News

Heads up, Buffalo, Jazz on the Plaz is BACK at Seneca One!

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Clear your calendars on Friday evenings this summer because Jazz on the Plaz! is back!

Starting Friday, July 7, Jazz on the Plaz will take over the West Plaza of Seneca One every Friday through August 25, 2023.

Jazz on the Plaz, produced by Seneca One and JAZZBUFFALO, is the perfect after-work spot to enjoy live music, local food trucks, and delicious drinks in the heart of Buffalo with friends and family. The weekly event will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with live jazz performances from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

July
7: My Cousin Toné
14: Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz Ensemble
21: Jay Sharp-tet
28: Donny Frauenhofer Trio

August
4: Dave Hill Group
11: Hot Club of Buffalo
18: Larry Salter Soul Orchestra
25: TBA

Come out and experience some of the best jazz music in Buffalo!

Head to jazzbuffalo.org or senecaonebuffalo.com for more information.

The BPO Brass & Friends at Seneca One

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DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATES WITH THE BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA FOR FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT

BUFFALO – Douglas Jemal and his team at Seneca One are partnering with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) to present a free community concert called ‘The BPO Brass & Friends.’

On Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 5 PM in Seneca One’s Auditorium, located in the Main Lobby, Buffalonians will have the chance to check out the BPO in a spectacular new fashion called ‘The BPO Brass & Friends.’ This arrangement provides a BPO experience that is louder, more upbeat, and features a live drummer to add heavy rhythm. All are welcome to come out and enjoy the musical stylings of the BPO in the heart of downtown Buffalo. Guests do not need to purchase 1ckets.

The upbeat, fun, loud-ish concert will feature a drum kit, which is fairly different from a tradi1onal BPO concert, and will allow guests to engage with the musicians. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or stay a_er to enjoy the famous Seneca One lobby bar from HBO’s hit show, The Sopranos.

Transporta1on instruc1ons to Seneca One: Click Here.

“We’re ecsta1c to team up with the BPO for the concert on Thursday. We’re bringing world class talent to the tech hub for our tenants and the greater community to enjoy. Our team is focused on making Seneca One the most innova1ve, collabora1ve, and dynamic space to live or work in WNY and it is our connec1vity with cultural ins1tu1ons that are allowing us to do so,” said Sean Heidinger, Director of Business Development at Douglas Development.

Coming to Seneca One? Click here for transportation instructions!

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Joseph Konze + Building Buffalo

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re building buffalo with Joe Konze of Seneca One!

 

1. Why Buffalo? Give us Joe 101!

Buffalo caught my attention at a very young age. I grew up in Rochester, NY and my father would take me to Sabres games. When I was eight years old, he took me to Game 2 of the 1998  Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Canadiens. My favorite player, Matthew Barnaby, scored a hat trick and I threw my brand new Sabres hat on the ice to celebrate since then, my love for Buffalo has grown. I have always wanted to live in Buffalo. Everything I need is here. The Buffalo Bills, the Sabres, and a community unlike anywhere else. You cannot find a more hardworking community than the city of good neighbors and I am proud to be a part of it.

 

2. What is your role at Seneca One? 

I am a Business Development Associate. My job is to help create a positive ecosystem for all at Seneca One to enjoy. Here at Seneca One, we pride ourselves and creating a workplace where you can live, eat, work and play. I also help coordinate and facilitate tours here at Seneca One.

 

3. How did you end up working at Seneca One?

My journey to Seneca One involves multiple jobs and trying to find the right career path. Originally, I wanted to be a Beat Reporter for the Buffalo Sabres or Buffalo Bills. It was a dream of mine. When that didn’t pan out, I started to work in the Customer Service/ Restaurant Industry. I would answer phones during the day and bartend behind the pine at night. I learned valuable people skills, awareness, time management, and the ability to think quickly on my feet. One night, I was bartending and happened to meet Sean Heidinger of Douglas Development. We discussed a career path that combined my hospitality skills and customer service skills to help build a strong and positive community here at Seneca One. I have been here only nine months, but we have done just that and more. I am eager to learn more as the years go on, but I am glad that I have found a job that enhances my skill set and puts them to good use.

