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.

Foremost among these homes is the Darwin D. Martin House Complex (above), Wright’s most extensive Prairie House ever. The estate consists of the Darwin D. Martin House, the George Barton House and a modest two-story cottage known as the Gardener’s Cottage. 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.

An ambitious restoration of the entire Martin House complex is underway that will see the site returned to its original composition and grandeur. A rendering of the completed complex is shown above. Visitors are invited to tour the house during the restoration process to witness the first ever reconstruction of Wright buildings.

Wright’s Buffalo portfolio also consists of two sizable and charming residences: The Walter V. Davidson House on Tillinghast Place and 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, summer 2007 will see the opening of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rowing Boathouse on Buffalo’s waterfront. One hundred years in the making, it is sure to be cause for excitement among Wright fans.