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Before casino's signified slot machines and gambling, they were a gathering place
for entertainment, and dancing. The
Delaware Park Casino and adjacent lake were a main stay in the lives of Buffalonians
throughout the early 1900's. Throughout any season the Casino and Lake Area was
the focus point for all ages, whether it was canoeing, row boating, or taking
a stroll, it was the place to be. The
original structure, designed by Calvert Vaux in a blend of tudor and gothic styling,
was built in 1874 as a boathouse. Under the direction of E.L. Holmes, the Casino
was enlarged in 1885 to meet the ever-growing popularity of the area. Destroyed
by fire around 1899 - 1900, the Casino was rebuilt in time to be a part of the
1901 Pan-American Exposition. The Mediterranean style 3-story building was the
design of Buffalo architect E.B. Green, and officially became known as the Delaware
Park Casino. Through
the years the Delaware Park Casino has gone through many periods of renovations
and inactivity. In the early 1930's it was the Art Deco movement, but a period
of inactivity followed shortly thereafter (depression era) and lasted through
1960. By
1960 the area was under the siege of modernization, with the Casino following
in 1961. Melvin Morris' version of the Delaware Park Casino featured a facade
of enamel panels, concrete, and the removal of the building's third floor. The
Casino experienced another period of inactivity through the 70's and 80's, leading
to it's final renovation between 1991 and 1992. Under the direction of Buffalo
City Architect Edward Lindsey, the Delaware Park Casino was restored and stands
today much in the traditional style of 1901, with the influence of Vaux, Olmstead,
and Green. | 