 

4. What is your favorite thing about Seneca One?

My favorite thing about Seneca One… The people. Everybody knows everybody. Every time you board an elevator, take the escalator to the main lobby or see a familiar face in the food hall, you are greeted with a “Hey, how are you?” Or a smiling face. It helps set the tone for the day. It is heartwarming to see Buffalo’s tallest building alive and well again. I am so excited about what is to come.

 

5. What is your favorite restaurant in Buffalo? 

Casey’s Black Rock. It’s a great atmosphere and owned by my favorite people in Buffalo. Every time I walk in, it’s like an episode of  Cheers. Also, my Pee Wee hockey jersey was retired to the rafter’s when I left to join the Seneca One, team.

 

6. What’s next? 

To help build Buffalo. This city has such great people and such great potential. Brick by brick our team here at Seneca One works tirelessly to help support Buffalo in its race to relevance. I am truly happy to be part of this and I am ecstatic that I get to lend a hand in bringing Buffalo back. It is my dream city after all.

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Chris Brown + Innovation

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re going to see if we can run it with Chris Brown, Administrative Vice President, and manages the M&T Tech Hub at Seneca One Activation Team.

BUFFALO, NY- Chris Brown is fired up about the Buffalo comeback.

It’s evident in the way he talks about it and the way he walks through the lobby at Seneca One.

Any chance Brown gets to teach the community about the positive and everchanging landscape of technology and innovation landscape in Buffalo, he attacks it with great enthusiasm and confidence.

“Our mission is to provide innovative, world-class event programming and technology support services for M&T’s Tech Hub and Tech Academy as a national destination for talent, the spark for creative collisions, collaboration, and creation of an ecosystem to win the race for relevance,” says Brown.

Brown, manages the M&T Tech Hub at Seneca One Activation Team, and when he isn’t helping employees and the Seneca One community navigate through the 529-foot tall building, he is telling the story of Buffalo and why everyone should pay close attention.

Since 1988, Brown has helped build the M&T Bank brand all while watching a city with so much potential slowly climb back to relevance.

In the fall of 2020 when M&T Tech called Seneca One home, Brown was elated to finally help push Buffalo towards unleashing its full potential.

“My dream is for Buffalo to be a national tech hub city,” Brown said. “Anything I can do to move the needle forward is one step closer. I’ve met so many new people who are passionate about Buffalo’s future as a national tech hub city, and downtown as a place to work, live and play. It’s happening.”

Whether it’s spending time in the lobby at Seneca One or telling the story of M&T Tech, Brown is laying the foundation for technology and innovation in Buffalo.

Brick by brick, Brown knows how important the big red building is to the future of Buffalo.

“I love spending time in the Seneca One lobby – you never know who you are going to meet,” Brown said.  “Maybe even a canine that will bring a smile to your day. The amazing team at Douglas Development and Douglas’ decorating style makes the big building cozy. It feels like home.”

The next time you see Brown in the lobby, say, “Hey”. You might learn something about Buffalo that you never knew.

Take Away Family Meals at Seneca One Food Hall

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Seneca One Community,

For those of you who have little to no time in the day to worry about what’s for dinner tonight, we’ve got your back!

The SO Food Hall is now offering Take Away Wednesdays which is the easiest and freshest way to go home with a fantastic dinner for your family ready to go!

This program starts immediately and will be available on Wednesdays moving forward!

Orders can be placed via the Twelve Pay App which is available in all app stores or at the kiosks in the SO Food Hall. After downloading, create an app, and check into the SO Food Hall. If you have any issues with the app or the ordering process, please email Tracy!

Orders can then be picked up that afternoon at the Seneca Grill Station within the Food Hall from 3 PM – 6:15 PM. Meals are available for 2 people, 4 people, or for more if need be by emailing Tracy for a custom order.

