New York State Team BUFFALO — For the last 13 years, Mark Fermo has kept an eye on the Ellicott Square Building, a 10-story Buffalo landmark whose Italian Renaissance splendor sets it apart from the other downtown office buildings. Fermo is a security guard who works for the building's owner, Ellicott Development. Never in his recollection have things been so quiet. The pandemic is to blame. The hustle and bustle of the historic Buffalo landmark has slowed to a crawl, he said. People no longer flow in and out all day long. Some tenants have closed up shop, unable to sustain business within a crushing economic halt. Others have sent their employees home to work remotely, leaving behind empty offices.