Walter V. Davidson House

The Walter V. Davidson House displays horizontal lines with broad overhanging eaves, low hip roofs, and continuous bands of casement windows across its cruciform layout. The structure shows the defining features of Prairie School design through its integration with the surrounding landscape and its open spatial arrangement.

Frank Lloyd Wright constructed this residence in 1908 for Walter V. Davidson, the advertising manager of the Larkin Company who joined the firm in 1906. The house was completed during a formative period when Wright was refining his revolutionary design philosophy.

The home sits within the Parkside East Historic District, a neighborhood shaped by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in 1876 according to specific urban design principles. The residence reflects a connection between architecture and its surrounding community that visitors can observe from the street.

The property must be viewed from outside along Tillinghast Place, as the privately-owned residence at number 57 maintains restricted access for preservation purposes. Visitors should observe the exterior and take photographs from the street to appreciate the original architectural design.

The living room incorporates an unusual two-story bay window with diamond-shaped leaded glass panes arranged horizontally. This design choice departs from conventional window arrangements and demonstrates Wright's experimental approach to fenestration.

Location: Buffalo

Architects: Frank Lloyd Wright

Architectural style: Prairie School architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.94200,-78.85390

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:24