All takeout meals will be served hot and ready. Easy breezy!

Tracy Kennerly, General Manager of SO Food Hall, Tracy.Kennerly@sodexo.com

Wednesday February 23rd

  • General Tso’s Chicken, White Rice and Asian Vegetables.

Wednesday March 2nd

  • Ash Wednesday Fish Fry served with Macaroni Salad, French Fries, and Coleslaw.

Wednesday March 9th

  • BBQ Pulled Pork served with Coleslaw and Corn Bread.

Wednesday March 16th

  • Corned Beef and Cabbage, Boiled Potatoes, Rye Bread.

Let’s Do Lunch! Live Jazz Lunches Have Returned!

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Seneca One is proud to announce that Live jazz lunches are starting up again in February! Enjoy a lively, collaborative atmosphere in the Seneca One Food Hall while local jazz musicians perform live!

Escape from your day and meet your friends for lunch while enjoying a live jazz trio, sweeping views of WNY, and an eclectic selection of food offerings.

Live Jazz Lunch Series Scheduled

Wednesday, February 16 from 12-2 PM

Wednesday, March 2 from 12-2 PM

Wednesday, March 16 from 12-2 PM

Wednesday, March 30 from 12-2 PM

The SO Food Hall is open daily, Monday- Friday from 8 AM- 2 PM, and offers a large selection of lunch and breakfast options from the Erie Grill, Seneca Kitchen, wood-fired pizza oven, soups, and daily specials. The food hall is open to the public and is emerging as a premier lunch destination in downtown Buffalo. There is something for everyone here at Seneca One!

For those interested in attending the live jazz lunch series, the event is free and reservations are not required. There will be ample seating throughout the Food Hall as well as the rest of the lobby for all to enjoy. You can access the SO Food Hall by entering the building at Main and Seneca St. Where the NFTA Rail goes underneath Seneca One, there are escalators up to the lobby on both sides of Main St.

*Current NYS guidelines regarding COVID-19 will be enforced. Please plan accordingly.

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Randy Harris + Confidence

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re dropping anchor with Randy Harris, CEO of Lighthouse Technology Services.

Randy Harris knows Buffalo is special.

Each morning he gazes out of his office window on the 28th floor of Seneca One. He takes in a 360-degree view of Buffalo and is overcome with joy.

He sees the creativity, inspiration, and a breathtaking landscape coming to life one brick at a time.

But the one thing that stands out over all the natural beauty of the city he grew up in is a community capable of great things.

“Within Seneca One specifically, the views over the water, of Niagara Falls, our international border, and over our region are both humbling and energizing,” Harris said. “One look out the window and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for how special our area is.”

Harris is the CEO of Lighthouse Technology Services, a technology staffing and recruiting partner to Buffalo’s largest technology departments.

Since 2004, the Buffalo-based company has helped companies or technology departments find talented technology professionals, access technology solutions, and quality technology professionals that provide solutions to new challenges, circumstances, or changes in the workplace.

His vision for providing a company strategy that empowers his team with the tools and resources and environment to do their best work and live their best life is what has help the company succeed no matter the climate.

“Our company is experiencing some wonderful growth thanks to the hard work of our amazing team members,” Harris said. “We’ve got some really fun and important initiatives we’re working on this year in areas like health and wellness, charitable giving, and knowledge sharing, that will help us continue to reach for our vision of being the most inspiring technology partner in the communities that we serve. It’s going to be a fun year.”

At the beginning of the pandemic, Lighthouse Technology Services was in search of new workspace. Harris knew of the developments happening in downtown Buffalo and was curious to see what space was available.

He reached out to a friend that was working closely with Douglas Jemal on bringing the building to life and after a tour of the space, he knew he had to be a part of the community.

“I shared with them that we were going to be looking for a new office location for Lighthouse,” Harris said. “An introduction with Douglas and his team was arranged, and we were able to tour the space and learn about the vision for the building. It was the beginning of the pandemic, but we believed in the vision of Seneca One, and in August of 2020 we moved in. It’s been a fantastic decision.”

