The Coit House
The Oldest House in Buffalo, NY: The Coit House
Right in the heart of Buffalo, NY, the Coit House stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural and historical heritage. Built in 1815, this structure is not only the oldest surviving residential building in Buffalo but also a remarkable example of the Federal style that marked the early days of the American craftmanship.
The Coit House’s Early History
The Coit House was built by George Coit, one of the founding fathers of Buffalo, just a few years after the city was burned by the British during the War of 1812. Located originally at the corners of Pearl and Swan Streets, the house was later moved to its current location at 414 Virginia Street.
George Coit arrived in Buffalo in 1811 at the age of 26 and quickly became a prominent merchant and civic leader. His decision to erect such a house was a statement of faith in the future of Buffalo, which at the time was little more than a frontier outpost.
Architectural Significance
The house is an exquisite example of Federal architecture, characterized by its symmetrical design, elegant proportions, and the use of classical elements such as gabled roofs and Palladian windows.
The Coit House's façade is adorned with a beautiful fanlight above the front door and sidelight windows that embody the typical Federal style. The interior of the house features high ceilings, extensive woodwork, and fireplaces in several rooms, reflecting the domestic ideals of its time.
The Coit House Through the Ages
Over the centuries, the Coit House has witnessed and adapted to the ebb and flow of Buffalo’s fortunes. Throughout the 19th century, it served as a home to prominent local figures, including some of Buffalo's early mayors and industrialists, who helped shape the city’s destiny.
As Buffalo evolved from a fledgling village into a bustling industrial center, the Coit House remained a silent witness to the surrounding changes, including the opening of the Erie Canal and the city's catastrophic Great Fire of 1813.
Preservation Efforts
By the mid-20th century, the Coit House had fallen into disrepair and was at risk of demolition to make way for new development. The preservation of the Coit House in the 1960s marked a pivotal moment in the historic preservation movement in Buffalo.
Local preservationists, recognizing the house’s significant historical value, rallied to save it. Their efforts were successful, and the house was carefully restored to its former glory, with attention paid to historical accuracy in terms of colors, materials, and furnishings.
The Coit House Today
Today, the Coit House is more than just a museum-like space encapsulating the early days of Buffalo—it is a vibrant part of the community. Currently owned by Maura Winkler, Maura is the ideal person to own such an historic home. She has a deep love of Buffalo’s history and residential architecture and takes her role as owner of this historical gem very seriously. This is immediately apparent when you walk through the front door of the 200+ year old home.
Maura runs Fika Midwifery out of the Coit House, which really helps to bring life into this old beauty, both in the figurative and literal sense. The Coit House isn’t an old museum like many homes over 200 years old. Instead, it’s a working business that helps to keep the home in such spectacular shape.
