The Seneca Nation of Indians has torn down a squat one-story storage building it owns across from its Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo.
But the nation isn't saying what its plans are for the site.
The tribe, which owns the former Graybar Electric Co. property at 180 Perry St. through its Seneca Erie Gaming entity, did not need city permission for the demolition, as the land is considered sovereign Seneca territory, according to city spokesman Michael DeGeorge. He said neither the city nor the state have any enforcement authority over Seneca-owned property regarding land use or building use.
DeGeorge didn't say if the governor's executive order barring nonessential construction or demolition work would still apply, but noted that the city did receive a letter from Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. earlier this month saying the tribe would be "continuing with the asbestos abatement and demolition." That work had already begun, and he said the Nation concluded it was essential to finish because "leaving it in its current condition was unsafe."
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The Senecas declined to comment on their intentions, but sources say the Nation may be considering a gas station and convenience store for the site – a few blocks from KeyBank Center, LECOM Harborcenter and Canalside.
"The Nation’s primary focus right now is serving and protecting its people and territories during the ongoing COVID-19 response," said Phil Pantano, a spokesman for the Senecas. "Any information or announcements regarding any Nation economic development initiatives will be released at an appropriate future time."
Located at the corner of Perry and Michigan Avenue, the 30,000-square-foot red-brick warehouse building had been constructed in 1940, and was previously used for storage. It includes 25 parking spaces on the 1.08-acre lot, which fronts along Michigan between Scott and Perry streets.
At one time historically, the entire city block from Michigan to Chicago Street contained three- and four-story brick commercial buildings, before many were torn down.
The Senecas had purchased the Graybar property in June 2007 for $1.4 million from Ansel Press, and used it as a warehouse and training facility for the casino.
Plans for the site are uncertain. At one point three years ago, the Senecas were discussing a partnership with Ellicott for a large multistory, mixed-use project on land owned by both. The proposed mixed-use project could have included a combination of office, residential and entertainment space – and possibly a hotel – to complement the casino and restaurant on the other side of Perry.
But the Senecas had 18 months to pursue a project, under an agreement with Ellicott and the city. When that didn't materialize, Ellicott last year bought out the Nation's shared interest in the vacant properties at 186, 190 and 194 Perry for $340,968, leaving the Senecas on their own.