Fast forward to February of 2022 and Harris’ fantastic decision has paid off. He enjoys the fact that he can work, grab a bite to eat in the Seneca One Food Hall, and get a nice lift at Quarter Deck Athletics all in the same space that he works. It is a huge time saver and it helps him stay healthy and provides a nice quality of life.

But the most important aspect he enjoys is the tech community that fills this building every day that helps his company grow each day.

“The people in and around the tech community that interact through SO are motivating and inspiring. Here, you’re one connection away from the support and encouragement you need to bring your ideas to life. And I believe that environment is nurturing us,” Harris said.

I mean, after all, it is a special place.

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Courtney Walsh + Boxing in a Bank Vault

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up-and-coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our community. This week we caught up with Courtney Walsh, Operations Coordinator for Serendipity Labs and Boxing Instructor for Boxstar Express!

It’s 6:45 AM on Tuesday, and deep inside the 1970’s bank vaults located in the basement of Seneca One, before anyone has had a cup of coffee, Courtney Walsh is wide awake.

To the sound of Meek Mill’s “Wins and Losses,” she attacks the white punching bag suspended from the ceiling.

Pow! Snap! BOOM!

The sound of her 14 ounce boxing gloves cuts through the music’s bass as she demonstrates her power to the ten people looking on.

She loads up another haymaker.

Pow! Snap! Snap! 

A kick, jab, and uppercut combo are thrown at the bag with so much force one person steps back and mouths “Wow,” to the rest of the group.

No, she’s not training for a title bout or a professional boxer. She’s just doing what she loves: helping people.

Walsh is the Operations Coordinator for Serendipity Labs by day and a Boxing Instructor for Boxstar Express at when she isn’t assisting small to medium-sized businesses on the 29th floor here at Seneca One.

“I’ve been a member of Boxstar Training for years, so to be teaching classes here at Boxstar Express is a really fun new way for me to experience boxing,” Walsh said. “We’ve only just started classes, so my main focus is sharing this incredible workout with everyone and growing our boxing community here at Seneca One.”

Walsh is no stranger to the city of good neighbors.

After growing up in the suburbs of Buffalo, Walsh spent a few years in Chicago, a city that she says she “absolutely loved.” In 2013 she returned to Buffalo. For eight years, Walsh lived in various neighborhoods and watched downtown transform and set itself up for success.

She knew that somehow and someway that she had to be a part of the comeback that was happening right before her eyes.

“I’m an event planner by trade, and throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to expand those skills in a variety of industries,” Walsh said. “After almost a year out of work due to covid, I landed my current role as Operations Coordinator for Serendipity Labs on the 29th floor here at Seneca One. Buffalo is home, and Seneca One is just making home better. I’m excited about the future for this building and the entire city.”

Since arriving at Serendipity labs, Walsh has immersed herself in the community by taking advantage of the live, work, eat, play, grow, build an initiative that Seneca One has spent years building.

She started by joining The Clubhouse with Revolution, a cycling studio that called Seneca One home this summer when space was limited at their home studio. It was a great addition to the menu of health and wellness options at Seneca One. With this amenity right outside the doors of Buffalo’s tallest building, it increased her commitment to fitness and saved her a lot of time.

Her passion and commitment to fitness grew even more when Boxstar Training launched Boxstar Express at Seneca One in November. Being a member of Boxstar Training’s Elmwood location for years, she was a natural fit to teach classes here at Seneca One.

Walsh knows it can be difficult to stay committed to a fitness program. She wanted to enhance the community of the giant brutalist building in downtown Buffalo by providing an amenity that allows tenants to let off a little steam after a hard workday.

“Having an outlet is so important for your physical and mental health, and boxing is a great way to take care of both. Seneca One has an amazing work culture, but we have to remember that balance is key,” Walsh said. “Boxstar offers the perfect way to mentally and physically punch out of “work mode” and tap into “life mode.”  It also doesn’t hurt to know how to throw a good punch!”

