Linwood Avenue Historic Plaque Project ............... Linwood Avenue - Table of Contents
Linwood Avenue Historic Plaque Project ............... Linwood Avenue - Table of Contents
The Charles Lautz House
81 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York
TEXT Beneath Illustrations
|
Built: |
Circa 1878 |
|
Style: |
Second Empire |
|
Location: |
Linwood Avenue Historic District |
2013 photos
  Mansard roof ... Dormers  Incised limestone window head |
|
|
|
|
|
|
#85 demolished |
##81 (left / north) and 77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Modillions support two cornices |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incised stone window head with rose in tympanum |
Incised stone window head with roses and shell in tympanum |
The residence was one of three neighboring houses built for Lautz family members, this one for the Charles Lautz family, 77 for the J. Adam Lautz family, and 85 for the F. C. M. Lautz family. The Lautzes came to Buffalo from Germany in the 1850s and started a candle-making business involving all of the family members. Eventually, their interests broadened into the Niagara Starch Works, the Niagara Monument Company, and a tool and die manufactory.
Later residents of the home included Dr. Edward A. Sharp, a physician, professor, and president of the NYS Committee on Mental Hygiene, who after specialized neurology work in the great cities of Europe opened a private practice and joined the faculty of the University of Buffalo medical school in 1912.
In 1958, the then-owner, James P. Higgins was granted a permit to demolish a one-family masonry dwelling on the site. At some point in its history, the house was converted into front and rear living quarters. Today, the two former separate spaces are now open and the rear serves as guest quarters.
