Years ago Hotel Niagara was the place to be.
On Wednesday, USA Niagara Development Corporation (USAN) announced it issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified developers to redevelop this key historic building in downtown Niagara Falls.
The Hotel Niagara is the oldest standing hotel in Niagara Falls and still has much of the architectural integrity that once made it an iconic piece of the city's skyline.
"It is Hotel Niagara's amazing story, architecture, and connection to our community that makes its redevelopment effort so important as we work to ensure the Niagara rightfully plays an important part in Niagara Fals' future," said USAN President Christopher Schoepflin. "USAN is humbled to have the opportunity to work with the private sector to restore this historic property and put it back to productive economic use while contributing to the visitor and resident experience here in Niagara Falls."
Built in 1924, the 12-story building is located at 201 Rainbow Boulevard at First Street on "Centennial Circle." It was among the city's finest lodging and banquet establishments, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
After decades of neglected maintenance and several changes in ownership, the building has declined to a low budget, limited service hotel property that has been closed since 2007. This will be the first historic restoration of a hotel in the City of Niagara Falls.
The overall restoration/reuse costs of the Hotel Niagara are expected to be in the $20 million range.
Huge turnout by developers for today's #HotelNiagara walk-through a great sign for future. @NYGovCuomo @nf_ecdev https://t.co/6WHTIbO5of
— Paul Dyster (@PDyster) August 31, 2016
Proposals for the building are expected to focus on a mixed-use restoration, for example, including components such as restaurant and entertainment in addition to the hotel.
"We are grateful to our partners at USAN for their leadership in working to revive this iconic landmark in the heart of our growing downtown corridor," said City of Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster. "Once the city's premier destination hotel, we are confident that the historical integrity of teh Hotel Niagara can be restored and look forward to a world-class development for visitors and residents alike."
Take a look at Channel 7's story about Hotel Niagara that aired back in 2011.
