M&T Tech Hub

In 2019, M&T Bank announced the plan to build a 330,000 SF Tech Hub that spans 13 floors within the 1.2 million SF Seneca One Tower. The Tech Hub includes two large floor plates in its pedestal – the Plaza and Pearl levels – and 10 floors in the building’s tower. This nearly $58 million commitment kicked off an innovative project that completely transformed the Seneca One building and has positively impacted the office landscape in downtown Buffalo. The project includes open work areas with no private offices, adjoining ceremony and collaboration spaces, conference rooms, wellness rooms, cafes, genius bar, an arcade, reading room, command center, and a grand staircase interconnecting two levels with stadium seats oriented to a town hall media wall.

The Tech Hub is an open, modern, and synergistic space that is home to 1,500 M&T Bank technologists, with one floor dedicated to consistent upskilling and reskilling. Governor Kathy Hochul said, “As a lifelong resident of Western New York who witnessed the industrial decline of my community, Buffalo’s emergence as a thriving tech hub in this magnificent space is a huge source of pride for me. As we celebrate this milestone made possible by M&T Bank and Douglas Development, this more inclusive and innovative ecosystem that creates the workspace and jobs of tomorrow telegraphs to the world that Buffalo’s future has arrived.”

The Design Team worked closely with M&T’s corporate real estate team in the development of the design. Many of the design features such as: the “mezzanine” level, a lofted area for impromptu collaboration, grand stairs with stadium seating, and the tech bar and arcade are located within the Plaza and Pearl Levels due to their expansive floor plate and soaring ceiling heights. These areas bridge the gap between Plaza, Pearl, and Tower floors by acting as destination spaces for creativity and collaboration. The modern mix of bold colors and feature lighting elements create a vibrant and eclectic space for employees to innovate and connect while signage and wayfinding reinforce M&T’s brand message focused on spurring innovation and advancing customer experience.

This project also represents a close working relationship between M&T Bank and the City of Buffalo. “The Tech Hub at Seneca One is transforming Buffalo by creating technology jobs, encouraging tech