OUT OF THE SHADOWS: THE LEGACY OF BUFFALO’S FIRST

AFRICAN AMERICAN ARCHITECT Project Summary Report

Prepared by Christine Parker, M.A. and Preservation Buffalo Niagara

November 2017

With Support Provided by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the First Niagara Foundation

Table of Contents

Project Overview ............................................................................................................................. 4

Objectives and Scope .................................................................................................................. 4

Project Methodology .................................................................................................................. 4

Historic Context .............................................................................................................................. 5

Survey Results ................................................................................................................................. 6

Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 8

Bibliography .................................................................................................................................. 10

Appendix – John E. Brent Inventory ............................................................................................. 12

Cover image: “Landscape Development Plan for Addition to Houghton Park”

drawn by John E. Brent, 1945

Project Overview Out of the Shadows: The Legacy of Buffalo’s First African American Architect Project Summary

Report (“Final Report”) has been completed on behalf of Preservation Buffalo Niagara with

funding provided by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as part of their National Trust

Preservation Fund as well as with funding from the First Niagara Foundation. The project was

undertaken from December 2016 to November 2017 by consultant Christine A. Parker. This Final

Report provides a summary of the work completed, a summary of survey findings, and

recommendations to assist and propel historic preservation efforts and commemorative actions

involving John Edmonston Brent and his designs.

Objectives and Scope The objective of this project was to conduct research on the designs, accomplishments, and

influence of architect John E. Brent on the City of Buffalo’s historic landscapes and built

environment. In conducting this research, the aim is to provide an introduction to Brent’s design

work, an inventory of associated buildings, and recommendations of future efforts. Research was

completed by Christine A. Parker with Preservation Buffalo Niagara providing technical assistance

and collaborating on the Final Report and its components.

Project Methodology The project was completed with a 3-task approach:

1. Research Conduct research on the designs, accomplishments and influence of Architect John E. Brent on the City of Buffalo’s historic landscapes and built environment

2. Inventory& Survey Report Create an inventory of the buildings, landscapes, and other structures associated with the life of John E. Brent, including resources he designed as well as resources significant to his personal life. Prepare a Survey Report that includes said inventory as well as preliminary recommendations on how to best recognize, promote and protect his designed works still standing today.

3. Exhibit Compile and display an exhibit based on curatorial research on John E. Brent’s life and works and lead an opening lecture on the research and findings

Historic Context To contextualize John Edmonston Brent, we must grasp the state of the United States during the Reconstruction period. A small but vigorous class of black landowners developed; hence, landowners came to depend on the Black craftsman for their construction needs. During this period opportunities for a new class of architects emerged. Schools in the South were established and began offering vocational and industrial training for African Americans. The urgency to educate the freed and enslaved persons promoted the establishment of African American schools and vocational training in the South to ease the inequality of the black craftsman, as well as apprenticeship opportunities in larger cities throughout the United States. Brent’s exposure to the profession was through his father, Calvin Thomas Stowe Brent, the first African-American architect of Washington, D.C. After his father’s untimely passing, a fifteen-year-old John, under the advisement of his older siblings would enroll and attend Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute from 1904-1907. Two years later, he received a full scholarship to the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry, graduating in 1912. In the beginning of the 20th Century, Buffalo, New York was a bustling port city with new technologies, a robust economy, and talented architects designing and planning. What would attract young Brent to Buffalo? Perhaps the attraction of the architectural marvels of Louis H. Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Frederick Law Olmsted and Joseph Ellicott. Brent arrived in Buffalo shortly after graduation and began his architectural career working as a draftsman with Max G. Beirel, Henry Osgood Holland, Paul Ford Mann, and Julius C. Schultz, among others. Brent achieved his New York State license as a registered architect after receiving his first and largest commission, the Michigan Avenue Y.M.C.A. located at 585 Michigan Avenue in 1926, making him the second African-American architect to design a Y.M.C.A. in the United States. Brent has smaller commissions from summer cottages in East Aurora, The Wales Hollow Y.M.C.A. Summer Camp, and a residence in Cheektowaga. Brent was appointed by the Department of the Interior to a planning and design team of architects for Howard University (1931-1934). Upon his return, Brent was encouraged by Marlon Perkins, Executive Director and curator of the Buffalo Zoo to apply for a junior landscape architect position with the City of Buffalo and was hired in 1935 at the beginning of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) era. Brent’s tenure contributed to a plethora of landscape designs throughout Buffalo neighborhoods and the waterfront (today’s Canalside), including pools, softball and hardball diamonds, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools, and 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses. His largest contribution to the Buffalo Parks Department was the Buffalo Zoological Gardens where he helped to transform the landscape into a modern facility. In March 2013, John Edmonston Brent was posthumously honored for his design of the Entrance Court of the Buffalo Zoo.

