A fitting work of art has been unveiled at 500 Seneca. The 25′ sculpture called “Weeping Wall” was dreamt up by Buffalo artist Shasti O’Leary Soudant before being fabricated at Rigidized Metals. The sculpture has been fashioned onto a wall inside the building’s impressive atrium, which in itself is a marvel.
The work of art was spearheaded by Julia M. Spitz, Vice President Savarino Properties, who has been pushing to see more public artwork in, on and around Savarino projects. This particular vertically hung sculpture works well within the space – the host wall just happens to be one of the only bricked wall spaces within the atrium – the rest of the interior is comprised of office windows that look onto the interior courtyard.
While attending an unveiling last evening, I briefly spoke to Luke Cusack, Property Manager at Savarino Properties. He informed me that the last available Class A office space surrounding the atrium had just been spoken for, though there was additional available space within the building, higher up (300,000 square feet total).
Apparently the response for the office space has been overwhelming, due partially to the incredible beauty of the building and the amenities that have been presented to tenants. One of those amenities is a fully functioning café that is adjoining the atrium. Workers can grab a meal and sit out at a stunning living green bench, or by a small gurgling fountain, or at any one of the various office-friendly seating arrangements.
The final piece to the atrium puzzle was this bold, orange work of art that draws the eye immediately upon walking into the room. It’s quite a colorful statement, set against the rest of the mostly muted industrial aesthetics.
The rest of the mixed-use building features The Hydraulic Lofts, Tommyrotter Distillery, a rooftop garden (coming), a number of businesses, a fitness facility, indoor bicycle storage – all of the modern-day conveniences that one would need to live and work in a comfortable inspiring environment.
The only thing that I would have done differently would have been to rethink the parcel across Seneca Street instead of laying down a massive parking lot. It would have been nice to see some built square footage or park scape that would have played a role in the Greenway Connector plans that will one day see more sensitive infrastructure (enhanced, landscaping, bike-friendly features) between Larkinville, The Hydraulics and Canalside. Hopefully, something along those lines is being considered for the long run. A building of this nature must be complemented with beautiful natural surroundings, with parking features camouflaged as much as possible.
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