Buffalo, An Architectural Treasure, located in the Buffalo/Niagara Region in Western New York
Buffalo may conjure up images of snowy city streets and even snowier football fields, but those of us who love this city know better. Buffalo boasts prominent architecture, fabulous restaurants, chic shopping, world class art and renowned theatre, in addition to a four-season climate and a host of natural resources.
Neighborhood Communities
One of Buffalo’s most trendy neighborhoods, Allentown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As the site of the annual Allentown Arts Festival, its brightly painted Victorian and neoclassical homes enhance the artistic atmosphere. Allentown’s constantly evolving restaurants, nightspots and shops make this neighborhood a must see. The Elmwood Village is the site of mansion row, century-old Victorians, charming cottages, landmark churches and synagogues, and institutes offering an unparalleled array of services. Choose from an interesting blend of restaurants, cafes, specialty shops and galleries for any taste, especially those looking for something out of the ordinary. Home of the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts, the Elmwood Village promotes local Buffalo talent in all areas and is sure to satiate any palate.
Outside the city lie the suburban towns of Amherst, Williamsville, Snyder and Orchard Park. These communities feature extraordinary homes, one-of-a-kind shops and a myriad of cultural events. Each suburb has a unique atmosphere, from city borough to country village, offering a wide variety of neighborhoods suited to any taste. Greater Buffalo’s waterfront communities host some of the most spectacular views of the region. Towns like Hamburg and Grand Island are the ideal place to enjoy the waterfront, being home to modern marinas and many parks and beaches perfect for any water sport. Just south of Buffalo lies the town of Lackawanna, home to Our Lady of Victory Basilica. Boasting many vacation homes, the lakeshore is a splendid place to spend your summer. Route 5 has been a haven for sportsmen, boaters and beach lovers for decades.
Architecture
Buffalo is well known for its numerous achievments by gifted, world renown architects. The Darwin D. Martin House is Frank Lloyd Wright’s most extensive residential complex: a prime example of his prairie-style homes. Wright’s instructor and mentor, Louis Sullivan, also set down structural roots in the city. Downtown’s Prudential (Guaranty) Building is considered to be the first skyscraper ever built and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The Pan-American Exposition of 1901 provided an impetus for architectural development in the Buffalo area. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery, originally designed as the Fine Arts Pavilion for the Exposition, continues to be an architectural gem of the city. Designed by Edward B. Green, its neoclassical style features many classical elements, such as the caryatid statues along the southern facade, reminiscent of the Greek Parthenon. The Niagara Mohawk Building was also designed in homage to the Pan-American Exposition. Modeled after the Electric Tower that dazzled crowds in 1901, the Mohawk Building features a white sand lime and brick glazed terra cotta tiled exterior. Another National Historic Place, Buffalo’s City Hall is an exemplary piece of Art Deco architecture, evidenced by the front facade and many colorful details on the exterior. The 28th floor is a free, public observation deck, offering unparalleled views of Buffalo and the waterfront. The Ellicott Square Building’s interior courtyard features a mosaic floor with 23 million pieces of marble imported from Italy, designed by William Winthrop Kent. Buffalo’s houses of worship are truly awe-inspiring. Temple Beth Zion, designed by Max Abramowitz, is a remarkable landmark on Delaware Avenue. The interior features scalloped walls, colossal stained-glass windows (designed by artist Ben Shahn), 30-foot high commandment tablets and 60-foot ceilings. Richard Upjohn, the first President of the American Institute of Architecture, designed St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, which was added as a National Historic Landmark in 1973. The Buffalo Psychiatric Center is considered to be American architect Henry Hobson Richardson’s finest achievement. Built in 1870, this Romanesque monument possesses two immense red Medina sandstone towers, capped with oxidized copper. Frederick Law Olmsted designed the grounds, along with many parks and green areas throughout the city. The world-class Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra calls Kleinhans Music Hall their home. Built as one of the first American commissions by the Finnish-American father-son duo, Eliel and Eero Saarinen, the concert hall has become a global model due to its acoustical excellence.