostel, as the electricity has now been shut off. I learned of this shocking, and very sad news, earlier today when Onsite Manager J.P. Piret sent me a note explaining the unfortunate circumstances.
Obviously, without power there is no Hostel. And that, my friends, might be the last time we hear from the Hostel, as there is little chance in hell that it can stay afloat for eight months while the City conducts stabilization work to the east end of the building (learn more by listening to the plight of the Hostel in this podcast).
It’s mind-boggling that an amicable solution could not have been worked out that would have benefitted the building and the Hostel. Apparently that was not in the cards, which is unfortunate. The only way that this could possibly work out, is if a foundation (for example) was to throw the Hostel a financial lifeline that would keep the operation afloat until the City can finish stabilization work. Even then, the City will most likely opt to sell the building altogether, which would – at this point in time – not be an affordable option for an entity such as a Hostel, which is in place to offer travelers reasonable rates while enjoying their stays in Buffalo.
The Hostel (and BOX Gallery) was an important facet of downtown Buffalo that deserved to be respected for what it has provided since its inception.