martinhouseclr

165 4 // ANALYSIS & EVALUATION – and that the original planting plan specified that only yellow and gold color flowers were to be put in “the sidewalk beds.” 5 The specific statements with the NHL nomination regarding the landscape design seem to be partially taken from the HABS survey prepared approximately one decade prior in 1978. No records indicate the existence of poplar trees (Populus spp.) on the property. The trees were likely mistakenly identified Norway maples, which did exist in the 1960s and later, or perhaps more likely, the dead trunk and foliage-free branches of American elms – which were present (albeit dead and without leaves) and photographed in the HABS data collection. Moreover, the CLR authors could find no primary sources validating the claims regarding “yellow and gold flowers.” At this time it is unclear where this information was recorded from for the HABS data. Regardless of slight inaccuracies, the Statement of Significance does prominently identify Wright’s insights regarding design “unity of the interior and exterior” and emphasis on “compatibility with surroundings.” 6 This is a critical difference between the NR and NHL statements, and though neither of the nominations identify Landscape Architecture as an Area of 5 National Historic Landmarks Program, Inventory Nomination Form: Darwin D. Martin House, Significance, 1. 6 As written in the NHL nomination, a critical reading of the phrase “unity of interior and exterior” may refer to only the unity of the interior and exterior of the house architectural design itself, and not necessarily imply landscape importance – regardless of Wright’s known philosophies concerning landscape. Significance, the NHL statement does imply that the landscape design was a contributing feature of the historic property. Along with the landscape, the NHL statement also appropriately identifies and describes Wright’s design of the interior furnishings and Wright’s relationship with Martin as being significant to the history of the property. Though centered on Wright, the nomination cites the importance of Martin as a client, friend, and financial benefactor, and credits Martin for sustaining Wright in his professional practice, as well as bringing Wright to Buffalo and greatly expanding the uniquely recognized architectural heritage of the city. Proposed Period of Significance and Boundaries Period of Significance in Designed Landscapes Period of Significance is frequently defined as the “span of time in which a property attained the significance for which it meets the National Register criteria.” 7 Existing nominations for 7 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, the Martin House, specifically attuned to the architectural design by Wright, place the Period of Significance at 1903-1905 (NR) and 1904 (NHL). Under the NR Criteria for which the Martin House is currently noted as significant, that being a specific work of a master and/ or embodying a particular style, the Period of Significance is solely associated with the design and construction of the Martin House – the period at which it attained its features – and constitutes a rather short number of years. If, for example, the Martin House was significant for other NR Criteria, say, for being the residence of an American President, then the Period of Significance would include the time that the President lived in the house or it was associated with his life. Though defined the same, the Period of Significance for historic designed landscapes is marginally different than buildings in that the span of time which a property attains the significance for which it meets an NR Criteria may be longer due to the nature of its primary material – vegetation. As a material, vegetation is not stable. It changes seasonally, through maturation, stewardship, and negligence, among other influences. Taking this into account, designed landscapes are often planned as a future state by the designer, reaching the intended form many years after construction is complete. Thus, the period through which a designed landscape attains its characteristics, from construction to the point at which it meets National Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Register Registration Form, Appendix IV, 1997.