JOHN EDMONSTON BRENT, 1910

Survey Results After researching the designs, accomplishments, and influence of Architect John E. Brent, a total of 105 resources were surveyed and inventoried. The majority of resources are extant, in varying states of preservation. No. of Resources Association to Brent

13 Completed as a Draftsman 13 Completed as a Registered Architect 02 Completed for the US Department of the Interior 27 Completed for the City of Buffalo as a Landscape Architect 09 Completed for the City of Buffalo for the Department of Public Works 36 Completed for the City of Buffalo for the Parks Department 06 Brent personal residences ___________________________________________________________

21 Buildings extant 12 Buildings razed 67 Landscapes/Infrastructure extant 00 Landscapes/Infrastructure razed 05 Landscapes/Infrastructure designed but not constructed

Brent drawing and still photo of

the Michigan Avenue WMCA,

585 Michigan Avenue

Built 1926, demolished 1977

Home of Myron McGuire, DDS

482 Jefferson Avenue A Brent commission built 1934,

demolished 1999

St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church 34 Grider Street

Built 1923, Brent worked as a draftsman under Robert North

Memorial Gates of the Humboldt Park Cottage

Garden Brent’s drawings of Memorial Gates of the Humboldt

Park Cottage Garden, circa 1949 For the full inventory of John E. Brent associated resources, please see the Appendix.

Exhibition The exhibition, Out of the Shadows: John Edmontson Brent, A Buffalo Architect, has been designed as a traveling exhibit. Including a total of seven canvas panels, the exhibit highlights the different spheres and periods of his life, focusing on his family, education, drafting career, personal commissions, and work for the City of Buffalo. The panels tell the story of Brent’s career and private life by using original photographs, drawings, and renderings. Out of the Shadows: John Edmontson Brent, A Buffalo Architect, was on display at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library’s Central Library throughout the month of November 2017, and included opening remarks on November 2 and a curator talk on November 12. This central location allowed the exhibit to be open accessible to the public so to further impact and educate the public about Brent’s lasting legacy.

Recommendations Without a doubt, the John E. Brent story is a compelling story that needs to be told. Since most

of the work that he is more directly associated with designing and constructing has been

demolished, it is a challenge to develop preservation based recommendations within the

traditional preservation tool kit. Therefore, these are our preliminary recommendations:

Recommendation Partner(s) Funding Source(s)

1. Provide local landmark status to the house that Brent and his family lived in and with which their time in Buffalo is most associated

Current home owner

Family of Brent

COB PB

District Council Person

n/a

2. Re-open the Olmsted National Register Nomination to include direct reference to John E. Brent and the work he developed within the Olmsted Park system, including the Buffalo Zoo

Buffalo Olmsted Parks

Conservancy

City of Buffalo

n/a

3. Work with City of Buffalo Park’s Department to identify a location for a Brent Monument

COB Parks – Andy Rabb

COP Arts Commission –

Emmerson Barr

District Council Person

Council President

TBD

4. Declare John E. Brent Day in Buffalo Mayor Brown

Council President

n/a

5. Develop a curriculum for Buffalo Public School children (elementary and high school)

Buffalo Architecture

Foundation

First Niagara

Foundation

6. Work with The Buffalo History Museum to explore erecting Historic Markers at John E. Brent related sites

The Buffalo History

Museum

TBD

7. Explore re-opening additional National Register Nominations (in New York or other states) to included John E. Brent’s contributions

NYSHOP

NPS

TBD

Bibliography American Institute of Architects. 1941. Accessed July 23, 2014.

http://public.aia.org/sites/hdoaa/wiki/Wiki%20Pages/ahd1004979.aspx.

