Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of the numerous bars, restaurants, and cafés. There is just enough grit to keep things inter-
esting, but enough police presence to keep things safe.
Allentown was one of the first and largest communities in the United States to earn re-
cognition as a residential historic district, thanks to well-preserved architectural gems on
nearly every street. Within its modest borders are landscapes crafted by Frederick Law
Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, a mansion designed by H. H. Richardson, a National Historic
Landmark, and a National Historic Site. This small community has more architectural his-
tory than many cities.
Historic Architecture
Delaware Avenue is well worth the walk down the street. Of the many notable mansions,
highlights include
438 Delaware,
which was designed by H. H. Richardson for William
Dorsheimer, a former lieutenant governor of New York.
Although the house where Samuel Clemmons lived at
472 Delaware
is gone, the car-
riage house remains.
The Midway
is a stretch of stunning row-style houses that comprise
471-499 Delaware Avenue. Among the jewels here is
477 Delaware,
a Georgian revival-
style building donated to the Daughters of the American Revolution by wealthy socialite
Katherine Pratt Horton.
Just as grand are the structures that line Symphony Circle, Porter and Richmond Aven-
ues, and North and Pennsylvania Streets. This area was originally known as
The Circle.
Sprawling Victorian houses and impressive mansions ring Symphony Circle, which takes
its name from the
Kleinhans Music Hall
(3 Symphony Circle, 716/883-3560,
www.kleinhansbuffalo.org
).Thehallwasdesignedbythefather-and-sonarchitecturalteam
of Eliel and Eero Saarinen.
