My favorite Buildings
This beauty is on the south side of Lexington Avenue between Elmwood and Delaware. It is just another example of what makes Buffalo so special. As extraordinary as this house is, it is quite ordinary in this Elmwood neighborhood. One thing that does make it extra special is that it is in "like new" condition and always has been over the 100 years of its existence. I have never seen so much as a flake of paint chipping from this house. Anyone who owns a large wooden house in a climate like Buffalo's knows what a major feat that is. It also has many of its original wood storm windows and and screen doors adding extra charm.
Architecturally it is very refined and does have some details that are relatively unique. The grouped porch columns are unusually thin for a Buffalo house and have very fine carved detailing in the capitals. An extraordinary frieze band sets off the third floor tower room which is wrapped in glass. That has to be an incredible space. Additional pediment carvings on the porch roof complete a fairly subtle decorative treatment. The owners have always maintained a rich dark color scheme which is very appropriate for this house. During the seventies and eights a craze for loud, light, punchy colors became all the craze. Some Buffalo houses still cary these types of color schemes, sometimes with success but more often somewhat awkwardly. Original Victorian color schemes were actually much more restrained and sophisticated. The almost black green base color set off with black trim and red highlights is perfect for this house. My only regret is that since the house is so dark and faces north I have never been able to get a good picture of it.
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Eric
I lived across the street from this grande dame for three years, and its statuesque beauty never failed to cheer me day after day. Nice photo--although the eastern facade, with the tower, is even more spectacular. And yes, it is in pristine condition. These clapboard and shingle houses do need rather frequent painting, but it's worth it; the colors really can lift your spirits after a long day.
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