By Carol Fisher-Linn
Having grown up in the Buffalo area, casual drives into the higher-class areas provided us with many opportunities to ooh and ahhh, as we could only imagine what the inside of these ornate buildings looked like. It is only through current research that I find I attended high school (Villa Maria) on the grounds of what used to belong to the fabulous Urban estate, not realizing what was just up the road from our beautiful and spacious campus.
Until May 18, you are invited to ooh and ahhh over the 2025 featured home – George Urban Mansion, located at 280 Pine Ridge Road, Cheektowaga, which stands as an historic landmark on the remaining 1.4 acre lot reflecting the industrial and architectural legacy of Buffalo and Western New York (much of its original land was subsequently sold off for subdivisions and for Cheektowaga Town Park, along with the land the Felician nuns bought for their residence and school in 1920). Built in 1869, the 7,200 square foot mansion was the grand residence of George Urban Jr., a prominent businessman, inventor, and investor whose contributions to electric power generation, grain milling, horticulture, and animal husbandry helped shape the region’s economic and technological advancements. The Urban Milling Company became one of the first electric-powered flour mills in the country, a revolutionary step that positioned Buffalo as a major player in grain processing. Notably, Urban had a great friendship with Thomas Edison and, with a bit of insider information, he had this house wired before electricity had officially been invented. Always one to rub shoulders with the famous, the George Urban home is also notably recognized as the site where Grover Cleveland’s 1884 Presidential Campaign was launched.
For a sneak-peek, the home in its prime, boasted grand columns, intricate woodwork, ornately decorated ceilings, a sprawling porch which was later converted into a ballroom.
Inside, the home features a large wooden staircase carved from trees on the estate, original chandeliers hung when electricity was added, pocket doors, eight fireplaces, impeccably maintained hardwood floors, and an elevator which once connected the floors. Outdoors, there were horse stables and a pond. Today it features a crescent-shaped driveway, the site of many cherished family memories. The mansion has been modernized over the years including the 1980’s additions of a large indoor swimming pool, sauna, and tennis courts. Today, the George Urban Mansion includes 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a 6-car garage, and modern amenities. Despite the upgrades, it retains the craftsmanship of its original design, reflecting Buffalo’s industrial history and the Urban family’s influence.
The Junior League has designated the Urban property for this year’s showcase not only to display the classic architecture of this home (oh, the woodwork!), but also the incredible talents of local interior designers, artists and craftsmen. Their decorators have transformed the George Urban Mansion into a stunning display of design and innovation, highlighting the unique character of each room while preserving its historical essence.
By visiting the Junior League of Buffalo Decorators’ Show House, (https://buffalo.jl.org/show-house/) you are not only touring an incredible home but are also helping them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in Western New York. Since 1981, The Decorators’ Show House has raised over $5 million to support various community projects and initiatives. Proceeds from the 2023 Show House have allowed the Tool Library to purchase its new home at 2626 Main Street and grow programs that continue to build out Western New York’s sharing and repairing economy.