Tom Golisano buys former Buffalo News buildings from Douglas Jemal

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano has purchased the former Buffalo News buildings in downtown Buffalo from Douglas Jemal for $10 million, Jemal confirmed to WIVB News 4.

“This is something that Tom and I worked out together,” Jemal said. “We share the same intention to make downtown into a vibrant city.”

Jemal bought the buildings in 2024. The sale continues a recent trend of sales for Jemal in the Western New York market; on Sept. 28, Jemal sold the Boulevard Mall to Benderson Development. In June, Jemal stepped aside as operator of the Richardson Hotel.

Golisano is the founder of Paychex and a former owner of the Buffalo Sabres. In August, he donated $50 million to Oishei Children’s Hospital — which will be changing its name to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo in January.

Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon said that he is encouraged by the sale to Golisano.

“Mr. Golisano has a well-established track record of meaningful economic and philanthropic investments across Western New York — including transformative contributions to health care and education, such as his recent donation to Oishei Children’s Hospital and his longstanding investment in projects at the University of Rochester,” Scanlon said in a statement.

His continued investment in our city and confidence in our downtown and waterfront are strong indicators of Buffalo’s momentum and future outlook. My administration looks forward to working closely with Mr. Golisano and his team as plans for this exciting project are finalized and move forward.”

Uniland Development planned to buy the building in 2022 for $9 million, but backed out of the deal to purchase the building, located at the corner of Washington and Scott streets, but backed out of the deal in 2023.