Automobile Club of Buffalo

The Automobile Club of Buffalo is a clubhouse with a Y-shaped wood frame, low hipped roof with broad overhanging eaves, and a two-story semicircular tower as its focal point. The structure extends roughly 184 feet in length and features a deep porte cochere, two exposed chimneys, and a large verandah with an enclosed single-story porch.

The clubhouse was constructed between 1910 and 1911 by the Metz Brothers Construction Company following designs by architects Esenwein & Johnson in the Craftsman style. The club itself was among the earliest members of the American Automobile Association when it joined in 1903.

The space reflects how early automobile enthusiasts gathered and built community around a shared interest in motor vehicles during the automotive revolution. Visitors can sense the social function the building was designed for when walking through its rooms.

The property was purchased by the Town of Clarence in 1957 and operates as a public park open throughout the year for residents and visitors alike. Since it is a historic site, approach it at a leisurely pace and view the architecture from the exterior grounds.

The semicircular tower rising from the building's side was an architectural signature of early 1900s design and served both as a visual landmark and a functional space for club activities. This distinctive tower form conveyed a sense of modernity and forward-thinking design for its era.

Location: Clarence

Architects: Esenwein & Johnson

GPS coordinates: 42.97972,-78.59889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:41