EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Douglas Development is in negotiations to purchase The Roycroft Inn in East Aurora, Inn manager Dan Garvey tells 7 News. The news was first reported by the East Aurora Advertiser.
According to Garvey, the deal that he called "incredibly exciting" would include The Inn at 40 South Grove Street, the Roycroft Chapel at 5 South Grove Street and a parcel of land at South Grove and Main Streets. The Roycroft Campus would continue to be owned and operated by the Roycroft Campus Corporation.
Garvey said the plans are in the “infancy stage” but are moving forward.
The Roycroft Inn opened in 1905 "to accommodate visitors and artisans looking to experience this emerging community and style," according to its website. The Inn, as part of the Roycroft Campus, received National Historic Landmark status in 1986.
Douglas Development, led by developer Douglas Jemal, has large portfolio in Western New York which includes Seneca One Tower, the Statler, Hyatt Regency Hotel, HSBC atrium, the former Hotel Henry and more.
The East Aurora Inn was built in 1905 by Elbert Hubbard to create a hub for artists to come and create.
Innkeeper Dan Garvey tells 7 News Reporter the new owner, Doug Jemal, promises to continue the legacy of the inn's history.
"He holds the mission close just as the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation did. Which is why they waited until they had the right person, and I think they found it in Doug Jemal," said Garvey.
Longtime customers say this is a welcomed new era.
"What he has done to help revive and ignite the economy is super special because Western New York is a great place, and he is not from this area, so the fact that he is investing in it makes it more special," said Joanne Butler.
Doug Jemal tells 7 News he plans to keep the Roycroft alive with the same staff and friendly service but with upgrades.
"Running it with the same team they have there, they have a great management team. I am just moving forward. Just babysitting and taking care of it, you know, stewardship," said Jemal.
