One of the nation's most treasured architectural gems is hidden in Buffalo.
World-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1904 designed the Darwin D. Martin House Complex, located at 125 Jewett Pkwy. This landmark prairie-style house is known as one of Wright's most important early works, and has become a great tourist attraction in Buffalo.
"Frank Lloyd Wright was looking to design architecture that was truly American and unique and it is a great historical site," said Margie Stehlik, director of volunteers and the site administrator.
The complex that encompasses both the Darwin D. Martin House and the George F. Barton House, located at 118 Summit, is called the Darwin D. Martin House Complex.
"The main house was originally built as a private residence for Mr. Martin because he was a wealthy industrialist. Now, the property is being used as a house museum," Stehlik said.
In 1907, the complex comprised of the Martin House, the Barton House, the Carriage House, Conservatory, and the Pergola, which is a 100-foot long walkway that connected the Martin House to the Conservatory.
"The Pergola is a walkway, which connects to the Conservatory so that Mrs. Martin could enjoy her garden and her flowers," Stehlik said.
As the property has seen many owners, UB purchased the main house in 1967, and it was partially restored as a residence for the UB President and the Alumni Association office.
As many have enjoyed the Darwin Martin House, Stehlik felt that there is something special about the space, which keeps visitors coming back for more.
"There is a real energy about the space. It is remarkable and we have had many visitors return to take a second or third tour," Stehlik said.
In 1986, the Martin House was named as a National Historic Landmark, and in 1993, the Martin House Restoration Corporation was formed to oversee the resurrection of the landmark complex.
The restoration plans included removing the apartment buildings built on the site in the 1950s and reconstructing the missing elements of the original estate, costing about $23 million.
Stehlik recommended that visitors take a tour while it is being worked on and then return after the work is done to get the full experience.
"I think it is good to see a work in progress and then come back to see it after the work is done. Frank Lloyd Wright was an amazing architect and artist and this complex is worth seeing."
According to Sherrie Rarivey, who works for the Martin House, the site is an enjoyable experience because it allows visitors to take part in a piece of history.
"The tours are worth going on now," said Rarivey. "As buildings are going up you can be a part of history."
Kelli Dochstader, a senior fine arts major, felt that Buffalo is fortunate to be the home to Wright's designs.
"There are very few cities that have such an avid collection of work designed by Frank Lloyd Wright."
Jared Kaufman, sophomore architecture major, and a few of his friends visited the Martin House recently and found it to be reminiscent of an era in American culture.
"The kitchen looked like a 1950s classic, like something out of 'Happy Days,' which is not like Frank Lloyd Wright," said Kaufman.
However, some students felt that this site was an example of how Wright was an innovator in the architectural world.
"Frank Lloyd Wright was ahead of his time, and one of the most famous architects," said Steve Petrie, sophomore architecture major.
Current tours of the Martin House Complex are being held through March. Student tickets are $8, and a reservation is needed. For further information, The Darwin Martin House can be reached at (716) 856-3858.
"Only once in his career did Frank Lloyd Wright have the opportunity to design five buildings integrated into his landscape and it happened here in the great city of Buffalo," Stehlik said. "It shouldn't be missed."