Appomattox Club. House Board of Directors Minutes. February and March, 1952.

Bertram, Ph.D., Peggy B., and Barbara S. Nevergold, Ph.D. The Uncrowned Community Builders, Inc. Accessed January 15, 2014. http://www.uncrownedcommunitybuilders.org.

“Building and Construction News.” The American Contractor, Volume 43 (1922):47. http:www.catalogue.hathitrust.org/Record/012312852.

Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Archives. Buffalo, New York.

Capitol Historical Trust. “Celebrating Architecture in our Nation’s Capital: DC’s First African American Architect.” http://www.capitoltrust.org/preservation/.

City of Buffalo. 1935. Civil Service Record, Civil Service Division, 1001 City Hall, Buffalo, New York.

Coles, Robert T. "Black Architects: An Endangered Species." Journal of Architectural Education 43, No. (1989): 60-62. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1424989.

City of Buffalo. Civil Service Record, Civil Service Division, 1001 City Hall, Buffalo, New York.

City of Buffalo. Department of Public Works Office of Planning and Design, 616 City Hall, Buffalo, New York..

City of Buffalo. Department of Licensing and Permits, 301 City Hall, Buffalo, New York.

Coles, Robert T. "Black Architects: An Endangered Species." Journal of Architectural Education 43, No. (1989): 60-62. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1424989.

Durough, Allen R. The Architectural Legacy of Wallace A. Rayfield: Pioneer Black Architect of Birmingham, Alabama. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 2010.

Erie County Clerk’s Office, Erie County Hall. Buffalo, New York. LIBER2490, 98. www.ecclerk.erie.gov/recrodsng_web/.

Fly, Everett. "The National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet." The National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/pdfs/13000305.pdf.

Hathi Trust Digital Library. "The American Contractor." https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/012312852.Historic American Buildings Survey, HABS No. DC-359, 1979.

Maggy, Matthew. Architect Charles T. Russell – Remarkable Richmonders. June 9 2014. http://www.richmondtourguys.com/charles-t-russell/

McGriff, Jennifer. “Memories of Uncle John,” interview with Christine Parker. (November 14, 2014).

National Park Service, “National Register of Historic Places Program, Buffalo Zoo Entrance

Court.” http://www.nps.gov. Accessed March 13, 2013.

New York. Erie County. Land Deed. Public Search.

Painter, John H. "The Fugitives of the Pearl." The Journal of Negro History 1, no. 3 (1916): 243- 64. https://archive.org/details/jstor-3035622.

Richardson, Selden. Built By Blacks: African American Architecture and Neighborhoods in Richmond. Charleston: The History Press, 2008.

"Secrecy Important, “Holdout” a Problem." Curtiss Fly Leaf, July 1941; p. 3-4.

The University of Pennsylvania Records and Archives Center. "Julian Francis Abele 1881- 1950." http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1800s/abele_julian_fra_wm.html.

Weiss, Ph.D., Ellen. Robert R. Taylor: An African American Architect Designs for Booker T. Washington. Tuskegee: New South Books, 2012.

Weiss, Ph.D., Ellen. "Tuskegee: Landscape in Black and White." Winterthur Portfolio 36, no. 1 (2001): 19-37. Accessed January 17, 2016. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1215293.

Wilson, Dreck S. African American Architects: A Biographical Dictionary, 1865-1945. New York: Routledge, 2004.

Williams, Katherine. “Where Are the Architects Who Look Like Me,” 20 on 20/20 Vision: Perspectives on Diversity and Design. Linda Kiisk, ed. Boston: AIA Diversity Committee and Boston Society of Architects, 2003.

