Judge orders closing of Statler Towers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's a sad day in Buffalo. A bankruptcy court judge has ordered the closure of the historic Statler Towers.

It's lights out for the Statler, at least for now. That was the word at a status conference this afternoon before U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Carli Bucki.

The Statler is officially closed to the public. The heat has been turned off; the electricity is next. And soon, all the windows and doors will be sealed shut.

>>>Watch as Lorey shows the inside of the now closed Statler

Trustee Morris Horwitz said, "They're steel mesh systems to protect the windows and steel doors across the entrances"

The status of the financially ailing building was outlined in U.S. Bankruptcy Court where a judge agreed with how court appointed trustee Morris Horwitz was handling the first stage of a mothballing process.

The local landmark has been facing a doomed fate after a local group, New Buffalo Statler Redevelopment, defaulted on a bid to buy it last Summer. Horwitz says the group is still hopeful, as are at least two out of town interested investment groups.

"We talk to people every day, and that's not hyperbole," said Horowitz.

By now, all the tenants have vacated, except for Park Lane Catering, which wrapped up what could be its last wedding here at the Statler this past weekend. With the heat off, and building closed, the cater now has to leave too.

Horowitz said, "Everything we have done, we hope is to benefit the property."

Some preservationists are worried about the property, that without heat, the Statler may not weather the winter. They gathered at the site to pledge their support to find resources, perhaps on the national level, to preserve it.

Supporter Ellen Hassett said, "It includes a full search for viable developers. This is a big building. It goes beyond resources we have here. It goes beyond state resources."

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter is now pushing to have the Statler become one of the 11 most endangered historic places. Such a designation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation could bring in new money.

In the meantime, the entire building should be closed, and mothballed, by the end of the month.