Hewitt House
The Herbert H. Hewitt House: A Testament to Innovation in Buffalo, NY
Nestled within the historic fabric of Buffalo, New York, the Herbert H. Hewitt House at 619 Lafayette Avenue stands as a monumental testament to the city's rich architectural legacy and the ingenuity of its once-prominent industrial leaders.
Built in 1898, this home not only reflects the eclectic architectural styles of its time but also showcases groundbreaking innovations in home construction that were ahead of its era. The story of the Hewitt House is intertwined with the biographies of notable individuals whose impacts on Buffalo and beyond were profound.
Herbert Hills Hewitt: Industrialist and Inventor
Herbert Hills Hewitt, born in 1855 in Detroit, was a figure of industrious spirit and mechanical genius. Beginning his career with humble assignments at the Michigan Central Station, Hewitt quickly ascended through the ranks, moving to Chicago to become the General Manager of the Pullman Company by 1886.
His career was distinguished by the invention of several mechanical devices, securing six patents that primarily improved railroad car designs and functionality.
In 1892, Hewitt married Sarah Dutro, and by 1893, the couple relocated to Buffalo, where Hewitt would begin his next venture as the head of the Union Car Company, a firm backed by several of Buffalo's business elites, including John J. Albright.
His entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there; Hewitt went on to found the Hewitt Rubber Company and the Buffalo Brass Company, expanding his influence into multiple industries.
Architectural Marvel by Lansing and Beierl
The design of the Hewitt House was entrusted to Lansing and Beierl, local architects renowned for their work on the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church among other landmarks.
Trained by the esteemed Buffalo architectural firm Green & Wicks, Lansing and Beierl brought a blend of artistic styles to the Hewitt residence, creating a unique architectural pastiche that included elements of Victorian Stick style, Arts & Crafts, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Queen Anne.
The facade features stick ornamentation and arts & crafts style siding, complemented by a Richardsonian Romanesque porch and exquisite Queen Anne stained glass, making the home a visual masterpiece. Its architectural complexity not only served aesthetic purposes but also embodied the technological ambitions of its era.
Pioneering Innovations
Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of the Hewitt House was its advanced home systems. Dual lighting fixtures were installed throughout, equipped with both electricity and gas backups—a precautionary measure against the frequent electrical outages of the time.
The home also boasted a central heating system controlled by multiple pneumatic heat control thermostats, a rarity that underscored Hewitt's passion for cutting-edge technology. Such features positioned the Hewitt House as possibly the most innovative home in Buffalo during the late 19th century.
Transition and Preservation
By 1943, long after the death of Herbert Hewitt, the mansion was transformed into a boarding house by Flora Baird, highlighting the adaptability of this grand residence through changing times. Despite its use as a boarding house, the essential character and many original features of the home were preserved.
In 2012, a new chapter began for the Hewitt House when Joseph and Ellen Lettieri purchased the property at public auction. They embarked on a meticulous restoration, reviving the home’s former glory as the Inn Buffalo Off Elmwood.
The Lettieri’s uncovered and restored the home’s opulent materials—mahogany, cherry, oak, hand-painted stencil work, gold leaf decorations, silk damask, and century-old tapestries. Each room offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved or restored fixtures, including the unique heat control thermostats.
A Cultural Beacon
Today, the Hewitt House not only serves as a historic inn but also as a living museum, celebrating Buffalo’s architectural and industrial heritage. Visitors can marvel at the quarter-sawn oak, stained-glass windows, mosaic vestibules, and a gold-leaf ceiling that speak volumes of the past’s craftsmanship.
The preservation efforts have ensured that about 95% of the original footprint remains intact, offering a rare continuity in historical architectural experience.
The Herbert H. Hewitt House is more than just a building; it is a repository of innovation, a symbol of Buffalo’s industrial age prosperity, and a beacon of preservation. As visitors walk through its rooms, they not only step back into the late 19th century but also walk the halls that a visionary industrialist once did.
The house stands as a proud testament to what can be achieved when historical preservation is guided by passion and respect for the past. In celebrating the Hewitt House, Buffalo celebrates its own rich history, reminding us of the city’s role in America’s industrial narrative and its ongoing story of architectural conservation.
