In and around Buffalo you can find all sorts of jaw-dropping natural wonders, if you’ve never stopped to explore them just check out our list here , but have you ever stopped to think about just how many amazing man-made wonders are also here in the city? Showcasing some of the most architecturally stunning structures within Erie County, see why there’s nothing quite like this list full of amazing and historic buildings that you can find here in our backyard. Take a peek!
1. Ellicott Square Building
Completed back in 1896, the historic Ellicott Square Building is one of Buffalo’s most gorgeous man-made structures. When the eye-catching building was completed back in the spring of 1896, it was actually the largest office building in the world and was even the site of the earliest known dedicated motion picture theater in the world! Did you know these fun facts? With ten floors and more than 447,000-square-feet, this building is nothing short of impressive.
2. St. Joseph's Cathedral
Right in Downtown Buffalo on Franklin Street, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of many holy spaces within our city that will absolutely leave you in awe. With a history that dates all the way back to the early 1850s, the cathedral’s architecture will blow you away. Back in 1869, the church’s carillon was the largest in the country and the third largest in the world! There isn’t an inch of this cathedral that won’t leave you fascinated.
3. Old Post Office
The most historic post office in Buffalo, the Old Post Office can be found right over on Ellicott Street. Looking like our city’s own castle, between 1901 and 1912 the Old Post Office was actually also Buffalo’s tallest building! Up until 1963, this head-turning building was our city’s central post office with its own nearly 300-foot tower over the main entrance.
4. City Hall
Known for being the "Windows of Buffalo", City Hall is architecturally stunning from the inside to the out. Like taking a step back into time, you’ll find everything from a breathtaking skylight on the 13th floor to its own observation deck at the top of the building. An Art Deco gem of the city, if you’ve yet to enjoy a free tour of this building - you’ll want to take one ASAP!
5. Shea's Buffalo Theatre
One of the most recognizable landmarks of Buffalo, Shea’s Performing Arts Center first opened up back in 1926. Taking an entire year to complete, Shea’s is one of the only theater organs that’s still in operation in the United States - whoa! As soon as you walk inside this theater, you’ll constantly find your eyes moving around as you look from the floors to the ceilings at all the amazing architecture and details that went into this mesmerizing place.
6. Buffalo's Central Terminal
While the Buffalo Central Terminal may not be up and running in the way that it once was, that doesn’t mean that you still can’t enjoy its marvelous architecture. The historic railroad station has been closed since 1979, but today you’ll find the space seeing a true revival as it hosts all sorts of exciting and themed events.
7. Guaranty Building
Right over on Pearl Street, the Guaranty Building was one of the world’s first skyscrapers! Completed back in 1896, the design of this historic building is all thanks to both Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler. Made up of more detail than you might think at first glance, the Guaranty Building is worth walking up to soak in all of the small details and character that make up this stunning building.
8. Hotel Henry
Another castle-like structure of Buffalo, as Buffalonians we already know that Hotel Henry is part of the former Richardson Olmsted Complex. A National Historic Landmark of Buffalo, those who want to truly dip their feet into history can spend the night at Hotel Henry to experience first-hand the architectural bliss that is this place.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.