By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-934935.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The Statler Towers faces another critical deadline Monday. Two Buffalo businessmen must either finalize their $700,000 purchase of the downtown landmark or walk away.
Since submitting their bid to buy the 18-story building, Mark Croce and James Eagan have been doing their due diligence. They've concluded that they need help, particularly in the form of more than five million dollars in government support, to stabilize the Statler's exterior and roof.
With a deadline of today, Statler City attorney Robert Knoer said it's likely they'll seek an extension..
The Statler was reopened for a few hours last week. For the first time in more than a year, the Terrace Room was hosting a gathering -- this time community leaders who wanted to learn more about Croce and Eagan's plans for the Statler. Croce says they're planning to renovate the first two floors -- bringing back the banquet space and some retail. He says something needs to happen and soon.
Throughout the Statler's troubled recent history, deadlines have been extended before. We'll find out today whether Croce and Eagan will ask for and be given more time to finalize their plans.