The building’s architecture is a modernist style with precast concrete. the concrete façade is of the Brutalist style, which has become unpleasing to many in the 21st century. Various types of steel beams were used in its construction. The largest is 26 feet 10 inches long, weighing 42 tons; equivalent of two stories tall. As the vertical columns rose, floor beams and girders were welded into place, floor decks installed, and concrete flooring was poured. Simultaneously, the skin was being assembled, consisting of 4,000 slabs of precast concrete which were manufactured in Toronto.

Besides being the tallest privately owned building in New York outside of New York City, this Modern gem captures the muscular architectural style of the post- World War II era. Its design which was distinctly modern in 1972, today feels fortress like and almost uninviting, unintentionally disrupting the flow of the urban fabric and seemingly creating an iconic barrier around which more welcoming development patterns are growing. Since it follows the idea of form-follows-function, the building was built specifically for the bank, but thankfully this consisted of 38 stories of open space for office use, which is exactly what HSBC and others used the building for, before leaving at the end of 2013. There is hope for this building as other similar SOM buildings have been revived, surviving economic challenges in present time. The original Marine Midland Center ranked as the largest development project in the city of Buffalo’s history at the time of construction in 1969. The typical size of each floor is 18,000 square feet and has flexibility in layout with no internal columns disrupting the flow. This building is actually similar to another SOM building which recently had a complete top to bottom renovation. the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building in Portland Oregon. The Portland building has been renovated into an environmentally friendly, sustainable piece of architecture with the help of $100 million in government funded money.

Built in 1972 the skyscraper took on the Brutalist style with precast concrete. The building is an example of many other building built during the time period that took part of the ‘urban renewal’ that backfired in multiple cities in the United States.

The building as stated earlier is widely known for being the tallest building in the city of Buffalo, and for being the largest privately owned tower in the state of New York outside of New York City. During the time of the buildings construction it received positive feedback for SOM’s success in erecting a building which stood out in the downtown Buffalo skyline.

Aside from being one of many buildings built by the famous architectural firm of Skidmore Owings and Merrill, it holds a valuable place in the architectural history of Buffalo. The perfect example of restrained Brutalist architecture stands out among all other buildings in the Buffalo skyline due to its impressive height. It is tough looking exterior is a reminder of this modern push of architecture which is an important part of architectural history.

3 article clippings from the Marine Midland Bank Folder at the Grosvenor Room located at the Buffalo Public LibraryMiller, Melinda. \"City & Region." Www.buffaloNews.com. N.p., 1 Dec. 2013. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.Miller, Melinda. "City & Region." Www.buffaloNews.com. N.p., 17 Nov. 2013. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.Epstein, Jonathan D. "Business." Www.buffaloNews.com. N.p., 17 Jan. 2014. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.Urban Land Institute Panel. "One HSBC Center Buffalo, NY." A ULI Advisory Services Panel Report (2013): n. pag. Print.