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Schenck House Rehabilitation

The Schenck House, located on the grounds of the Grover Cleveland Golf Course, is widely considered one of the oldest extant stone structures in the City of Buffalo. Constructed in or around 1822, the house was originally part of the Schenck homestead, home of German farmer Michael Schenck and his family. Constructed in “Pennsylvania German Traditional” style from locally quarried limestone, the home and surrounding remained in the family until it was sold to the Country Club of Buffalo in 1898. Read more about the history of the Schenck House on the "Buffalo as an Architectural Museum" website. 

A golf course and clubhouse were completed in 1902. Golf architect Walter Travis upgraded the course in 1910 to attract a major tournament. This became the site of the 1912 U.S. Open, won by John McDermott who the year before was the youngest and the first American to win the U.S. Open. In 1917-1918 golf architect Donald Ross redesigned the course. It remains the only public golf facility in North America to be designed by two of the most famous golf architects of the early 20th century. In 1925 the Country Club of Buffalo sold the course to the City of Buffalo and it was renamed Grover Cleveland Park after the former Buffalo Mayor and United States President.  In 1947 the City of Buffalo transferred 16.5 acres of the course to the U.S. Government for a Veterans Hospital. In 1982 the City of Buffalo sold Grover Cleveland Park to Erie County for $1.00. Today, Grover Cleveland Golf Course is a 5,621-yard par 69; nine of the 1912 U.S. Open holes still exist.
 
In 1910, the Buffalo Aero Club sponsored the first airplane flight in Buffalo. Albert Pfitzner flew the monoplane he designed, built at the Curtiss aeroplane factory in Hammondsport, from the Country Club polo field. Buffalo became a hub for aircraft production; Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company went on to play a crucial role in World War I, training pilots and producing 10,000 aircraft.

In 2022, with the support of the Erie County Legislature, Erie County invested RENEW Plan and American Rescue Plan funds into a full restoration of the Schenck House, with the intention of converting the building into a public museum dedicated to Erie County Park and regional history.

Watts Architects and Engineers was retained for architectural and construction management services and Walter S. Johnson Co. was retained as the general contractor. Both firms have significant experience working with historic buildings and restoration projects. Together, in partnership with Erie County Department of Parks and the Erie County Department of Public Works, the restoration team addressed myriad issues and considerations to ensure the building is accessible, safe, and suitable for public use for decades to come. 

A few highlights of the project include the following:

  • Addressing years of flooding and water damage, including full remediation and removal of mold and damaged elements.
  • Stabilization of rear addition to original structure to create new kitchenette for public use.
  • New drywall, floors, roof, HVAC, restroom, interior and exterior lighting, windows, trim, drainage, and landscaping.
  • New accessible entrances (2), walkways and restroom.  
  • Creation of exhibit areas for display of historic documents and artifacts related to Parks and regional history.

A ribbon cutting and grant opening was held on August 11, 2025. The timing is fitting, as Erie County celebrates the 100th anniversary of the parks system, with the Erie County Parks Commission founded in 1924 and the first land acquisitions taking place in 1925.

Future plans for the site may include setting public hours, offering park ranger and historian-led tours and talks, featuring rotating exhibits, a digital kiosk to provide access to additional archived documents and photographs, and the opportunity to use the space for meetings and events.
 

Schenck House before construction, spring 2024

Schenck House after rehabilitation, summer 2025