Press Releases

Highmark completes move to Seneca One Tower, reinforcing commitment to Buffalo

• Ten Years Later, Seneca One is Nearly Occupied as Highmark Takes Five Top Floors

Buffalo, N.Y. (July 25, 2024) — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield today announced the completion of its move to the top five floors of Seneca One in downtown Buffalo, marking a significant milestone in the company's 88-year-history and reinforcing its commitment to the city of Buffalo and greater Western New York area.

With its 10-year lease, first announced in April 2023, the region’s largest health insurance company’s 1,400 associates, including 500+ union members, will occupy Buffalo’s largest building. This also marks the near full occupancy of Seneca One, a building that stood vacant just 10 years ago.

"Seneca One is a symbol of Buffalo's resurgence. It's exciting to be part of a building that was vacant just ten years ago, and is now a thriving hub of activity,” said Dr. Michael Edbauer, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. "Our move to Seneca One underscores our commitment to this city's continued growth and revitalization, as well as our commitment to the members we proudly serve.”

Seneca One was already home to more than 2,000 workers, representing a hub of cutting-edge and minority-led companies. Highmark's new, modern space on floors 34-38 reflects the health plan’s hybrid work model with permanent offices, hoteling options, and open seating and collaboration areas, with room for the company to expand as needed.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield associates will enjoy free underground or nearby ramp parking, a fitness center, multiple dining options, including a café on each floor and entertainment opportunities in the building’s remade lobby.

“This is the sixth Buffalo location in our company’s history, which first opened in 1936 at 374 Delaware Ave. As part of our deep commitment to the community, it is important that we remain in Buffalo, with amenities that will attract and help retain our local team members to the downtown core,” Edbauer added.

Highmark's move to Seneca One, alongside businesses like M&T Bank, 43North, and others, will continue to foster collaboration and provide opportunities for participation in community events. This move locates Highmark near Canalside, providing opportunities to expand its long-time partnership on fitness classes, ice-skating, special events, and community-engagement opportunities.

“Highmark is moving into Seneca One amid a wave of explosive growth within Buffalo’s landmark skyscraper and we couldn’t be more thrilled to add their energy to the existing incredible momentum,” said Sean Heidinger, Director, Business Development, Douglas Development. “This major shift to Seneca One marks a key milestone in the resurgence of the downtown Buffalo business district, bringing fresh vitality and economic growth to our beloved city. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this will have on our community and look forward to a vibrant future together.”

Highmark's departure from 257 W. Genesee Street, a building originally developed as part of a brownfield cleanup project in 2007, has resulted in a significant donation of office furniture to local organizations. While Highmark never owned the building, it operated there for 17 years. The building's new owners, Orion Office REIT, are now re-leasing the space.

As a result of the office redesign, over a million dollars' worth of furniture was donated to 18 organizations, including FeedMore WNY, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Invest Buffalo, BCAT, Journey's End, Habitat for Humanity, Buffalo Board of Education, WNY Women's Foundation, Bornhava, Gerard Place, and WNY Heroes.

Highmark also recently announced that Dr. Michael Edbauer will be transitioning to a new three-state supervisory position next month. He will be succeeded by Jessica Cox, a seasoned healthcare executive with extensive experience in New York. Cox's appointment marks a historic moment for Highmark, as she becomes the first woman to lead the company in its 88-year history.