The Mansion on Delaware Avenue By Elizabeth Licata Photography by Jessica Kourkounis “When partners Gino and Diana Principe and Dennis Murphy bought this building at 414 Delaware in 1997, it had been vacant for twenty-five years. Before that it had been a well-loved Buffalo restaurant, The Victor Hugo Wine Cellar, and before that, it had gone through a variety of incarnations, including hotel, rooming house, and brothel. The structure was built in 1869 by architect George Alison. It has been renovated by its new owners with most of its original architectural features lovingly restored. Since its reopening, The Mansion has received many bookings for parties, weddings, and other events, making full use of the restored ballroom. Inside, the Mansion has a clean, spacious feel. Floor to ceiling bay windows (There are 175 windows and all of them can be opened.) surround you in many of the rooms, which have been decorated in what Gino Principe calls a “cool and sexy” style. The billiard lounge is used for breakfast and cocktails. It features a Brazilian mahogany billiard table, all the original moldings, and a sideboard designed by Advantage woodwork. The overall interior design was supervised by Susan Dario, with other elements coming from many other designers, most from Western New York. In the fireside lounge across the hall, a sculpture by Julie Silver adds a contemporary feel to the room, which also features an original burled black walnut fireplace embellished with gold leaf. Other Western New York artists whose work may be viewed throughout the Mansion include David Derner, Margaret M. Martin, and Susan Webb Tregay. There are 28 guest rooms and suites in the Mansion, divided into the categories “classic,” “grand,” and “suite.” The suites have original fireplaces and one and a half baths (with three-headed showers and whirlpool baths in the larger bathrooms). Bedside tables are designed by Bill Herod, with bedroom furniture provided by Advantage. Add a gift shop provided by Neo, room service including champagne and truffles, a complimentary breakfast and afternoon cocktails, and anyone can see why the Mansion has become the place for celebrity visits in Buffalo. Recent visitors have included Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top