Buffalo's City Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a premier example of Art Deco–style architecture, popular in the 1920s. The 32–story structure, built at a cost of approximately $7 million, dominated the skyline during the early years of the Great Depression. Within ten years, however, the City had to make significant repairs due to poor construction.
The tower is supported by massive pylon–like 15–story wings, from which 12–story wings step down on each side. At the base of the tower is a step–faceted glass dome. At the base of the dome, brightly colored triangular tiles combine to form larger triangular chevrons, pointing up and down, in a flame-like crown to the building.
The tiles represent both the crown of the Queen City of the Lakes and a circular burst of energy in the flag of the City. The brightly colored crown is illuminated like a kaleidoscope at night. Additionally, the dome contains references to the Iroquois Nation.
The city's common council chamber, located on the 13th floor, is patterned after an ancient Greek Amphitheater. It contains a 380–seat spectator gallery with a magnificent skylight of sunburst shape and six decorative windows that fill the room with natural light. The observation deck, located on the 28th floor, offers a panoramic view of the City including Joseph Ellicott's radial street plan.
65 Niagara Square, Buffalo
Architects: George J. Dietel and John J. Wade
Style : Art Deco