Senator Gallivan Announces $1 Million State Grant for Graycliff Conservancy

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) announces a $1 million Empire State Development (ESD) grant to support the expansion of the visitor center at the Graycliff summer estate on Lake Erie in Derby.  A $250,000 ESD grant to support the project was announced in November 2023.  The property, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, attracts thousands of visitors each year. 

The funding is being awarded through the state’s Regional Economic Development Council Initiative, which supports projects that align with a community’s strategic goals. 

“Graycliff is one of our region’s greatest architectural assets and the state’s investment will help attract more visitors to our area,” Senator Gallivan said. “I look forward to seeing this project move forward.”

The complex was built between 1926 and 1931 for Buffalo businessman Darwin Martin and his wife Isabelle and is situated on 8.5 acres of land overlooking Lake Erie. 

Graycliff Conservancy, Inc. plans to expand the visitor center to more than twice its current size to accommodate visitors and programs year-round.  The new space will be used for rotating exhibits, workshops, lectures, presentations, special events and meetings.

The non-profit Graycliff Conservancy was founded to acquire, preserve, and restore the property and make it accessible to the public.   

The Regional Councils were established in 2011 to jumpstart the economy and create jobs by empowering communities, business, and community leaders, as well as members of the public in each region of the state, to develop strategic plans specifically tailored to their region's unique strengths and resources. 

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