A group of Western New Yorkers are ringing a new year as the Buffalo community readies to part ways with a piece of history.
With bankruptcy proceedings underway that could close the Statler Hotel by mid-January...the Ice Ball held at the historic Buffalo landmark on New Year’s Eve may be the last event held there.
Our Giselle Phelps tells us about what could be the Statler's last dance.
Buffalo, NY -- The beginning of a new year may have marked the end of an era for the Statler Hotel.
"Its saddening that this is the final hoorah here at the Statler; but it's great that we can host one last event here,” said Ice Ball Founder Steve Poland.
Thursday night, Steve Poland, held his second annual Ice Ball in Buffalo. A New Year's Eve party he started as an alternative to the bar scene.
He chose the Statler Hotel as the venue this year, little did he know his event would likely be the hotel's last.
"Obviously, it's been a little nerve racking the past few months whether it's going to close or not, It's good to know that it's not going to for this event,” said Poland.
Bankruptcy proceedings may force the historic building to close in just a few weeks time; forcing the hotel's 14 tenants to leave. City officials say they won't ignore the building, but they're not sure what the city itself can do to save it.
"Right now it's a dangerous situation. Once you mothball a building deterioration sets in. You know a chuck of it fell down, that's a very dangerous thing. So we cannot let this building deteriorate by demolition by neglect or anything like that. So the city will have to be involved, its planning department, but whether the city will just step in and take the building, I don't see that happening anytime soon,” said Buffalo Common Council President David Franczyk.
Aside from ringing in a new year, many Party-goers at the Ice Ball said the night had special significance, because of the Statler's questionable future.
" I think it's going to be a huge blow for downtown, you know to pass by this building and see the windows boarded up, but it does feel kind of cool being here on what might be the last public that takes place here,” said Patrick Fanelli.
"And, I've never been here before, so I'm just glad I got to see it before they close it up,” said Maggie Fanelli.
"It's kind of a last hoorah for the building and if it is, which would be unfortunate we wanted to have it be a memorable occasion,” said Pam Henderson.
Councilmember David Franczyk say he's hoping a local developer with the necessary means will come forward before time runs out.