CATTARAUGUS TERRITORY - Seneca Nation officials gathered today to mark a milestone moment in the expansion of the William Seneca Administration Building, laying the final topmost beam of steel on the construction project.
Construction began in May to significantly expand the more than 30-year old facility, doubling its former size and capacity. The nearly $10 million dollar renovation project will result in a new two-story building with an additional 41,800-square feet of space.
The complex is on schedule for completion in May 2010 and will house additional Nation departments and an enlarged, state-of-the art Council Chambers.
"I stand before you today tremendously gratified to see the last steel beam bolted down on this expansion project," said Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder. "We are on schedule, we are on budget, and this is yet another indication of the progress we are making in our communities as we move towards completion of another Capital Improvements Project."
The Seneca Nation construction project has also put people to work. The William Seneca expansion alone employed more than 100 employees, 80 percent of which were Native, and has hired more than 10 contractors on site involving 11 different trades.
Architects Carmina, Woods, & Morris will incorporate traditional Seneca elements in the building design and aboriginal terrain will be part of the landscaping.