Our region is known for many things, with one being our rich architectural history. One major architect who helped shape the landscape was Frank Lloyd Wright.
In a recent article, Forbes encourages readers to take on “The Great Wright Road Trip” where you can “explore nine masterpieces from one of America’s most celebrated architects.” The road trip begins in WNY, home to 5 of the 9 Frank Lloyd creations in the road trip series.
These include:
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Located in the Parkside neighborhood of Buffalo, The Martin House was built in Lloyd’s prairie style. The home was built for businessman, Darwin D. Martin, and his family between 1903-1905. The estate consists of six interconnected buildings designed as a unified composition. This local treasure offers both guided and self-guided tours so you can experience the wonder of this creation.
2. The Filling Station at the Pierce-Arrow Museum
The Pierce-Arrow Museum in Downtown Buffalo commemorates the rich transportation history of WNY. Within the museum is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Filling station which was originally intended for the corner of Michigan Ave. and Cherry St. in Downtown Buffalo, but was never built. The copper roof structure is on display for visitors to see.
Located within the Forest Lawn Cemetery, the Blue Sky Mausoleum is another Frank Lloyd Wright architectural piece that was intended to be built much sooner but never came to fruition. Keeping up with the organic nature of his works, this piece was integrated into the landscape when it was put on display in 2004.
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4. The Fontana Rowing Boathouse
Located on the Niagara River, the Fontana Rowing Boathouse was originally intended to be built for the University of Wisconsin. When plans fell through and designs were rediscovered in the early 2000s, the Boathouse was brought to life on Buffalo’s waterfront. The Boathouse is fully functioning and can be toured or used for events today.
5. Graycliff
Set on Lake Erie, Graycliff is one with nature as it is surrounded by gardens and large windows bringing nature light into the structure. Similar to the Martin House, Graycliff was built for the Martin family as a summer home. You can attend events and tours here as well.
Read More about the other Frank Lloyd Masterpieces here!