Larkinville Neighborhood
History.
The neighborhood has seen many transformations as Buffalo’s first business and manufacturing district. By 1832, the neighborhood was a thriving mill district powered by canals, or “The Hydraulics.” In 1876, John D. Larkin began making soap in a small factory building at 663 Seneca Street, establishing the dominant mail-order business in America. As a result, by 1901, there were 87 retail businesses on Seneca Street between Larkin and Smith streets creating a dense, vibrant district.
Neighborhood Development.
Today, many of the warehouses and buildings still standing have undergone restoration by the Larkin Development Group and other local developers. Beginning with the development of the 600,000 square foot Larkin Terminal Warehouse building in 2002, neighborhood improvements now include a quarter mile of new streetscape and many new restaurants and businesses. In 2012, Larkin Square opened in the heart of Larkinville, an urban park and event venue hosting dozens of free community events, concerts and gatherings annually.
Larkinville Today & Tomorrow.
Today, Larkinville is home to countless businesses, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and a growing residential population. Larkin Square, an urban park at the heart of the district, hosts dozens of free community events, concerts, and gatherings annually.
Looking ahead, the neighborhood is only continuing to grow with the addition of new apartments and a walkable retail district including: Swan Street Diner, Hydraulic Hearth, Bratts Hill by Chef Darian Bryan, DA Taste, Toasted coffee shop, Magic Bear Beer Cellar, Blue Table Chocolates, Paula’s Donuts and more!
To keep up to date on programming visit www.larkinsquare.com to join our newsletter and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.