flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Frank Lloyd Wright's posthumous gas station opens in Buffalo

Frank Lloyd Wright's posthumous gas station opens in Buffalo

This never built design is like a time-capsule that preserved the enthusiasm and optimism for cars in early 20th century United States.


By BD+C Staff | July 8, 2014
Photos courtesy of the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
Photos courtesy of the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum

A fireplace in a gas station – imagine getting a permit to build something like that today. But that is exactly what legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright thought up for a gas station he designed more than half a century ago, and that was exactly what was built in the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum in Buffalo, New York, for public viewing.

The gas station was intended for creation in Buffalo at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Cherry Street, Architizer reports. From the two gas stations Wright designed, only the one in Cloquet, Minnesota was built, also posthumously in 1965.

Check out this special report from Buffalo local news station WIVBTV.

 

The gas station embodies American modernism as coined by Wright, and is not short of the early 20th century enthusiasm for cars. The station’s architecture is anchored by a large set of stairs that lead to a second-story observation room for customers to wait as their vehicles are serviced. It has a fireplace, restrooms, a copper roof ad two 45-foot poles that Wright referred to as totems.

For more information, visit the museum’s official website.

Related Stories

Resiliency | May 17, 2018

Architects brief lawmakers and policy-makers on disaster recovery as hurricane season approaches

Urge senate passage of disaster recovery reform act; Relationship-building with local communities.

Architects | May 14, 2018

4 tactics for our digital transformation

While our technology is becoming more advanced, the fundamental processes at the core of design and construction businesses have largely remained unchanged for decades.

Architects | May 8, 2018

WeWork names BIG’s Ingels as its Chief Architect

He’ll be plenty busy working with a company that has aggressive growth ambitions.

Architects | May 8, 2018

Illinois Office of Tourism unveils new Frank Lloyd Wright Trail

The trail stretches from Rockford to Springfield.

Architects | May 3, 2018

Designing innovative solutions for chronic homelessness

What’s stopping us from creating more Permanent Supportive Housing? 

Architects | Apr 27, 2018

4 reasons to pursue speaking engagements

We found speaking engagements were among the top ten marketing techniques that AEC firms employ.

Office Buildings | Apr 19, 2018

From fitness to bowling alleys: How commercial office buildings are differentiating themselves through amenities

Here are five ways that amenities can help developers and building owners attract and secure tenants by appealing to their inhabitants.

Architects | Apr 19, 2018

Perkins Eastman and Dougherty announce intent to merge

Combined practice will create expanded capabilities for K-12, higher education projects in California.

Architects | Apr 17, 2018

Cannon Design expects merger with gkkworks will help streamline its deliveries

The combined firm reinforces its presence in the western U.S.

Architects | Apr 16, 2018

Is the AEC industry ready to shake off its retrograde image?

Technology has been and always will be perceived as a source for wonder and worry.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Warehouses

California bill would limit where distribution centers can be built

A bill that passed the California legislature would limit where distribution centers can be located and impose other rules aimed at reducing air pollution and traffic. Assembly Bill 98 would tighten building standards for new warehouses and ban heavy diesel truck traffic next to sensitive sites including homes, schools, parks and nursing homes.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021