The Lafayette (Buffalo, New York)

 hotel, apartment, historical building

Designed by noted architectural firm Bethune and built between 1902 and 1911, the Hotel Lafayette was envisaged as a high-end hotel for visitors during the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, but was constructed too late for use during the event. Nonetheless, the Hotel Lafayette was one of the most modern and opulent hotels in the United States, featuring elevators, hot and cold running water and a telephone in each room.

Expanded in 1916-17 and again in 1924-26, the hotel was formally declared completed in 1926 offering 155 rooms for guests, a men’s bar, dining room and ballroom. An interior remodeling in 1942 saw the lobby restyled to the Art Moderne theme along with other upgrades, but by the late 1960's the hotel was growing increasingly dated and expensive to operate. Sold by its original owners to a succession of non-local hotel management chains, the hotel continued to decline before finally closing its doors.

The vacant hotel stood idle for several years before being listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010, sparking renewed interest in the landmark downtown building. Purchased by a local developer, the hotel underwent a $35 million rehabilitation project which converted the hotel into 115 one and two bedroom apartments and 34 hotel rooms. Space on the hotel's first floor was leased by several bars, restaurants and retail businesses, ensuring that the Lafayette will play an integral part in the redevelopment of Buffalo’s Downtown.

A 97ft antenna is attached to the building.

thehotellafayette.com/