28. M&T Center
Main Street between Chippewa and Genesee
 This granite Neoclassical, Beaux–Arts style building opened in May 1901 as the Buffalo Savings Bank. It was constructed at a cost of $300,000, though its majestic interior, complete with elaborate painting and murals, was not finished until 1925. The tiles on the dome were originally covered with copper, which took on a greenish hue.
Inside, the artistry begins at the top of the dome, with ancient Roman buildings set against a deep blue background and the Confucius saying, There are also four triangular supports shadowing a Renaissance background, each depicting one of the City's strengths: commerce, industry, power, and the arts. The building currently serves as a branch of M&T Bank, which sponsors holiday concerts on the first floor throughout the month of December.
Photo courtesy of Chuck LaChiusa
Credits
Scripts: Denise Prince and Jane Kwiatkowski
Voice: Christopher Jamele of Jamele Freelance Services
Audio production: John Davis of Eclectic Electric
This project was made possible in part with funding from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Tour content courtesy of Buffalo Tours.
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