Birge Mansion (1896-1897)

This location is part of Preservation Buffalo-Niagara’s Westside Revitalization SCVNGR Trek.  Play SCVNGR to learn about Buffalo’s rich architectural heritage, earn badges and win prizes at participating venues.  Download the SCVNGR app and start playing today!

The Birge Mansion was commissioned by George Kingsley Birge, the successful son of Martin H. Birge, a local wallpaper manufacturer.  In addition to becoming a partner in his father’s wallpaper company, George Birge was also a controlling interest in the Pierce-Arrow company, from which he retired in 1917.  Birge Mansion is modeled off of a villa that George Birge had seen while in the Riviera.  It consists of two corner pavilions, flanking a central section, which incorporates three arched windows supported and separated by two tiers of Tuscan columns, and fronted by faux balustrades at the second floor.  The building’s first nonresidential use was as the Sisters of Divine Child Convent from 1938 through 1957.  This was followed by use as an Elks Club for almost 20 years.  Unfortunately, by the mid-1970s, the house had fallen into disrepair, and was subject to a number of small fires.  It was bought in 1982 by a small group of investors, who took it upon themselves to restore and renovate the aging mansion.  It is currently used as office space.

For more information: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM3MGA_Birge_Mansion_Buffalo_NY