Restoring a Buffalo Treasure

Nestled within the charming and vibrant Elmwood Village in Buffalo, New York, stands a beacon of architectural grandeur and historical legacy: InnBuffalo off Elmwood.
This distinguished mansion, originally built in 1898 as the home of industrial innovator Herbert Hills Hewitt, transcends mere bricks and mortar to tell a captivating story of ingenuity, societal transformation, and timeless elegance.

Herbert Hills Hewitt

Herbert Hills Hewitt was born in Detroit in 1855. As was common for children of that era, he began working at a young age, starting his career at the Michigan Central Station. By 1886, his expertise and ambition led him to Chicago, where he became the General Manager of the Pullman Company, a major player in the railroad industry. Over the course of his career, Hewitt was awarded thirty-five patents, primarily related to railroad technology. His innovations and contributions were so significant that "The Railroad Digest" recognized him as one of the foremost figures in the history of railroads, underscoring his pivotal role in advancing the industry.

In 1892, Herbert Hills Hewitt married Sarah Dutro. The following year, the couple relocated to Buffalo, NY, a city bustling with industrial potential. Drawn by the promise of harnessing the mighty power of Niagara Falls, Hewitt embarked on a new chapter in his career. He played a crucial role in the construction and later management of the Union Car Company, a venture spearheaded by notable businessmen, including John J. Albright.

By 1904, Hewitt's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Hewitt Rubber Company, specializing in the production of tires and other rubber goods. His business ventures did not stop there. He diversified into the brass industry by founding the Buffalo Brass Company and later became integral to the operations of Magnus Metals Ltd., which he managed alongside his brother, Charles. Throughout his time in Buffalo, Hewitt was a driving force behind the establishment and management of several other successful companies, solidifying his legacy as a versatile and influential industrialist.

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The Hewitt House

Hewitt commissioned the esteemed architectural firm Lansing and Beierl, to design his mansion on Lafayette Ave.

The resulting mansion is an eclectic masterpiece featuring Stick ornamentation, Arts & Crafts style siding, a Richardsonian Romanesque porch, and Queen Anne style stained glass adorned with the faces of Greek gods.

Beyond its aesthetic allure, the mansion was a beacon of technological innovation. It featured dual lighting fixtures that combined the nascent technology of electricity with the reliability of gas, ensuring illumination even during power failures—a common occurrence at the time. The home also boasted a central heating system with nine thermostats, a groundbreaking feature that underscored Hewitt's commitment to comfort and cutting-edge technology. These advancements positioned the mansion as one of the most sophisticated homes in Buffalo, if not the entire country, at the turn of the century.

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After Hewitt died in 1922, his wife Sarah Dutro lived in the home another 10 years before she passed. In 1943, the Hewitt house was converted into a boarding house by Flora Baird, wife of industrialist Frank Burkett Baird. He was best known as being one of the driving forces behind the conception, planning and building of the Peace Bridge. Frank died in 1939, so it appears that by 1943 his widow was looking for some additional income. With eleven bedrooms, this home was perfect for that. The Hewitt house functioned as a boarding house for several decades until it became clear that rentals could no longer pay the bills and the home was put up for auction.

Rebirthed as InnBuffalo off Elmwood

Today, the mansion stands as InnBuffalo off Elmwood, a lovingly restored boutique hotel that honors its storied past while providing modern amenities for its guests. The restoration has meticulously preserved the architectural and historical integrity of the property, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the grandeur and innovation that defined the Hewitt era. Each room and detail tell a part of the story of Herbert and Sarah Hewitt, their remarkable lives, and their indelible impact on Buffalo's industrial and cultural heritage.

InnBuffalo off Elmwood is more than just a place to stay; it is a living narrative of Buffalo's dynamic history. It captures the essence of a pivotal period in American history and invites guests to immerse themselves in a world where tradition and modernity gracefully intertwine.

We look forward to welcoming you to InnBuffalo off Elmwood—where history is not just remembered, but lived, celebrated, and shared with every visitor who walks through its storied halls

Restoring a Buffalo Treasure

Herbert Hills Hewitt

The Hewitt House

Rebirthed as InnBuffalo off Elmwood

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