About This Archive
A community project to document and celebrate Buffalo's extraordinary architectural heritage.
Preserving Buffalo's Built Heritage
Buffalo, New York possesses one of the most remarkable concentrations of historic architecture in North America. From Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie masterpiece at the Darwin Martin House to Louis Sullivan's proto-skyscraper at the Guaranty Building; from H.H. Richardson's monumental asylum to block after block of Victorian-era homes in Allentown and Elmwood Village — the built environment of Buffalo tells the story of American architecture and American ambition across more than a century and a half.
This archive exists to document that heritage. We photograph, research, and record Buffalo's historic homes and buildings — not as a commercial service, but as a community resource. Our goal is simple: to ensure that the stories behind these buildings are not lost, and that the people who care for them today understand what they're stewarding.
We are not affiliated with any contractor, real estate company, or municipal agency. We have no commercial interest in the properties we document. This is a labor of love for Buffalo's architectural heritage.
What We Document
Every property in the archive includes a full address, construction date, and historical context situating the building in Buffalo's development.
We document architectural styles, original architects (where known), original owners and developers, and the design traditions each building represents.
We track local, state, and national historic landmark designations — National Register listings, local landmarks, and historic district membership.
Over time, we hope to build records of the tradespeople, contractors, and craftspeople who have maintained these buildings — a living record of stewardship.
Current exterior photography documents the present state of each property. We also seek historical photographs to show how buildings have changed over time.
We catalog notable architectural features — distinctive ornament, materials, construction techniques — that define each building's character.
Submit a Property
The archive grows through community contributions. If you own or work on a historic Buffalo home — or if you simply know of a building that deserves documentation — we want to hear from you.
- ◆Full street address
- ◆Approximate construction date (if known)
- ◆Architect or builder (if known)
- ◆Original owner or developer (if known)
- ◆Any historic designations (local landmark, National Register, etc.)
- ◆Photographs of the exterior (current or historical)
- ◆Any documents, deeds, permits, or records you have access to
- ◆A brief description of the building's history and significance
Send submissions, questions, or historical materials to:
hello@buffalohistorichomes.comWe review all submissions and will follow up within a few weeks. There is no fee to be included in the archive. We're a volunteer community project, not a commercial service.
Document Your Work on Historic Properties
If you're a contractor, mason, painter, roofer, or other tradesperson who has worked on a historic Buffalo home, consider submitting a work history record to the archive. This creates a permanent record of the stewardship these buildings receive — and helps future owners and preservationists understand the work that's been done.
Work history records are verified before being published. We document the nature of the work, the year it was performed, and the contractor involved. No pricing or proprietary information is included.
Submit Work HistoryExplore the Archive
Browse properties by neighborhood, or explore individual landmarks in depth.