Williams, Deidre. "Zoo Gates by black architect on Historic Register." The Buffalo News, June 21, 2013.http://www.buffalonews.com/20130621/zoo_gates_by_black_architect_on_historic_register.html.

Williams, Lillian S. Strangers in the Land of Paradise: The Creation of an African American Community, Buffalo, New York 1900-1940. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1999.

Appendix – John E. Brent Inventory

Please see included spreadsheet.

Appendix – John E. Brent Inventory

Resource Name Address/Location City State Country Owner Original use Original Occupant Current Use Current Status Construction Brent Connection Date of Brent

CAREER AS DRAFTSMAN

Holy Family Roman Catholic Church School 920 Tift Street Buffalo NY US Catholic Diocese Elementary School School Senior citizen apartments Extant 1913 Draftsman, Max Beirel June, 1912 - August, 1912

St. Francis Xavier's Roman Catholic Church 157 East Street Buffalo NY US Mary Holland Catholic Church St. Xaviers - Catholic congregation Religious museum Extant 1911-1913 Draftsman, Max Beirel June, 1912 - August, 1912

Achavar Achim Synagogue 833 Fillmore Avenue Buffalo NY US Revelation Baptist Church Synagogue Judaism Religous Community Baptist congregation Extant 1912 Draftsman, Henry Osgood Holland, Sr. September, 1912 - January, 1913

The Harlow Clarke Curtiss Building 210 Franklin Street Buffalo NY US Harlow Clarke Curtiss Business bldg Mixed businesses Boutique hotel/restuarant Extant 1913-1914 Draftsman, Paul Frank Mann January, 1913 - April, 1913

The Tabor Pump Company 291 Elm Street Buffalo NY US The Tabor Pump Co. Manufacturing/brewery pumps Manufacturing - pumps Demolished Razed 1914 Draftsman, Julius Carl Schultz April, 1913 - September, 1920

The Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church 371 Delaware Avenue Buffalo NY US Trinity Episcopal Church Church Church Trinity Proestant Episcopal Church Extant 1913 Draftsman, Julius Carl Schultz April, 1913 - September, 1920

The Wickwire Steel Corporation Eastbank of the Niagara River Buffalo NY US The Wickwire Corporation Industrial/manufacturing Industrial manufacturing - unspecified Demolished Razed 1914 Draftsman, Julius Carl Schultz April, 1913 - September, 1920

Cold Storage Building 1033 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo NY US The Jefferson Ice Company Brewery The Lion Brewery Vacant Extent 1920 Draftsman, Julius Carl Schultz April, 1913 - September, 1920

St. Andrews Episcopal Church 3107 Main Street Buffalo NY US Episcopal Diocese of WNY Church St. Andrews - Episcopal Diocese Occupied Extant 1921 Draftsman, Robert North September, 1920 - October, 1923

The Westbrook Luxury Apartments 675 Delaware Avenue Buffalo NY US Nathan Randall Luxury apartments Residential Apartments Extant 1924 Draftsman, Robert North September, 1920 - October, 1923

St. Bartholomews Roman Catholic Church 341-345 Grider Street Buffalo NY US Catholic Diocese Catholic Church St. Bartholomews - Catholic Church - Nondenominational Extant 1923 Draftsman, Robert North September, 1920 - October, 1923

Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church 317 Leroy Avenue Buffalo NY US Catholic Diocese Catholic Church Blessed Trinity - Catholic Church - Catholic Extant, NRHP 1923 Draftsman, Chester Oakley September, 1920 - October, 1923

St. Bonaventure University Oratory 3261 West State Street Olean NY US St. Bonaventure University Prayer tower Prayer tower for the religious staff In Use Extant 1927 Draftsman, Chester Oakley September, 1920 - October, 1923

REGISTERED ARCHITECT COMMISSIONS

The James G. Barclay Building 795 Main Street Buffalo NY US Catholic Diocese Sales and service (automobiles) The Weyand Brewery The Weyand Brewery In Use 1922 Architect of Record, Commission Draftsman/architect, 1922

Michigan Avenue YMCA 585 Michigan Avenue Buffalo NY US Michigan Ave Y.M.C.A. recreational building Michigan Street YMCA Demolished Razed, 1977 1928 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1926

