The Parkside Community Association is bringing back one of the neighborhood’s most beloved traditions with the return of the Parkside Tour of Homes on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The tour celebrates the rich architectural, cultural, and civic legacy of Parkside, one of Buffalo’s most historically significant neighborhoods.

The Parkside Community Association is bringing back one of the neighborhood’s most beloved traditions with the return of the Parkside Tour of Homes on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The tour celebrates the rich architectural, cultural, and civic legacy of Parkside, one of Buffalo’s most historically significant neighborhoods. Parkside was developed around Delaware Park, part of the nationally significant park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux between the 1860s and 1870s, with Delaware Park constructed in 1874. Conceived as a landscape for recreation and public enjoyment, the neighborhood was shaped by a vision that blended natural beauty with prominent architecture.

From its earliest decades, Parkside attracted notable architects and prominent business owners. The neighborhood includes landmark works such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House and Davidson House, residences by William Sydney Wicks, and the John Sinclair House by Esenwein and Johnson. The architectural distinction of Parkside drew national attention, including interest from Hollywood, reinforcing its reputation as a premier residential district.

In 1963, in response to redlining and racist real estate practices led by developer Jack C. Anthony, residents organized the Parkside Community Association. Formed to resist discriminatory tactics, the association set goals to build pride, stabilize housing, improve neighborhood conditions, and encourage integration. Through advocacy and programming, Parkside became a model for community-led preservation and inclusion.

Today, the Parkside Community Association is the largest community association in the City of Buffalo, fostering connection through events, education, and stewardship. One of its major achievements was the creation of an architectural historic landscape designation, enabling homeowners to access historic tax credits while protecting the neighborhood’s character. This legacy is further celebrated through the National Register of Historic Places plaque program, which honors homes as they reach 100 years of age. With the average Parkside home built around 1920, many residences now qualify for this recognition.

The Parkside Tour of Homes serves as a key fundraiser supporting these efforts. Organized by a 10‑member committee, the event includes 75–100 volunteer docents, attracts more than 600 attendees, and is supported by dozens of sponsors. Tickets for the 2026 tour went on sale on November 29, 2025, marking the continuation of a cherished tradition that celebrates architecture, history, and community investment.