Laurel and Michigan Avenues Row
Why it's listed
Built around 1880 at the corner of Laurel and Michigan Avenues in Buffalo's Masten neighborhood, this two-story frame row originally held nine single-family units. Eight were later divided into apartments, one per floor. The L-shaped building has a flat roof, a stone foundation, a bracketed cornice, a paneled frieze, bay windows with pilaster surrounds, and pedimented window and door labels in the Italianate manner. Aluminum siding was added about 1970, and two Michigan Avenue entrance porches were replaced with canopies, yet the building keeps most of its original detailing, including two porches on the Laurel Avenue side. Its builder is unknown because it predates building permits. The row matters as the oldest surviving example of speculative frame housing built to resemble rowhouses in Buffalo, one of four intact groups in the neighborhood, and the only remaining L-shaped corner plan. It reflects late nineteenth century residential growth in Masten Park. The city designated it a landmark in 1981.
Significance in brief: It is the oldest surviving example of speculative multi-unit frame housing designed to resemble rowhouses in Buffalo, and one of only four intact groups in the Masten neighborhood. It is the only remaining L-shaped corner-lot row, with two main facades, and shows fine Italianate detailing. It illustrates a response to the need for standardized urban housing during late nineteenth century growth.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 86000688, listed March 19, 1986. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 1335--1345 Michigan Ave., Buffalo |
|---|---|
| County | Erie County |
| Listed | March 19, 1986 |
| Reference number | 86000688 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Residential use, in fair condition; originally nine single-family units, with eight later divided into apartments, one per floor. Aluminum-sided about 1970 but retains most original exterior features. Designated a local landmark in 1981. |
| Acreage | 0.5 |
| Coordinates | 42.91004, -78.86221 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 86000688.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q6500052
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.