Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House: A Prairie Style Gem

In the University at Buffalo's library sit numerous pages filled with letters concerning Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, a historically significant residence in the city commemorating its 120th anniversary since completion this year. These documents were penned by both Wright and Darwin D. Martin—a local entrepreneur who served as the project’s commissioner—and delve into intricate aspects of the estate’s design—such as dimensions, specific moldings used, materials selected for furniture pieces, among countless others. "This dwelling can be considered one of the most thoroughly recorded houses within our nation," remarks Jessie Fisher, current head administrator of the Martin House. She adds that some days saw up to three exchanges per day between these individuals over minute matters such as placement of lighting fixtures; their communications included not only written notes but also telegraph messages and phone conversations. It has been fortunate indeed that an extensive collection of their correspondences along with all of Mr. Martin’s personal journals remains preserved today.

The extensive set of detailed notes played an essential role in a recent renovation and reconstruction of the Martin House complex. Completed officially in 2019 after almost three decades, this project entailed fully reconstructing elements like the estate’s pergola, carriage house, and conservatory—structures that had been torn down back in the '50s. Moreover, the preservation specialists also refurbished several additional buildings within the complex. Maintaining historic sites comes with numerous challenges; deciding the optimal way to preserve such spaces poses many complexities. Redoing a residence from scratch adds yet another layer of difficulty to these endeavors.

Here, we delve into all the details you should be aware of regarding the Martin House situated in Buffalo, New York.

History of the Martin Residence

Situated at 125 Jewett Parkway in Buffalo, New York, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House stands as both a National Historic Landmark and a highly important creation of this renowned American architect. Prairie period In the beginning of the 20th century, entrepreneur Darwin D. Martin sought out an architect who could create designs not only for his personal residence but also for a new structure intended for the Larkin Soap Company, where he was employed.

Martin’s sibling, William E. Martin, resided in Oak Park, Illinois, which was also home to Wright during that time. In a 1902 correspondence from the University at Buffalo Archives, William endorsed Wright to his brother, mentioning, "He isn’t fraudulent or a 'kook'; rather, he’s well-educated and refined, an honest businessman who holds lofty aspirations." He continued later in the same letter, saying, "Your residence would genuinely delight him as his creation—moreover, he is the person you should hire for constructing your workspace."

William’s suspicion that Wright was the right person for both roles turned out to be accurate. Wright was appointed to create the complex for the Martin family as well as the Larkin Administration Building, finishing it in 1906. This administration building marked Wright’s inaugural effort in designing an office structure. Despite being torn down in 1950, pieces of it can still be found at 664 Swan Street, roughly a ten-minute drive away from the Martin House.

Architectural features of the Martin House

When standing on Jewett Parkway opposite the Darwin Martin House, one might initially mistake it for another iconic Frank Lloyd Wright design, such as the Robie House in Chicago. Like its counterpart in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, this house has an inconspicuous main entrance and is constructed with Roman bricks. However, once you enter the premises and observe its numerous additional buildings, it becomes evident that the Martin House Complex stands alone in terms of architectural significance. This compound comprises six structures designed by Wright and collectively spans almost 30,000 square feet within its interiors.

The six buildings constructed in the Prairie style at this site include the George Barton House, the Gardener’s Cottage, the principal residence, the conservatory, the pergola, and the carriage house, which currently houses the museum store. On the western part of the grounds stands the Eleanor and Wilson Greatbatch Pavilion, serving as the visitor center; it is the sole structure on the premises not envisioned by Wright. This particular edifice was crafted by architect Toshiko Mori and made accessible to the public in 2009.

The pergola at the property extends as a lengthy enclosed passage linking the primary residence with the conservatory. Without this insight, an ordinary guest might find it difficult to discern where the initial building stops. However, recognizing how much effort was invested in accurately reconstructing the entire Martin House complex provides valuable perspective.

Similar to his other creations, compression and expansion play crucial roles in designing the Martin House estate as envisioned by Wright. Variations in ceiling heights and room sizes guide occupants through areas where Wright wanted visitors to pause and appreciate. In contrast to what an equally renowned contemporary architect might emphasize with such elements, the entrance hall and stairwell within the primary residence remain notably modest.

Fisher explains that he believes the upper floor should be a secluded area for families, questioning why the stairway was designed to be so noticeable. Minor elements such as maintaining dim lighting in the staircase showcase Wright's intentional reinterpretation of conventional home design principles.

The interior decoration of the Martin House

Wright created many of the furnishings. For the Martin House, including the Barrel Chair The lighting fixtures and the ingeniously concealed built-in bookcases span across the expansive open living area, often referred to as "the unit room." Inside the house, you'll find an eclectic blend of authentic items alongside their replicas. Various types of stained-glass windows can be spotted around the estate, gently separating the indoor areas from the external gardens.

The intricate wisteria mosaic adorning all four sides of the fireplace is among the most distinctive features within the Martin House interior. This design serves as a link between the entry hall and the dining room, guiding guests seamlessly from one area to the next. Originally crafted with shades of brown and green, this stunning mosaic has been faithfully reproduced. Botti Studio of Architectural Design using mostly new tile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the owner of the Martin House?

The primary residence is owned by an entity known as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House (previously referred to as the Martin House Restoration Corporation). However, ownership is slated for transfer to New York State. Meanwhile, the rest of the property—including the land and all structures apart from the principal dwelling—will remain under the control of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House.

What was the construction cost of the Martin House?

When initially constructed, the Martin House complex had a price tag exceeding $175,000, equivalent to over $5 million in today’s dollars considering inflation. The extensive restoration project undertaken over many years came with a staggering $50 million bill.

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