New life for former Marine Trust Building

Elegant windows, stately 40 foot ceilings and class from column to column. Welcome to the Admiral Room at the Marin.

It's the centerpiece of a $49 million renovation project that's turning this old bank building at Main and Seneca into 16 floors of commercial and residential space. 

Paul Kolkmeyer is the owner of Priam Enterprises, the property management group that's making this ambitious restoration a reality. 

"We like to think that when our work is done here this will be one of the premier event spaces in Buffalo," Kolkmeyer said.

The building was the former Marine Trust Building, which used to be the headquarters for Marine Midland Bank.

That's why several vaults can be found in this building, which will be turned into private dining and receptions underneath the banquet hall.

"We think it's more important to put residential apartments in this building where we see more young people are moving into buffalo looking to move into the city," he said.

Financial troubles put renovations on hold shortly after work began in early 2016, but work started up again just weeks ago. Hopes are high The Marin will see success like similar restoration projects, such as Statler City and the Hotel Lafayette. 

The banquet hall is expected to host its first event this May.
The rest of the building should be ready to go by May 2019. 

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