Allentown, Buffalo
Buffalo neighborhood known for arts, dining, and historic architecture.
via Wikipedia: Allentown, Buffalo · see source
Allentown is a neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, that is home to the Allentown Historic District. It is known for its community of artists, bohemian and gay culture, and as a premier area for nightlife, dining, and antique shopping.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Buffalo, New York
- Architecture
- Stick/Eastlake
- Italianate
- Queen Anne
- Added
- April 21, 1980
Facts from the source article.
History
Allentown takes its name from Lewis F. Allen, who arrived in Buffalo in April 1827 to work as Corporate Secretary and financial manager of an insurance company. Allen, also a farmer, used land suggested by his neighbor Thomas Day for cattle grazing, and the path his cattle made became Allen Street. Allen was a founder of the Buffalo Historical Society and Forest Lawn Cemetery, where he is buried. He was married to Margaret Cleveland Allen, aunt of future president Grover Cleveland, and introduced Cleveland to influential people who helped launch his legal and political career.
Geography
Allentown is the first neighborhood north of downtown Buffalo, bordering the theater and entertainment district to the south. It extends north to North Street, west to Normal Avenue, and east to Main Street, centered on Allen Street and Elmwood Avenue. The neighborhood is known for its artist community, bohemian and gay culture, and civic commitment to historic and aesthetic sensibilities.
Historic district
The Allentown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and expanded in 2012. It includes Kleinhans Music Hall, a separately listed National Historic Landmark, and the Birge-Horton House on Delaware Avenue. The original boundaries encompass approximately 733 buildings, with styles including Gothic Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Shingle, Queen Anne, Stick, Colonial, and plain framed buildings. Three park areas are included: Day's Park, Arlington Park, and Symphony Circle, all designed by Frederick Law Olmsted as part of his master plan. The expansion added about 320 properties.
Allentown Art Festival
The Allentown Art Festival, originally called the Buffalo Art Festival, was started by Jason Natowitz in 1958 as a small town meeting to stimulate business. This led to the formation of the Allentown Village Society, and an outdoor art show was held in September 1958 with 50 artists. The event was described by co-founder Louis Cherenzia as the most colorful cultural event in Buffalo since the Pan-American Exposition. It quickly became identified with Allentown and was renamed accordingly. The festival has grown over the decades, supported by the Allentown Village Society and its volunteers.
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