The Seneca Nation was far from the first tribe to enter tribal gaming, but when they decided to take the plunge, they were all in. First, Seneca Niagara became a success near the famous falls. Then a second casino in Allegany, New York followed in that path. Finally, a small casino in Buffalo was more successful than anticipated, so an expansion plan was necessary. Continuing its relationship with the Seneca Nation, Hnedak Bobo Group (HBG) is currently designing a $40 million expansion to the Buffalo Creek Casino. HBG also designed the phase-one casino.
The two-story expansion project will feature a new high-limit game room, 360 additional slot machines and 10 game tables, bringing the total number of slot machines to 1,200 and game tables to 32 after construction.
In addition, the expansion will create a new retail area and add a small performance stage for live entertainment at the Stixx Sports Bar. The existing Buffalo Savors Grill will be upgraded, and a second floor will house a new restaurant, the Western Door Steakhouse—which is one of the most popular restaurants at Seneca Gaming’s other New York casino properties. Construction will be complete in early 2017.
Located in the former industrial area of Buffalo’s re-emerging Inner Harbor, HBG designed the phase-one Buffalo Creek Casino, which opened on August 27, 2013. Highly visible from Interstate 190 and only two blocks from the First Niagara Center, home of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, the Seneca Nation’s casino property celebrates the culture of the Seneca people while serving as a building block for the continued growth of the Inner Harbor area.
Owner: Seneca Nation
Manager: Seneca Gaming Corp.
Architect/Designer: Hnedak Bobo Group
Investment: $40 million
See the original article in the 2015 Casino Design Magazine