BUFFALO, N.Y. — The city Wednesday closed the downtown Buffalo hostel following an inspection that resulted in the building’s condemnation.
City inspectors cited unsafe electrical service and structural hazards at the rear of the building, a reference to structural issues in the adjacent city-owned building that shares a wall with the hostel. The fire department condemned the hostel building, also city-owned, citing the electrical issues.
City inspectors arrived shortly before noon to inspect 667 Main Street, the hostel’s building, bringing with them National Grid personnel. The inspectors unscrewed a door in the back to gain access to the adjacent building at 664 Washington Street, according to a hostel representative. The inspectors determined the electrical service box was a hazard and shut off power to the hostel just before 1 p.m.