By JAMES FINK
Business First

Two privately owned homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright may be added to Buffalo's growing list of historic landmarks.

The owners of both properties said they were surprised and perplexed by the Buffalo Preservation Board's actions. The board has set a pair of public hearings April 2 to consider designating the Wright-designed homes - the Davidson House, at 57 Tillinghast Place, and Heath House, at 76 Soldiers Circle - as landmarks. Neither had the status before this; past efforts were rebuffed by the homeowners.

Landmark status protects the original design of a building and puts limits on physical alterations to the property.

"It is certainly something that ought to be done," said John Laping, Buffalo Preservation Board chairman. "For too long, these homes have been off the charts," he said.

He said he expects the preservation board to look at other architecturally or historically significant residences and properties for landmark protection.

The homeowners - Russ Maxwell, who has owned the Davidson House since 2004, and Amherst resident Nancy Schmid, who has owned the Heath House for more than three decades - are not pleased.

"I do not want my house named a landmark," Schmid said. Her children live in the Heath House, which Wright designed in 1904 for Larkin Co. executive William Heath.

"As a private owner, I feel this is an invasion of my privacy," Schmid said. "I certainly respect the Frank Lloyd Wright heritage and history and what it means to Buffalo, but do I really want people nosing around the house where my children live? I don't want that, and I don't think there are too many people who would."

Maxwell said he is also concerned.

"I don't know why they keep looking at this issue," he said. "I thought it was discussed and over."

Laping said the board's action is designed to protect "the integrity of the homes."

"Our action only protects the outside," Laping said. "It is nothing to do with the inside and the people living there. I understand where they (Maxwell and Schmid) may be concerned. We will work with them," he said.