Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wright, H. H. Richardson, and Daniel Burnham. These landmarks were built during Buf-
falo's meteoric rise in wealth following the completion of the Erie Canal.
Louis Sullivan's
Guaranty Building
(140 Pearl St., 716/854-0003,
www.hodgsonruss.com/guarantybuilding
,
8am-5pm Mon.-Fri.) may be the most prominent
jewel in Buffalo's architectural crown. Completed in 1896, it was officially registered as a
national landmark in 1975, and is now an office for a law firm. Sullivan is considered the
“father of the skyscraper.” The 13-story building was an aggressive use of technology and
design for its day.
The Guaranty Building is all about verticality, featuring beautiful lines and a terra-cotta
tile exterior. Situated on the corner of Church and Pearl Streets, the building is best appre-
ciated from a distance before examining it up close. Prepare to stretch those neck muscles
as you gaze upward to behold this monument. Notice the intricate designs covering the ex-
terior—Sullivan fully utilized the ornamental beauty of terra-cotta to decorate the building
with designs of flowers and trees. If you visit during the week, enter the atrium to see the
interior at the 1st-floor reception area. The friendly guards at the reception desk are happy
to answer questions about the building. Scheduled tours of the building's interior are not
offered at this time.
DirectlyacrossfromtheGuarantyBuilding,
St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
(128Pearl
St., 716/855-0900,
www.stpaulscathedral.org
) occupies an unusual triangular plot of land.
ThisGothicRevival cathedral wasconsecrated in1851.It'stheworkofrenownedarchitect
Richard Upjohn, considered America's foremost builder of Gothic churches. Due to its tri-
angularlot,St.Paul'scouldnotbebuiltinthetraditionalcruciformstyle,inwhichthemain
aisles of the church form a cross. This magnificent church houses three pipe organs and a
Tiffany stained glass window on the northeast side of the structure.
The
Martin House Complex
(125 Jewett Pkwy., 716/856-3858,
www.darwinmartinhouse.org
)
is considered by many scholars to be Frank Lloyd Wright's
bestexampleofthePrairieHouseconcept.TheMartinHousedesignfeatureslonghorizont-
al exterior lines, cantilevered roofs, wide eaves, and flowing interior spaces free of walls.
Wrightreferredtothisstructureashis“opus”andwrotethattheMartinHousewas“awell-
nigh perfect composition.”
The estate is comprised of five interconnected structures and a visitors welcome center.
In order to enter any of the houses, you must join one of the four docent-led tours (Wed.
and Fri.-Mon., $15-30).Pre-purchase yourtickets, as tours frequently sell out, especially in
thesummermonths.TheMartinHouseComplexisinaresidential neighborhoodandstreet
parking is limited, so use the nearby Buffalo Zoo parking lot. Tour staff will provide you