Boxstar Express offers a 10-round, 35-minute hybrid class that incorporates boxing, kickboxing, and functional bodyweight movements. The current classes take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 6:45 AM and 5:15 PM and are open to the general public. Walsh would love to have you and doesn’t want anyone to shy away from her class.

“Boxing can seem intimidating, but taking the leap to learn is the hardest part! All levels are welcome in class, and we have all of the gear you need if you are trying it for the first time. At Boxstar, we’re all about bringing something different, so come ready to work hard and leave class better every time.”

If you are looking for a fun way to get in shape and learn how to throw a great punch, click here!

Seneca One DEEP DIVE: Drew St. Laurent + Capturing Beauty

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Welcome to the Seneca One Deep Dive! The team at Seneca One identifies exciting up and coming people, projects, and companies to dive into and share with our audiences. This week we’re raising our sails with Drew St. Laurent, Owner, and Operator of High Peaks Aerial Imagery. St. Laurent is helping Seneca One, the city of Buffalo and the WNY community push forward one still frame at a time.

BUFFALO, NY: Drew St. Laurent knows beauty when he sees it.

The young entrepreneur has a passion for photography, and a knack for capturing breathtaking moments of the city of Buffalo, one frame at a time.

St. Laurent is the owner and operator of High Peaks Aerial Imagery, an aerial drone photography, and marketing company, that specializes in digital imagery and video for small businesses. The company combines immersive, custom drone technology with an innovative approach to online and social media marketing for its customers.

His stunning ads and photographs have gained traction within the community and have helped those from all over enjoy this city just as much as he does.

“I’m able to do something that I love, with no restrictions to my creativity. I’ve found a professional trade that allows me to use my vision to inspire my customers, where I feel like I’m not even working most of the time,” St. Laurent said. “Growing this business out of Seneca One has been amazing. It’s a community of established businesses and start-ups working together to support each other. Working at Seneca One is liking working inside of a lightning rod of progress in the city.”

A drone shot high above the waterfront in downtown Buffalo, NY. (High Peaks Aerial Imagery/Drew St. Laurent)

The company was born during the pandemic when St. Laurent was working on starting a hard cider company. When that didn’t work out and the pandemic hit, he was forced to adapt.

The former soldier of the 1st Battalion, 377th Field Artillery Regiment, already had an appreciation for all things dealing with aviation. As a kid,  St. Laurent traveled with his family to visit WNY to see the Naval Museum at the Naval Park. He always had a hunger for learning about Naval ships because his grandfather served in the Navy during World War II.

It was one of his favorite childhood memories and one that comes full circle when he sees the ships stationed in the harbor.

“Having a grandfather who served in the Navy during World War II, I have a real appreciation for those ships [at the harbor],” Laurent said.  “Although [High Peaks Aeria Imagery] is still filming monthly, the first time we stood on the top of the USS Littlerock Missle housing and flee down the corridors of the ship, that had to be my absolute favorite recent memory. There was a crowd of people gathered at Liberty Hound watching. I realized the crowd was standing there because of my team. It was surreal.”

Since arriving at Serendipity labs in March of 2021, St. Laurent has wasted no time taking advantage of his elite and prime location. You can feel the electric atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of downtown with each and every photo, video, or advertisement he creates for his customers of the greater WNY area.

“That’s the crazy thing about being a digital creator. What’s next is really up to your imagination,” St. Laurent said. “It actually may be one of the most enjoyable things in my day-to-day. Working with our customers to create their vision is always what’s next! Well, also I would say watch for our new YouTube series launching next week. There are a lot of amazing WNY views and behind-the-scenes fun will be on display.”

We are excited to see what else St. Laurent can capture as the city of Buffalo transforms.

To see more of his work you can go to his Instagram, or stop on out to Seneca One Thursday’s from 4-7PM for our Open Air Market. St. Laurent would be happy to speak with you.