HHL Architects was commissioned to investigate the cause of rapid deterioration of the gold leaf on the M&T Dome. The building, topped by a glazed terra cotta dome, was originally designed for the Buffalo Savings Bank by Green & Wicks, and opened in March of 1901. The glaze quickly deteriorated and was painted with aluminum paint then gilded in 1953. Buffalo Savings Bank expanded in the 1970’s, took the name Goldome Bank, and had the dome regilded in 1979. The bank building has subsequently been acquired by M&T Bank.

Monitoring of moisture conditions during the winter of 1995 led to the decision to install dehumidifiers in the space under the dome, which appeared to stop further loss of the gold leaf. HHL then prepared specifications for re-gilding with 23.75 karat Rosenoble gold.