Tour Famous Buildings & Architecture
“Buffalo has been able to retain a lot of its original character in its parks and its streetscapes and individual buildings and because of that it has a very authentic and original character that many other cities that boomed during the age of the automobile do not have. As a city planner who chose to live in Buffalo when I could have lived anywhere else, this is what attracted me here and I know it has attracted a lot of other folks here and I think that people of all ages and backgrounds are craving authenticity, a sense of place, and character. And this is something that Buffalo has in tremendous wealth. Not only does Buffalo have examples of the work of some of the great American architects, but often their best examples. Buffalo is the most magical place you’ve never thought about.”
Chris Hawley
Chris Hawley is an urbanist and preservationist who loves all things Buffalo.
SEE DESIGNS BY THE MASTER ARCHITECTS
While many cities’ early 20th-century masterworks have been lost to time, Buffalo’s have been lovingly maintained and restored.
“From its monumental architecture, including a recent multi-million-dollar restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Martin House, to the grand reopening of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, the (Buffalo) metro has exploded on the arts-and-culture circuit. Its transformation is truly remarkable and it’s a place I always look forward to visiting because its evolution is constant and inspiring.”
“Buffalo has long been an under-the-radar pilgrimage site for architecture buffs.”
“The (Darwin Martin) house is one of the great masterpieces of Wright’s architecture, and its two-decade return to glory is an inspiring story.”
“I love it when a city surprises you. A trip to Buffalo, New York did exactly that. I was expecting to find diehard sports fans, friendly people and the birthplace of Buffalo chicken wings. Our family did find that but also so much more. We also found a city filled with amazing architecture, a vibrant waterfront and a music scene with a rich history.”
“Although it may feel like Buffalo has been dormant for decades, this Rust Belt city is in the midst of a resurgence thanks to its beautifully restored architecture, burgeoning culinary scene, and new art compounds.”
“While Wisconsin and Arizona are the locations typically associated with Wright’s work, It’s in Buffalo, of all places, that architecture enthusiasts can find a plethora of his work.”
“A road trip to a revitalized Queen City yields warm hospitality, rich heritage, vibrant art and landmark architecture.”
“Buffalo is the only city in America where the nation’s three greatest architects still have buildings standing: Sullivan’s Guaranty building (now a bank and office building), Richardson’s mental asylum (now a hotel and restaurant) and Wright’s Martin house (now a museum).”
“Buffalo is in the midst of a second act. While its place along the Erie Canal once made Buffalo an industrial powerhouse, nowadays this city in Western New York State is seeing a major revival. Buffalo’s vibrant architectural past, particularly the contributions made by Frank Lloyd Wright, can still be seen today. Add walkable neighborhoods, an engaging park system, and a switching-up dining scene and you’ve got a perfect weekend getaway from New York City.”
“I loved Silo City, it was just one of the most extraordinary places I’ve ever seen. I went back five times… it’s just a special experience.”
“Buffalo is making a big comeback in large part by repurposing its historic buildings and long-dormant grain silos.”
“An industrial powerhouse and a major port city over a century ago, today’s Buffalo is getting noticed for its architectural wonders, historic ties, an inventive food scene, and repurposed buildings.”
