By Dan Miner/minerd@gnnewspaper.com
HSBC formally announced its intention on Friday to build a $1 million branch at 805 Main St. that will include expanded consulting services for area customers and businesses. It’s expected to open on Feb. 1, 2008.
The new branch, which is currently under construction and is across from City Hall, will replace two current ones in the city, at 1901 Pine Ave. and the Seneca Niagara Office Building on Third Street. There will also be 35 parking spots at the new branch.
“We really wanted to give back to the community and provide them with a great space and convenient parking,” said Francine Minadeo, an HSBC spokesperson.
Two business specialists and a manager to help with customers’ investments will now work full-time in Niagara Falls, said Anthony Carroll, senior vice president of the HSBC Niagara District. The drive-up facility currently located in Haeberle Plaza will remain open.
“(Main Street) is in a more convenient location, and it’s giving more availability by the fact that the (consultants) will be on-site,” Carroll said. “We’re trying to exceed our customer’s expectations.”
The move out of the Third Street building comes as the building’s owner, Seneca Gaming Corporation, looks to move more of its staff across the street from the Seneca Niagara Casino.
About 35 employees from the corporation’s human services department will move from their current Buffalo Avenue offices to the Seneca Niagara Office Building.
“It’s more convenient and more efficient to have them right here on the territory,” said Phil Pantano, a spokesman for Seneca Gaming Corp.
The corporation’s executive offices and various offices are currently located in the building. It’s July 2005 attempt to evict what will soon be the building’s last remaining tenant, the Niagara Aerospace Museum, remains tied up in the court system.
HSBC’s move marks the end of an era for downtown banking. HSBC and its predecessor, Marine Midland Bank, were at the heart of commerce in the Falls with downtown locations for years.
