Frank Lloyd Wright’s Buffalo

Frank Lloyd Wright, the man many historians consider to be the preeminent architect of the 20th century, is represented in Buffalo by six distinguished residences - one of the largest concentrations of Wright homes outside of Chicago - and a newly-constructed mausoleum and boathouse.

Foremost among these homes is the Darwin D. Martin House Complex, the most extensive residential complex Wright ever designed. The complex consists of the Darwin D. Martin House, the George Barton House, a modest two-story cottage known as the Gardener's Cottage, as well as the recently reconstructed carriage house, conservatory and pergola. The estate is considered to be of extraordinary historical significance because it was designed not as a single residence but as a group of interrelated and connected buildings.

Only once in his 72-year career did Wright have the opportunity to design a multi-structure residential complex and when Darwin and Isabelle Martin gave him the chance 100 years ago, he seized the moment and created a work of extraordinary significance and unparalleled refinement.

Today, the house that Wright referred to as “opus” can be seen once again in all its breathtaking symmetry, the previously demolished pergola, conservatory and carriage house resuming their places alongside the Martin House, Barton House and Gardener’s Cottage. An ambitious restoration of the entire Martin House complex is underway that will see the site returned to its original grandeur. Visitors are invited to tour the house during the restoration process.

Lovers of Frank Lloyd Wright and great American architecture now have a special treat awaiting them in Buffalo. As of spring 2008, you can sleep under a Wright-designed roof at the Walter V. Davidson House. Built in 1908 for the Larkin Soap Company executive of the same name, the house is available as an overnight rental. With a unique two-story cathedral-like living room illuminated by huge bay windows, the Davidson House offers the only Wright-designed “Prairie Style” accommodations in the United States. Located in the lovely Parkside neighborhood, just a five-minute walk from the Darwin D. Martin House Complex, a stay at the Davidson House will make your trip to Buffalo one to remember. For more information visit the Davidson House website.

Wright's Buffalo portfolio also consists of the William R. Heath House on Bird Avenue at Soldier's Circle in the city's Delaware District.

You can also visit historic Forest Lawn Cemetery in the heart of Buffalo and experience the recently-constructed Blue Sky Mausoleum, commissioned in 1928 by Darwin D. Martin as the final resting place for the Martin Family.

Graycliff - the summer residence of Darwin and Isabelle Martin - can be found in nearby Derby, a short drive south of Buffalo. Situated on a 70-foot cliff overlooking Lake Erie, the two-story, 6,500 square foot house represents a transitional point from Wright's Prairie Style to his later concrete designs that found their ultimate expression at the justly-famous Fallingwater. Elements from both periods are evident in the design of the house. Also undergoing an extensive restoration, Graycliff is open to visitors.

Finally, the city’s West Side Rowing Club has recently completed construction of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse. Located on the Black Rock Channel overlooking the Niagara River and Canada, the Boathouse was never constructed in Wright’s lifetime. For more than 100 years it remained one of Wright’s most significant projects that had never come to fruition. It has now come out of the ground and into the light and is open to the public.