About 500 Seneca

500 Seneca Street was constructed as a series of buildings between 1901 and 1927 for the offices and manufacturing facilities of the F.N. Burt Company, at one point the world’s largest paper box manufacturer. It was one of the largest employers in Buffalo’s oldest manufacturing district. Mary Cass took over operations of the company in 1909 and grew the company to its size and influential role in the industry. In a time where woman were unable to vote, Mary Cass proved to be one of the most influential businesswomen of the early 20th Century.

In 1986, New Era Cap Company brought manufacturing back to 500 Seneca when they began textile fabrication at the site. As New Era grew, they moved out of 500 Seneca resuming full vacancy of the building in October 2004. New Era decommissioned 500 Seneca in 2009.

500 Seneca Street, LLC was formed by experienced local real estate developers to investigate the potential uses of the former manufacturing plant. A deal was finalized in early 2010 to sell 500 Seneca Street to the development team with intent to rehabilitate the property as a mixed use facility.