Allentown, Buffalo

The Allentown district is a neighborhood in Buffalo, New York. It is known for its historic buildings and charm. The area includes the Allentown Historic District, which helps preserve the past and shows how people lived long ago. This neighborhood is a special place for those who love history and old architecture.

History

Allentown is named after Lewis F. Allen. He came to Buffalo in 1827 to help with an insurance company. He was also a farmer and used land near Buffalo and Black Rock for his cattle. This path became Allen Street. Allen helped start the Buffalo Historical Society and Forest Lawn Cemetery, where he is buried. He was married to Margaret Cleveland Allen, the aunt of future president Grover Cleveland. Allen introduced Cleveland to important people who helped him begin his career in law and politics.

Geography

Allentown is a neighborhood north of downtown Buffalo. It lies between the downtown theater and entertainment area to the south and North Street to the north. The neighborhood runs from Normal Avenue on the west to Main Street on the east. It is centered around Allen Street and Elmwood Avenue.

People in Allentown enjoy supporting artists and celebrating different cultures. It is a popular place in Buffalo for nightlife, trying new restaurants, and finding interesting antique shops.

Historic district

The Allentown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and added to more in 2012. It has Kleinhans Music Hall, which is also a National Historic Landmark, and the Birge-Horton House on Delaware Avenue.

The area has about 733 buildings in many styles. There are three park areas, two redesigned by Frederick Law Olmsted and one circle called Symphony Circle. Olmsted also improved Day's Park and Arlington Park after his plan.

Notable places

Allentown, Buffalo, has many special places. The Allendale Theater is where the Theater of Youth performs. Arlington Park was redesigned by Frederick Law Olmsted. The Williams-Butler Mansion was designed by Stanford White. Day’s Park was also redesigned by Olmsted. Kleinhans Music Hall is where the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra plays. Symphony Circle is part of Buffalo’s beautiful park and parkway system. The Wilcox Mansion marks the spot where Theodore Roosevelt began his first term as president. The Nickel City Housing Cooperative is Buffalo’s first single-family housing cooperative, located in Edward Brodhead Green’s historic Granger Mansion. Trinity Episcopal Church is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Allentown Art Festival

The Allentown Art Festival began in 1958. It was started by Jason Natowitz to help local businesses. At first, it was called the Buffalo Art Festival and had just 50 artists. It became very popular and people loved the event.

Over time, the festival grew and became known as the Allentown Art Festival. The Allentown Village Society and its volunteers have helped make the festival a big success each year. It has become more than just a weekend event, bringing joy to the Allentown neighborhood and beyond.