2021 | Q4
Action in the Larkin District
Buffalo & Beyond

This September, thousands of self proclaimed historians, architecture buffs, and just plain interested Buffalonians took advantage of exploring several unique locations throughout Western New York.

Explore Buffalo was excited to bring back the Doors Open Buffalo event for 2021 with hopes of sparking a deeper appreciation for the unique architecture and diverse history our community has to offer.

Saturday, September 25th offered guided tours of classic Buffalo buildings, brand new office space, and dynamic combinations blending historic and modern. The Electric Tower, Brisbane Building, and M&T Tech Academy at Seneca One were among the most highly anticipated tours.

Sunday, September 26th focused on revealing the remarkable, little-known parts of WNY's history, culture, and art. Favorites included the Steel Plant Museum, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site and our very own Larkin Gallery. Our gallery curator, Sharon Osgood, and Director of Acquisitions, Jerry Puma, were on hand to enthusiastically spread their knowledge of all things Larkin. Most groups walked through the doors with a limited understanding of Frank Lloyd Wright's involvement with Larkin; and walked out having viewed a scaled replica of FLW's Larkin Administration Building, being blown away by the variety of products the Larkin Co. produced and/or distributed from 701 Seneca, and having a greater appreciation of the impact John Larkin and his company had on Buffalo.
Chef Darian Bryan

Most Wednesdays this summer had a new aroma emanating from Larkin Square around lunch time. Chef Darian Bryan hosted his pop-up Jerk Hut; dishing out incredible dishes with flavors not before see in the Larkin District. The Jamaican chef exposed many new customers to his Caribbean specialties including Rasta Pasta, jerk chicken, and coconut curry lentils. Steel drum music occasionally set the mood and a lengthy line of interested diners was always present.

Even though the Jerk Hut is gone for the season, you did not miss your chance to enjoy the services of Chef Darian Bryan. Per his website, theplatingsociety.com, this chef loves to provide new and exciting experiences for his guests whether at a pop up restaurant, through his video and recipe blogs, or in someone’s home for a small catering event. He may be from the islands but he has mastered the taste of a variety of dishes and cuisines, and is happy to satisfy your culinary needs. He has worked in the area’s finest of restaurants and appeared at some of the best events, including Tops Taste of Buffalo and the Erie County Fair. He frequently meal preps and caters for NFL Stars and was also featured in ESPN. Chef Darian loves to cook right in front of you and make any dish or recipe fancy, which is why he got his nickname the #fancyjerk.
Our City
My Place Buffalo

Have you ever experienced "mommy burnout"? Kelly Dever, founder of My Place Buffalo has; she also has a solution to ease the stresses many moms experience. The organization all began with some simple gettogethers for coffee, wine, and activities with friends and new friends in need of the same relief. Perhaps the most unique event hosted so far was "speed dating"... for mom friends, of course.

The My Place Lounge is expected to open soon at 22 Main Street in Hamburg (right above The Grange). A crowdfunding campaign is slated to launch on October 22. For additional information, enjoy the Buffalo Rising article.
(City of) Buffalo Bills

It's a polarizing debate, should the Bills move into the City?

News broke this summer that a new stadium could be coming to Orchard Park as soon as 2025. Since that announcement, public outcry and a shift in the governance of New York State has led to a further review of the viable options for a new Bills stadium. While the Pegulas may be ready to move forward with the lower cost option of maintaining the 14127 zip code, some fans, city residents, and local legislators are making a push for another shortlisted site: the South Park Site.

What are some benefits of this site? At 122 acres, it's the largest of all urban sites explored. This wide open area, along with a potential expansion of public and private parking could produce a similar Orchard Park tailgating atmosphere that many are concerned about losing. The site is within walking distance of KeyBank Center, Canalside, Cobblestone District, Larkin District, and the CBD; the potential for the critical mass Buffalo deserves is intriguing.

But can the city handle that critical mass? The 2014 AECOM Buffalo NFL Stadium Site Options Analysis recommended $200-250 million in transportation improvements to serve the area. This is the major gap in costs from the Orchard Park site and one that has the potential to fall on the residents.

One could argue the transportation challenge is one Buffalo is ready to face. While improving current roadways, adding ramps to the I-190 and expanding the NFTA Metro Bus and Rail systems is costly, it has the potential to allow the city to continue its first population growth period in 70 years.

We all know the debate will roll on, but a "humble and hungry" approach will certainly allow this winning team to happily ease into a new home anywhere in Western New York.
Historic Character with a Modern Vibe
Overlooking Larkin Square

  • Two large offices
  • Two conference rooms
  • Open area for +20 workstations
  • Kitchenette hovering over Larkin Sq.
  • Contiguous expansion opportunities
  • High ceilings with exposed ductwork
  • Refurbished original hardwood floors
  • Larkin Center provides 24/7 security, fitness center, conference rooms and two full service restaurants
Scott Tempeny
office 716.856.0810
mobile 716.359.6651
The History of Larkin, told by Sharon Osgood
Collecting for a Museum and the Selective Art of Dumpster Diving
On more than one occasion as I trudged through our lobby carrying a box of something-or-other, a building employee has inquired if I had been out 'dumpster diving' again. The answer has often been, “Yeah, sort of.” This was particularly true in years past when few people had ever heard about the Larkin Company, the Larkin family, the Larkin products nor the Larkin premiums. Larkin collectors were unknown.

My first encounter with 'Larkin' was in an antique store in Allegany County. A few weeks before, I had taken a course on Frank Lloyd Wright taught by Marge Quinlan at Canisius College. There I learned about the Martin House, which I had often walked past on my way to a babysitting job on Jewett Avenue, but at that point I knew nothing about that strange but attractive house, nor had I ever heard of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Experience a Villa
Does it get any better than Ellicottville in the Fall?
Ellicottville, NY is the unofficial outdoor capital of Western New York, and there's no better time of the year to go for a hike or bike in the hills of Ellicottville. That said, winter is closer than you might want, but now is the time to tune up those skis and book your weekend getaway.

Ellicottville and its surrounding amenities have it all, and the EllicottVillas provide the best homebase in town.

This Ellicottville getaway provides significant room for your entire family, presents gorgeous views and quick access to the trails and course. A plethora of dining, shopping and entertainment options are just a short drive or walk away.

Weekend, weekly and monthly stays are available. Also move-in ready and custom-build options are available for purchase.