Among those visiting Buffalo with the National Trust conference is a New York City woman who's name is synonymous with National landmarks and preservation. Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel visited the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Darwin Martin House on Jewett Parkway in Buffalo Wednesday.
"A singular vision executed to perfection," said Diamonstein-Spielvogel
Diamonstein-Spielvogel is a New York City preservationist who has worked on urban issues over the last 40-years. She first visited the Martin House several years ago as restoration was just beginning.
"It should be a magnet for tourists, cultural tourists, architectural tourists, preservationists, people just interested in the history of the evolution of our country, between that the two universities the marvelous art museums, Albright-Knox, Burchfield Penney," Diamonstein-Spielvogel
WBFO News asked Diamonstein-Spielvogel what letter grades she would issue for Buffalo's architectural heritage and cultural spaces.
"A big "A". Big "A" and an "E" for excellence. And also, it's not only the quality of the inventory of the architecture, but the way it is maintained. It really is a beautiful city and I am so pleased to be here," said Diamonstein-Spielvogel.
Diamonstein-Spielvogel said when she returns to New York this weekend, she plans to spread the word about Buffalo's gems. Diamonstein-Spielvogel says Buffalo is on the cusp of a great Renaissance.
As part of the many events during the National Trust for Historic Preservation convention, Diamonstein-Spielvogel brought her own exhibit to Buffalo. Images from her book, Landmarks of New York City Edition V. The event is at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center and is sponsored by the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society. The exhibit is on now through Saturday, October 30th. Along with Diamonstein-Speilvogel's images are photos from the Historical Society’s collection highlighting some of Buffalo’slandmark buildings.