Frank Lloyd Wright’s Larkin Administration Building

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the revolutionary Larkin Administration Building, constructed in 1903, with modern technology developed early in the 20th century and machine-made objects that defined both the structure’s function and the beauty of its materials. Its innovative construction methods synthesized modern technology into a coherent interpretation of the Industrial Revolution, making the building one of the first icons of modern architecture and helping define an image for architecture in the machine age. Wright gave it a naturally lighted central space as a haven from the harsh industrial neighborhood, provided air conditioning to maintain a clean work environment, used reinforced concrete to make it largely fireproof, and incorporated composite material called magnesite into custom-designed office furniture and floors. The building was demolished in 1950 except for a brick fence pier and major portions of the basement; the pier incorporates the major materials of the exterior. Architectural historians have viewed its demolition as the most significant loss of an architectural icon in the history of North America. A 1915 photograph from the desk of company secretary Darwin D. Martin, who had been responsible for Wright receiving the commission, shows the central lightcourt and metal office furniture of Wright’s design. Martin also commissioned Wright to design the Darwin Martin House Complex in North Buffalo and Graycliff Estate on the high stone cliffs of Lake Erie in Derby, New York. The Larkin Company began in 1875 as a soap manufacturing company founded by John D. Larkin Sr. and Elbert Hubbard; Hubbard left in the 1890’s and founded the Roycroft Arts Community in East Aurora, New York. At its peak in the 1920’s, Larkin was one of the world’s largest mail-order retailers, but it could not adapt to a retail store economy and went out of business in 1961, with Buffalo China Inc. the only surviving subsidiary by 2003.

Buffalo, New York · United States