April 15th, 2025, Update: Vaux Barn Local Landmark APPROVED!!!!Thank you to the Buffalo Common Council for moving this forward. We are thrilled!!!
Buffalo has a long history of great architects coming to Buffalo and showing off their best work. Calvert Vaux came to Buffalo with Frederick Law Olmsted, and together, they designed the Olmsted Parks and Parkway System that we cherish today. Vaux has one remaining structure he designed left – this barn. We are thankful to the Buffalo Common Council for agreeing with us that it is indeed local landmark worthy. We are excited to see what the future holds for the Vaux Barn!
Bernice Radle, Executive Director of Preservation Buffalo Niagara.
Fall 2024: Vaux has a new roof! Looks like the new ownership is looking to see that it is protected.
May 2024: Vaux Barn Presentation by Brandon Kennedy! You can watch the presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PDcne4Uuj0
May 2024: Call for petition signatures for the Vaux Barn! We are working with the community to get signatures from around the neighborhood to encourage the City Council to approve the local landmark application.
February 7th, 2024 Update: The local landmark was heard at the City of Buffalo legislative meeting last week. The new Councilwoman has requested a community meeting – which we are happy to do! We will update everyone on the date/time of the meeting once it is scheduled.
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Preservation Buffalo Niagara is dedicated to preserving our stories and creating a sustainable built environment for generations to come. One of Buffalo’s most influential stories, and one that has defined our city, is the creation of our parks system by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Throughout the lifespan of the park, there have been many changes, not to mention the Kensington Expressway, but overall Olmsted’s vision is still clearly represented. But what about his partner, Vaux? Out of all the structures he designed for “the best-planned city in the world” only one remains today, the Vaux Barn at 1119 Genesee Street.
You can read the Local Landmark Application here to see the full historical context of this humble structure.
How can you help
Click here to sign a letter of support before December 19th!
More resources
Calvert Vaux Preservation Alliance
Country, Park & City by Francis R. Kowsky
Jes Breathe Block Club Association has a MLK Jr. Park project, which includes the Vaux Barn. We have reached out to, the city, Masten District councilmember Wingo, Fillmore District councilmember Norkowski, Olmsted and your previous Executive Directors about having the Vaux Barn restored and placed back into MLK Jr. Park., as a educational Museum. We have the plans already drawn up by Anthony James, and have submitted them. Please assist us!
Gina R. Davis
President-Jes Breathe Block Club Association