Project Furthers Governor Hochul’s Commitment to New York’s Tourism Industry as the Historic Lakeside Property Celebrates its 100th Anniversary
Photos of the Graycliff Visitor Center Are Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a new visitor center at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Graycliff estate in Derby, N.Y. The $6 million, 4,400-square-foot facility complements the recently renovated historic home and grounds and enables the Graycliff Conservancy to offer year-round programming, events, and amenities for the thousands of visitors it hosts each year from around the world.
“Frank Lloyd Wright's genius brought beauty and grandeur to Buffalo and Western New York in the early 20th century. With the completion of multiple restoration projects and the addition of a visitor center, that legacy is preserved for the 21st Century and beyond,” Governor Hochul said. “Buffalo and Western New York is known as one of the top regions in the world for its premier architecture and Graycliff is one of those gems — I encourage everyone to visit Graycliff and learn more about this magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece.”
Graycliff was designed in 1926 as the summer home for Isabelle R. Martin and her husband, industrialist Darwin Martin. Built between 1927 and 1931, the 8.5-acre property at 6472 Old Lakeshore Road is now restored to its 1930s appearance. Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony also officially honors the site’s history while marking the beginning of Graycliff's centennial year, celebrating Wright's 1926 architectural vision. The new center features:
- Expanded gift shop with grab-and-go coffee area
- Improved visitor amenities including expanded restroom facilities
- Light-filled open space offering views of the historic houses for workshops, lectures, and educational programs, as well as private rental opportunities
- Integrated technology enhancing historical interpretation and accessibility
- Administrative offices with dedicated space for volunteers
Graycliff Executive Director Anna Kaplan said, “This project was absolutely critical to Graycliff's future. We can now welcome visitors year-round with proper amenities, expand our educational mission, and create sustainable revenue streams that will support preservation for generations to come. This visitor center fundamentally transforms what we can offer and ensures this architectural treasure remains accessible and vibrant for the next hundred years.”
The project, managed by LeChase Construction, represents the first phase of a broader site revitalization. Upcoming work includes restoring the historic orchard and vegetable gardens, as well as installing landscape pathways to encourage longer guest stays.
The project was funded through extensive state support, including $1.275 million from the New York State Council on the Arts, $1 million from Empire State Development, over $1 million from the New York Power Authority, and $550,000 allocated by the office of then-State Senator Sean M. Ryan. New York State previously helped set the stage for the new Visitor Center by investing in the renovation of the house and grounds.
Photographs of the Graycliff Estate restoration project can be seen here.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Graycliff Visitor Center immerses guests in the architectural history of one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most stunning designs. Governor Hochul is a strong supporter of heritage tourism because she has seen firsthand how projects like Graycliff act as a significant economic driver. Visitors to historic sites support local dining, lodging, and retail, creating jobs and fostering community pride.”