Mitchell Miles Residence 4550 Genesee Street Cheek. NY US Mitchell Miles Residence/dairy delivery Mitchell Miles Demolished Razed, ca. 1980s 1928 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1927

Summer Cottage No. 1 Center Road Wales Ctr NY US Cora Cohen Summer home Cora Cohen Demolished Fire, date unknown 1928-1934 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1934

Summer Cottage No. 2 Center Road Wales Ctr NY US Clara Payne Summer home Clara Payne Demolished Fire, date unknown 1928-1934 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1934

Summer Cottage No. 3 Center Road Wales Ctr NY US John E. Brent Summer home John E. Brent Demolished fire, date unknown 1928-1934 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1934

The Outhouse Center Road Wales Ctr NY US John E. Brent Outdoor bathroom John E. Brent Demolished fire, date unknown 1928-1934 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1934

Wales Hollow Y.M.C.A. Camp Stone Pilasters at Entrance Center Road Wales Ctr NY US Michigan Ave Y.M.C.A. Vacant farmland Jennifer Mordisette Mathews Sold-unknown Sold unknown c. 1941 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1941

Wales Hollow Y.M.C.A. - Mathews Dining Hall Center Road Wales Ctr NY US Michigan Ave Y.M.C.A. Reed Hall (camp administrative building) Michigan Ave Y.M.C.A. Wales Camp Sold-unknown Residential c. 1941 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1941

Wales Hollow Y.M.C.A. - Reed Hall - Camp Administration Bldg. Center Road Wales Ctr NY US Michigan Ave Y.M.C.A. Mathews Hall (camp mess hall) Michigan Ave Y.M.C.A. Wales Camp Sold-unknown Residential c. 1941 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1941

Myron McGuire, DDS 482 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo NY US Myron McGuire Altered -2.5 Story, Frame, 2 Family Structure/Office/Garage Dr. Myron McGuire (residence) Demolished 1999 1934 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1934

The Appomattox Club House Eagle Street Bertie ON CA Appomattox Club House & Recreational Lodge Barn and grassing for farm animals Gerald M. & Thelka Hahn N/A destroyed by fire, 1980s 1952 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1952

The Michigan Avenue Y.M.C.A. 585 Michigan Avenue Buffalo NY US The Michigan Ave Y.M.C.A. Improvement/Expansion - Program Building Michigan Ave Y.M.C.A. New construction Demolished 1947 Architect of Record, Commission Registered architect, 1947

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Founders Library 2400 Sixth Street NW Washington DC US Howard University University library Founders Library Library/Archives Library/Archives 1937 Architect, Dept. of the Interior 1931-1934

Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall 2400 Sixth Street NW Washington DC US Howard University Administrative bldg Administrative offices Administrative offices Administrative offices 1935 Architect, Dept. of the Interior 1931-1934

CITY OF BUFFALO - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT - BUFFALO ZOO

Working drawing of the Llama & Moose exhibit 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 25-Sep-1935 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Entrance Court & Gateways 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 20-Oct-1935 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Americcans Swamp, North American Plains & Goat Hill 300 parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 2-Jan-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Alternate plan of roof construction pergolas in Entrance Court 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 15-Jun-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Detail of Moat Wall - Monkey Island 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 27-Aug-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Working drawing - Pheasantry 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 15-Sep-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Working drawing - Eagle, Hawk, Vulture, and Owl Cags 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 23-Oct-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Working drawing - Steps: walks and fence around moats 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 11-Jun-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Detail of the Skyline on the Pheasantry 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 1-Oct-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Details of Goat Hill 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 23-Oct-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Working drawing - Bear Pit plan and upper level sleeping dens 300 parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 24-Dec-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Working drawing of barnyard exhibit 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 18-Feb-1937 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Working drawing addition of seed bins, drains, water troughs 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 12-Jul-1940 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Bear dens 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 29-Apr-1937 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Protective screen around Seal Pool 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 4-May-1937 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Rock & earth hills in goat exhibit 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 21-Sep-1937 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Water drainage lines about the bear pits 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 31-Aug-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Metal plant containers at window - Mammals Bldg 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 12-Jun-1940 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Foster label frames 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 6-Apr-1940 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Entrance Gateways 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 8-May-1940 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Working drawing - Bear pits - plastered walls 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 18-Jan-1941 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Grain bins and new barns 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 31-Mar-1941 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

