M&T Bank - Seneca One

Project Background

In April 2021, M&T Bank debuted its Tech Hub at Seneca One, marking the completion of construction at the now-transformed skyscraper, the tallest privately-owned building in the state outside of New York City. The 330,000-square foot space is positioned as a key driver of Buffalo’s growing tech ecosystem and a major asset for the community. 

A critical component of the project was implementing highly visible bank signage atop Seneca One to establish brand presence across the city skyline.

Key Challenges in Bank Signage Installation

Installing bank signage on a 40-story building presented significant engineering and logistical challenges, requiring both creative problem-solving and an experienced team. 

Key challenges included:

• Building Structure: Seneca One consists of two distinct structures: a 6-story base and a 40-story tower, with different structural considerations.
• Signage Depth: Any signage installed on the building could be no thicker than 2", or it would interfere with window-washing and maintenance systems.
• Installation Requirements: Installation had to be completed without disrupting daily operations for building tenants.
• Lighting Control: The lighting system required remote control capabilities to adjust brightness and highlight specific letters based on changing daylight conditions. be completed without disrupting daily operations for building tenants.
  
  

Solution: Large-Scale Bank Signage for High-Rise Visibility

Flexlume partnered with Premier Sign Systems of Buffalo to manufacture a series of custom 2" deep channel letter signs, powered by a wireless remote control system from Lutron.  The letters were individually installed on all four sides of Seneca One using specialized rigging and staging address wind and height challenges.

Additional elements of the solution included:

• Each letter was constructed with thick aluminum channels for added rigidity and long-term durability.
• Specialized coatings were applied to provide corrosion resistance for over 10 years.
• Sloan LEDs were selected for their brightness, durability, and multi-step dimming capability, ensuring consistent illumination without any hotspots.
• Lutron Powerpaks enabled wireless control of lighting for flexible brightness adjustments.
• Letters were hoisted in multiple stages and mounted with hardware engineered to withstand structural load and environmental stress.

Outcome: Iconic Bank Signage Across the Buffalo Skyline

Despite challenges with weather and complex power requirements, installation began on schedule in December 2020 and was completed in May, 2021.

The bank signage is now visible from miles across the Buffalo, NY skyline, with each letter dimmed to a custom brightness to provide just the right emphasis and strong visual impact.

Looking to Upgrade Your Bank Signage?

Planning a signage project? Contact Flexlume to design and install bank signage that meets your facility and branding requirements.

Testimonial

"We knew there would be challenges associated with the new signage we were planning for Seneca One. It wasn’t just a matter of the height of the building or the wind coming off Lake Erie, both of which made this a challenging installation. We also needed customized illumination settings and thickness to accommodate the building’s unique design. We were very happy to have found Flexlume, a local company, that was more than up to the challenge. They were a true partner, working through difficult weather on a challenging timetable, owning our goals as their own. Giving business to a valued commercial banking customer made working with them that much more rewarding.”    Fred Krajacic - Group Vice President, M&T Bank

M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York, with banking operations across the eastern United States. Its principal subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides a range of financial services, including commercial banking and trust services through Wilmington Trust.