Technically, Doug Jemal is the new owner of the historic Statler Hotel, but he said nobody can really own that building.

"I'm just a caretaker," he says. "All of us here today are nothing more than caretakers. Do the right thing to pass it on to the next generation and we're very fortunate that Mark [Croce] had the vision to save this gem."

Jemal is picking up where his friend and fellow developer Mark Croce left off before his death in a January helicopter crash.

"Both of us were Humpty Dumpty kind of guys. What once were can be so again," Jemal says.

Jemal, along with Croce's widow Jessica, officially announced he had purchased the Statler on Thursday in Niagara Square, with the hotel in the background.

"We couldn't be happier and more honored that Doug is going to be taking that from us," Jessica says.

Her husband had bought the building out of foreclosure in 2011 and renovated the lobby levels into bar and event space. He'd also begun work replacing a crumbling façade, work that Jemal said he'd complete quickly.

But the upper levels of the building remain in disrepair and still need to be developed. Jemal, in the midst of renovating Buffalo's tallest building, the Seneca One tower, has quickly earned a reputation for taking on ambitious projects.

"I can handle it," Jemal admits. "That's what I do. I like challenges and it's challenging."

The developer wouldn't lay out a price tag or timeline, saying these projects always cost more and take longer than expected.

He envisions a multi-use building with residential and hotel space, potentially gaming, and like Croce before him, he'd like to see the adjacent Buffalo Niagara Convention Center renovated and connected to his building.

That's contrary to a county study recommending building a new facility.

"Where are you going to get the money to build a new convention center? Let's get real about what we can do and what we can't do. This is something that can be done. We just all have to get in one direction and plan this out," Jemal says.

The county executive's office says they have had no conversations with Jemal, but the plan he outlined was rejected by consultants for a number of reasons.

The gambling idea could also face hurdles including exclusivity rights negotiated between the state and the Seneca Nation of Indians. Jemal seemed unfazed Thursday.

"Business is fluid," he says. "There is no plan. The plan is (to) let that building speak for itself."

As for the weddings and other events already scheduled at Statler, Jessica Croce says that business will continue with Statler City Food Service continuing to manage the event business as Jemal develops the rest of the building.

The city also unveiled Croce Way street signs Thursday. A portion of West Genesee Street next to the building will soon be renamed to honor the former owner.