New light standards 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 23-Jun-1941 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Revision of Guard rail & outside Keepers Walk Administrative Bldg 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoo In Use - extant In Use with modifications 3-Jul-1945 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Improvements (unknown) 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens Buffalo Zoological Gardens In Use - extant In Use with modifications 19-Feb-1951 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Elephant yard plantings 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens Buffalo Zoological Gardens In Use - extant In Use with modifications 15-Aug-1957 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Bear Pits - resurfacing and present walks 300 Parkside Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Zoological Gardens The Buffalo Zoological Gardens City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use - extant In Use with modifications 20-Jun-1952 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

CITY OF BUFFALO - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

New curbs at intersection of Davidson & Bickford Avenues Davidson & Bickford Avenue Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works City of Buffalo Streets Department In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 6-Jun-1941 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

New Sewer lines on South Park Avenue at Botanical Gardens 2655 South Park Avenue Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works City of Buffalo Streets Department In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 29-Sep-1941 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Proposed development - Nottingham Terrace & Amherst Avenue Nottingham Terrace & Amherst Ave Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works N/A Did not implement N/A 7-Jul-1948 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Proposed development - Nottingham Terrace & Amherst Avenue (revisions) Nottingham Terrace & Amherst Ave Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works N/A Did not implement N/A 8-Aug-1948 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Location unknown - Bituminous paving and other works Location unknown Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works The Department of Public Works In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 16-Mar-1952 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Appendix – John E. Brent Inventory

Resource Name Address/Location City State Country Owner Original use Original Occupant Current Use Current Status Construction Brent Connection Date of Brent

New bituminous paving & other Unknown Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works Department of Public Works In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 16-Mar-1952 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Fosdick Masten High School - proposed parking area 186 E. North Street Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works Department of Public Works In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 29-Jan-1953 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Sidewak markings at SW corner of Main Street & Genesee N/A - Not a physical address Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works The City of Buffalo Streets Department In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 3-Aug-1946 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Triangle - S.W. corner of Main & Genesee Streets (Roosevelt Sq) N/A - Not a physical address Buffalo NY US Department of Public Works Department of Public Works The City of Buffalo Streets Department Did not implement N/A 29-Apr-1938 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

CITY OF BUFFALO - PARKS DEPARTMENT

McMillian Park - new drainage lines Delaware Park Tennis Courts Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 9-Jan-1950 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Cazenovia Park - Casino, 2nd floor alterations 25 Cazenovia Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 8-Feb-1950 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Schiller Park - New fencing surrounding swimming pool (# 1) Schiller Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 2-Jun-1950 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Schiller Park - New fencing surrounding swimming pool (# 2) Schiller Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications June 16, 1050 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

LaSalle Park - Water sprinkling lines & drainage Porter Avenue & AmVets Drive Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications December 20, 1950 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Front (LaSalle) Park - comfort station to Picnic Shelter House Porter Avenue & AmVets Drive Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department Buffalo City Parks In Use with modifications Restored/Brent's original design December 27, 1951 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Front (LaSalle) Park - comfort station to Picnic Shelter House Porter Avenue & AmVets Drive Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department Buffalo City Parks In Use with modifications Restored/Brent's original design June 29, 1953 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Front (LaSalle) Park - comfort station to Picnic Shelter House Porter Avenue & AmVets Drive Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department Buffalo City Parks In Use with modifications Restored/Brent's original design 3-Jul-1953 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

