Work on revitalizing the Seneca One Tower downtown has been back on track.
Sixty days is the time frame for completion to many important renovations on Buffalo’s largest skyscraper. Owner and developer Douglas Jemal said COVID-19 restrictions were temporary obstacles in construction, but things are back on track to becoming “live and in action” to what he sees as a symbol of Buffalo’s resurgence.
“I really believe that if you build something, people will come,” said Jemal. “So really what I want to see happen in Buffalo, we have to show them we’re building, that we’re moving, that we’re doing things, that there is action going on. We’re not dormant, and it can’t just be a conversation, it has to be action.”
Seneca One’s largest tenant will be M&T Bank, which will be occupying its tech hub on over ten floors of the building. Bank Chief Information Officer Michael Wisler said move-in could happen as early as September, but the nature of its open floor workspaces might need to be altered to follow health guidelines.
“We continue to be convicted about the long term plans of this space. Certainly in the short term when we think about density, when we think about total capacity,” Wisler said. “I’d anticipate that we ramp our capacity over time, as we first and foremost want to create a safe space for everybody.”
Wisler said a silver lining to the pandemic for consumers, employees, and businesses is how important reliable technology is.
“Companies everywhere are recognizing in an even more meaningful way the need to make sure that they are owning and able to lead their own digitization of their business,” said Wisler. “I think this is going to represent a place where everyone knows that’s what they can get done here.”
Also nearing completion in the tower is the courtyard, plaza buildings, and exterior work. Owner Jemal said he wants to fill those plaza buildings with retail and hospitality tenants to increase a community-like atmosphere for workers and visitors alike.
