Martin House Announces Major Award by New York State Senate

BUFFALO, NEW YORK – The Martin House Restoration Corporation (MHRC) is pleased to announce that a $3,000,000 grant has been awarded by the New York State Senate, funding that will advance a project that is vital to economic growth in the Western New York community. The funds will be used to support interior restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House - the final major phase needed to complete restoration of the house before furnishings and decorative elements can be returned to recreate Wright’s original vision for the estate.

Senator Stachowski, a long time supporter of the Martin House who serves as the Senate Chairman of Economic Development and Small Business Committee, said, “The preservation of Buffalo’s architectural gems is a necessity and the Martin House is at the top of that list. I am proud to play a role in bringing these significant funds back to Buffalo and the Martin House in particular so that future generations can enjoy this treasure. Once completed, the Martin House will attract visitors from across North America and become an integral piece of Buffalo’s tourism industry.”

NY State Senate President Malcolm A. Smith, in commenting on the award, stated that ““The future of Buffalo rests with its ability to grow its economy and improve the quality of life. The Martin House project accomplishes both these objectives by preserving an important part of Buffalo’s architectural history and raising the city’s profile in the art world.”

“The Martin House Restoration Corporation board of directors is extremely grateful to Senators Malcolm A. Smith, John L. Sampson, William T. Stachowski and Antoine M. Thompson for their vision and commitment in awarding this grant,” said MHRC president, John N. Walsh, III. “The New York State Senate truly understands the importance the restoration at the Martin House plays in helping to rebuild Buffalo’s economy. When complete, the complex will claim its rightful place as a cornerstone for cultural tourism in this city and region, and will be a tide that lifts many boats. This grant will serve greatly to advance this last phase of work and will help propel the project toward the finish line. ”

Martin House Executive Director, Mary F. Roberts, states that “the Martin House is entering a defining phase of restoration and this funding will help continue the momentum of the project. We are very grateful for this investment which supports the work of our other generous donors and dedicated volunteers who have invested their time, energy and personal resources in the Martin House. The State Senate has shown great leadership in this affirming grant.”

Currently, 65% of visitors to the Martin House are from outside the eight county region of Western New York. When the restoration of the complex is complete, the Martin House will be marketed on a national basis to achieve its full potential. Independent consultants concluded in a 1996 study that the economic benefit of a restored Martin House could be as much as $17.7 million per year in total economic impact in the region, and would result in the creation of 198 full-time equivalent jobs in the regional economy (at the site and in the hotel, transportation, restaurant

Contact: Bob Koshinski - 716-8543915