Peoples-Stokes Announces Darwin Martin House Support

Secures $300,000 in funding for restoration projects

August 29, 2012

Buffalo – On the tail of pushing for historic preservation tax credit legislation, Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes, with the assistance of Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Mayor Byron Brown has secured $300,000 in capital funding for the Darwin D. Martin House. This funding, through the New York State Economic Development Program, will be an important contribution to the remaining $5 million cost to fully restore Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex (1903-05).

The Complex, six inter-related structures enhanced by furnishings, art glass and landscape, is the most extensive expression of Wright's Prairie-era architectural principles in existence. The comprehensive, multi-year effort undertaken by the Martin House Restoration Corporation has witnessed the expansion of the project from the renovation of a single structure (the main Martin House) to the re-creation of the entire historic site. This involved the purchase and reassembly of the 1.5 acre urban parcel with all of its six Wright-designed structures, including the reconstruction of three buildings (pergola, conservator and carriage house) which were demolished in 1962.

Before the project began in 1992, Wright’s masterpiece was down on its luck – abandoned for decades and partially demolished. Through a unique collaboration of public and private entities, a united goal emerged to restore and preserve this National Historic Landmark both for educational and economic benefits. The Martin House Restoration Corporation, headed by board president John N. Walsh, III has received significant funding from various foundations, corporations, private donors and different levels of government to assist with the project. More than $45 Million has been raised to date, and $5million remains to be raised. With its national and international appeal, the Martin House is widely recognized as a pivotal component of the WNY economic development initiative. It is integral to the region’s focus on promoting and enhancing the cultural tourism segment of the regional economy.

Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes stated, “A cultural and historical gem such as the Darwin Martin House is to be protected and cared for. I am thankful to Speaker Silver for his assistance in securing this funding, for the Martin House. Furthermore, the full restoration of this project continues to draw tourists to our beloved city to experience history at its finest, and a time period that is imitated across the globe.”

In praising Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes, Mr. Walsh said, “Just like the drawing power of Niagara Falls, Frank Lloyd Wright and the Martin House are among WNY’s most exportable brand names to the world visitor market. Crystal is helping us seize that opportunity, and we thank her.”

The press conference to announce this funding, will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 2 p.m. on the veranda of the Darwin Martin House located at 125 Jewett Parkway.

The Darwin Martin House Complex is a Prairie style house, a revolutionary design developed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the first decade of the 20th century. Prairie house styles are known for their low roofs, horizontal emphasis in masonry, sills, copings and garden walls, horizontal bands of windows and intentionally concealed entrances and shelter spaces.ⁱ The Martin Darwin House is undergoing a process of restoration to recondition the house to its 1907 elite standards. The Darwin house is currently in its fifth stage of restoration, a series of improvement projects initiated in 1996. ⁱⁱ Total restoration cost is $50 million; remaining restoration costs are estimated at $10 million dollars. Funding for the Martin House restoration derives from federal, state, local governments, various foundations, corporations, and private donors. Restoration funding is expected to pay for itself in tour related revenues within three to five years. ⁱⁱⁱ The Darwin Martin is located at 125 Jewett Parkway, Buffalo NY. Tours of the Martin Complex are available by ordering tickets online or by contacting (716) 856-3858. ^iv

Martin House Restoration Corp offices
143 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, New York 14214
Call: (716) 856-3858
Fax: (716) 856-4009
Email: info@darwinmartinhouse.org

Martin House Complex location
125 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: (716) 856-3858
Fax: (716) 856-4009

If you have any questions on this or legislative matters, please call my district office at 716-897-9714.

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i http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/facts.cfm

ii http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/restoration.cfm

iii http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/facts.cfm

iv http://www.darwinmartinhouse.org/contact.cfm

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