By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

In keeping with his promise to restore the historic Statler Towers - now Statler City - and bring back some of its original luster, Mark Croce said he is opening an upscale nightclub in the Buffalo landmark.

The Rendez Vous nightclub is scheduled to open Nov. 23, the night before Thanksgiving. The opening is several weeks ahead of schedule.

"It's another sign that we are full steam ahead," Croce said.

Rendez Vous will recall another era with an elegant decor that includes black crystal chandeliers and polished terrazzo floors. A strict dress code will be enforced, he said. DJs will spin tunes and live bands occassionally will be booked.

A minimal admission fee will be charged, according to Croce.

Located in the Statler's lower level, the original Rendez Vous was a place to be seen in downtown Buffalo. Now Croce said he wants to re-create that vibe.

"It may be the most sophisticated nightclub Buffalo has seen. It will be very reminiscent of what you might see at the Wynn in Las Vegas," he said.

The three-level Rendez Vous will have an 800-person capacity.

Croce said it will feature numerous amenities, including valet parking and a VIP program that waives the admission fee and offers monthly parking passes for one of the nearby lots he controls.

He designed the club to appeal to a variety of people, both city dwellers and people from the suburbs.

"I hope it quickly defines itself as an adult destination," he said.

Initially, Rendez Vous will be open on Friday and Saturday nights, beginning with a Friday happy hour that Croce said should keep downtown workers in the central business district. Operating hours may be extended, depending on demand.

Interestingly, since renovations to the club have been completed, he has booked several events for the Rendez Vous, including two weddings and five bar mitzvahs. He said he hopes to land more private bookings for the club.

"Now that people can see what we've done, they are getting as excited as I am about the room," Croce said.

It's the latest in a series of milestones by the developer since buying Statler Towers in the spring. The landmark building is in the middle of a major renovation effort that will see a series of restaurants and catering halls open on the first few floors and mixed-use developments planned for the  upper floors.