Boardman House

Boardman House is a three-story red brick structure with brown trim located at 120 East Buffalo Street, distinguished by its hipped roof and cupola. The building displays Renaissance Revival design features and sits within the DeWitt Park Historic District.

The house was built in 1866 by A.B. Dale for George McChain on land purchased from Ezra Cornell. It later became the property of Judge Douglass Boardman in 1886, taking his name.

The building housed the Ithaca Conservatory of Music from 1911 to 1968 and became central to the musical education of many students. Visitors can still sense how the rooms were arranged for teaching and performances.

The building now functions as office space and maintains its original structural features. Access may be limited since it remains an actively used workplace.

Community preservation groups saved the building from demolition through extensive campaigns in the 1970s. This rescue effort reflects how much local residents valued protecting the area's heritage.

Location: Ithaca

Inception: 1866

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Address: 120 East Buffalo Street, Ithaca, New York

GPS coordinates: 42.44148,-76.49794

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:44