Rowing

In 1905 Frank Lloyd Wright drafted his only rowing boathouse design as a favor to the University of Wisconsin crew team so they could get in early spring rowing on the Yahara River.

His goal was to create something that would be the perfect blending of form and function. He also wanted to give the oarsmen of Wisconsin a boathouse they could not only use to become a rowing powerhouse in collegiate leagues, but a boathouse that would allow them the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.

In 2000 the vision for building Wright's boathouse in Buffalo was pretty much the same - provide a high quality boathouse for athletes so they can excel in the sport they are dedicated to, and at the same time ensure that the beauty of the waterfront can be enjoyed by all who visit.

In 2008, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fontana Boathouse was honored with the designation as a US National team development camp site by US Rowing, the umbrella organization for the National and Olympic teams, and with this designation Wright's dream became reality.

Rowing at the Fontana Boathouse is managed by the prestigious West Side Rowing Club, a one hundred year old organization dedicated to bring the sport of rowing to the youth of WNY.

Visit our West Side Rowing Club page and Rowing Opportunities page for more information on how student athletes and adults alike can become involved in this life changing sport. Links to our two pages within this menu