LaSalle Park - Location plan of Softball diamonds Porter Avenue & AmVets Drive Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 22-Apr-1952 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Niagara & W. Eagle Streets - Location for Christopher Columbus statue Niagara & W. Eagle Streets Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications June 16, 1050 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Waterfront from LaSalle Park to Tift Farm - waters edge Furhnham Blvd. Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department Erie Harbor Development Corporation Canalside & Buffalo Harbor State Park In Use with modifications 25-May-1953 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Botanical Gardens - New stone gate and walls 2655 South Park Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department N/A Working plans only Never constructed 31-Aug-1953 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Shoshone Park - chainlink fence 1978 Hertel Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 7-Jul-1954 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Shoshone Park - New sewer lines at Tennis Courts 1978 Hertel Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department The City of Buffalo Streets Department In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 13-Aug-1947 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Humboldt Park Memorial Garden 778 Best Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Humboldt Park Memorial Garden The Humboldt Park Martin Luther King Park The Cottage Garden 4-Nov-1949 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Humboldt Park - The Memorial Garden 778 Best Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Memorial at Humboldt Park The Humboldt Park Martin Luther King Park The Memorial at Humboldt Park 5-Apr-1943 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Humboldt Park - The Humboldt Memorial Garden Northampton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy In Use with modifications In Use with modifications November , 1949 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Masten Park Playground - details of recreation area #6 Best Street at Masten Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department Department of Parks In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 30-Sep-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Masten Park - Athletic field fencing Best Street near Jefferson Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Cold Spring Reservoir Buffalo City Parks In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 10-Oct-1938 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Masten Park - Improvements Masten Avenue at Best Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Cold Spring Reservoir The Buffalo Parks Department In Use with modifications In Use with modifications 15-Nov-1941 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Lanigan Park South Park & Lousiana Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department Wading pool Department of Parks Splash pad In Use with modifications 21-Sep-1936 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Mungovan Park - Tool house 212 Village Court Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department N/A N/A Never constructed 25-Mar-1938 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Mungovan Park - Stone bleachers at sports pavillion Bailey Avenue at McKinley Parkway Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Pavillion-staircase from Bailey Avenue Abandoned Local foot traffic N/A March 22. 1938 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Lincoln Park - Improvements 299 Decatur Road Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department In Use with modifications Yes 23-Jun-1942 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - Improvements 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department In Use with modifications Yes 21-May-1942 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - New Concrete walks about pool (#2) 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications Yes 20-Mar-1950 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - New ramp & shelter house 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department In Use with modifications Yes 24-Jul-1942 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - Planting plan for Service Board 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department In Use with modifications Yes 8-Sep-1944 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - Landscape development for new addition 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department In Use with modifications Yes 8-Jan-1945 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - New play area 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications Yes 2-Jan-1957 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - New concrete walks about pool 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department The City of Buffalo Streets Department In Use with modifications Yes 2-Mar-1950 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - New work on the wading pool 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications Yes 31-Jan-1950 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Houghton Park - Sewer lines 1675 Clinton Street Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications Yes 10-Oct-1951 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Centennial Park - New fencing and repairs 5 Porter Avenue Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department City of Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications Yes 3-Aug-1948 Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Loring Playground Trinidad & Loring Streets Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

Dewey Playground Dewey Street near Kensington Ave Buffalo NY US The Buffalo Parks Department The Buffalo Parks Department Buffalo Parks & Recreation In Use with modifications In Use with modifications Landscape architect, City of Buffalo 1935 - 1959

BRENT BUFFALO RESIDENCES

Renter - rear apartment 210 Purdy Street Buffalo NY US The Polk Directories Residential N/A Demolished New build (date n/a) N/A Renter 1912 - 1915

Renter - rear apartment 248 Glenwood Avenue Buffalo NY US The Polk Directories Residential N/A Extant Residential N/A Renter 1916 - 1918

Renter - rear apartment 219 Glenwood Avenue Buffalo NY US The Polk Directories Residential N/A Extant Residential N/A Renter 1918 -1926

Owner - front apartment 219 Glenwood Avenue Buffalo NY US The Polk Directories Residential N/A Extant Residential N/A Owner 1926 - 1937

Owner - Single residence 99 Lonsdale Road (1 Hamlin Road) Buffalo NY US The Polk Directories Residential N/A Extant Residential N/A Owner 1937 -1962