martinhouseclr

168 DARWIN D. MARTIN HOUSE // CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or D. Have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Though designed historic landscapes are largely determined to meet criterion C, often being associated with the “productive careers of significant figures in American landscape architecture” or with an important “trend or school of theory and practice,” they can also quite often be associated with important social movements or the lived of persons significant in our past (criterion A and B, respectively). Statement of Significance Within the National Register nomination, the existing historic core of the property has already been identified as having national significance in the area of architecture under criterion C (albeit, not explicitly stated as such) as an important work of Frank Lloyd Wright and embodying the characteristics of the Prairie Style of architecture. The findings of the CLR investigation suggest that the landscape of the Darwin Martin House, even in its current condition, is an important contributing feature to the overall significance of the historic property. It is believed that Frank Lloyd Wright’s early innovative design concepts for which the house is currently recognized, being an idealistic unification of architecture, landscape and furnishings, and the overarching design emphasis on spatial relationships between interior and exterior, are marginally maintained and reinforced by the integrity of location, feeling, association, and setting. It is believed that the critically defining influence of the cruciform arrangement of extant buildings, circulation and landscape structures, creating an intact matrix of defined and interlocking domestic landscape spaces, and the integrity of the setting and the defined boundaries of the adjacent public realm streetscape, afford the landscape significance as a contributing feature to the historic residential property. 12 It should be noted that the above statement of significance accepts that, architecturally, the previously reconstructed buildings and related landscape features (circulation, structures, water features, etc., which are now extant) can also be determined as attaining significance as contributing features to the property through special evaluation criteria for reconstructions. Further analysis of the buildings and structures must be conducted to conclude that this opportunity exists; however, a cursory examination of the special evaluation criteria, as outlined in the National Park Service’s National Register Bulletin 15, seem to indicate that the reconstructions are likely eligible. 13 12 For more on Wright’s importance and the background supporting this significance, see section: Background: Frank Lloyd Wright and the Integration of Landscape. 13 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, It is also believed that the property as a whole, including the landscape as a contributing feature, holds state and local significance under National Register criterion B, having been the private residence and garden of Darwin D. Martin, a prominent turn-of-the-century businessman and executive of the Larkin Soap Company who made important contributions to local and regional commerce, directly influenced the diversity and reputation of Buffalo’s renowned architectural heritage, and served an important role as friend and financial benefactor to Frank Lloyd Wright over a period of nearly 30 years – ostensibly allowing the famed architect to continue his practice despite many stretches of extreme personal and financial distress. 14 It is believed that criterion B applies to the Martin House in that it uniquely illustrates some of Darwin Martin’s important achievements – namely bringing Wright to Buffalo, his individual success in business and commerce, and his own role in the development and stewardship of the designed landscape – rather than simply commemorating them. Furthermore, if the designed landscape were completely intact today, it would also be National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, Rebecca H. Shrimpton editor, revised 2002. As summarized within the Bulletin: A reconstructed property is eligible when it is accurately executed in a suitable environment and presented in a dignified manner as part of a restoration master plan and when no other building or structure with the same associations has survived. All three of these requirements must be met. 14 For more on Martin’s importance and the context supporting this significance, see the section: Background: Darwin D. Martin and Buffalo.