Kevin Nephew, Seneca Resorts & Casinos president, said he views the just-unveiled Buffalo sports-themed mural as a key gateway element not only in the city's Cobblestone District but also for the Seneca properties including Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
"I wasn't happy with a black, brick wall," Nephew said, in reference to the western-facing wall of the former Club Marcella property that sits on Michigan Avenue just across from the casino.
Because of its placement, the mural serves as a welcoming gateway to the Cobblestone District and to the Seneca properties.
"That was not lost on us," Nephew said.
Seneca Gaming, late last year, paid $1.3 million for the 9,700-square-foot Club Marcella building - a structure that dates back to 1880.
Enter Nickey Sereluca, a Syracuse native who moved to Buffalo 14 years ago and works for Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino's advertising department as a graphic artist.
"She (Nickey) barged into my office with this idea," Nephew said. "And, I said go for it."
What Sereluca created was a 65-foot-long by 10-foot tall colorful mural that depicts Buffalo sports history and pays homage to the Sabres, Bills, Bisons and Bandits.
"I call it a visual love letter," Sereluca said. "This is a piece made by a fan, for the the fans."
Within the collage-like mural are 125 images - all created by Sereluca. It took her more than 200 hours to create the mural, which was formally unveiled on Oct. 13.
"It's about energy," Nephew said. "It's about excitement."