Bloomberg.com offers a photo tour of some of Frank Lloyd Wright's most important and stunning buildings, helping to underscore his moniker "America's Greatest Architect". See it here.
Image via bloomberg.com
Go Native With These Prints
Fair Oak Workshops, purveyors of the finest in Arts & Crafts era gifts and decor recently introduced their new line of Edward S. Curtis Native American prints. Original Edward S. Curtis photographs depicting the American West landscape and its indigenous people are rare and very expensive. Fair Oak's fine art prints provide the opportunity to affordably own a Curtis image and add that perfect touch of Arts & Crafts charm to your home. See all the offerings and options here.
Image via fairoak.com
California Dreaming
Architect, historian, and author, Alan Hess, recently reviewed a trio of books on the topic of California Modernism for the Los Angeles Review of Books. The books reviewed include, Architecture of the Sun : Los Angeles Modernism 1900-1970 by Thomas S. Hines, Sympathetic Seeing: Esther McCoy and the Heart of America by Kimberli Meyer and Susan Morgan, and Living in a Modern Way : California Design 1930-1965 by Wendy Kaplan. Read the reviews here.
Image via LA Review of Books
Don't Miss Wright Plus 2012
Just a reminder: Tickets are still available for the 38th annual Wright Plus housewalk which takes place June 2, 2012 in Oak Park, IL. It's your chance to tour nine private homes in Oak Park, IL, several of which are by Frank Lloyd Wright. Get tickets and more info here.
And if you go, don't forget to wear your official Wright Plus 2012 t-shirt (designed by PrairieMod!) Get yours here.
Image via GoWright.org
A Look At Lakewood Garden Mausoleum
PrairieMod pal, John Clouse, sent some recent photos of his visit to the new Lakewood Garden Mausoleum and Reception Center at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN by Joan Sorrano and John Cook of HGA Architects. Check out more photos after the jump...
Help Support The Immaculatta Statue Restoration
The Kalo Foundation of Park Ridge, IL is having a fundraiser to restore an important addition to the Iannelli Studios Heritage Center: The Immaculatta Statue by Alfonso Iannelli. The event will be 3pm on June 3, 2012 at Iannelli Studios and will feature restorationist Jane Foley and comedian Vicky Quade. Contact the Kalo Foundation for more details.
Image via HABS
A Usonian Walk Through
The work on the "Usonian House," the new educational and visitor center for Florida Southern College that is based on a previously unbuilt Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian home is coming along nicely. Take a virtual walk through of the progress so far and get ready to visit the finished product in Fall 2012. See and learn more here.
Image via buildingtheusonianhouse.com
Wright's Winn House For Sale
The Robert D. and Winifred L. Winn House (1950) in Kalamazoo, MI, designed as part of Frank Lloyd Wright's Parkwyn Village community, is on the market for the approachable price of $200,000.
That said, a look at the listing photos reveals that much would need to be undone to bring this Usonian gem back to its former glory. Hopefully someone out there is willing to take up the restoration challenge to make things "Wright" at the Winn House. See the listing here.
Then check out a series of photos from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Digital Collections that show the house back in its Mid-century Modern glory. See them here.
Image copyright UNL Digital Collections
Cerny-Designed Usonian For Sale
Eric S. sends word that a phenomenal-looking 1941 Usonian home by noted Twin Cities architect, Robert Cerny, is on the market in St. Paul for $370,000. Get ready to drool at more photos here.
Image via 375pelham.com
Wright/Schindler Cottage Dismantled
The careful dismantling of the Frank Lloyd Wright/Rudolph Schindler-designed cottage in Wilmette, IL is underway as part of the plan to move it to its new home in Wauconda and fully restore it. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, many preservationists, Joe Catrambone, and George Hausen should all be commended for working together to help save this important little architectural gem. See photos and more here.
Image via triblocal.com
JRMcD's Erskine House On The Market
The Erskine House (aka"Trilogy") is a beautiful John Randal MacDonald design located in Racine, WI and is currently on the market for $485,000.
This amazing work of Organic architecture has 3900 sf, with 4 bedrooms, 7 baths, and an adjoining two car garage with a small apartment located below.The property is situated on 1.17 acres and enjoys a beautiful view of the Root river valley and the Racine Country Club.
If you're interested in living "PrairieMod," then contact Daniel Plebanek at 262-412-0601.
Photo copyright ChicagoGeek Flickr user
Abstract Taliesin At Auction
Swann Auction Galleries' June 14, 2012 American Art sale features a rare multicolor print of "Abstract Taliesin" by Eugene Masselink, signed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and once owned by Hilla Rebay (first curator of the Guggenheim Museum in NY). If you have $8,000-$12,000, it could be yours. See more here.
Image via Swann Auction Galleries
Reviving A Hollywood Cliffhanger
The Wall Street Journal showcases the million dollar renovation of John Lautner's swooping 1962 Garcia House, an iconic Modern home featured in "Lethal Weapon 2." Check out the article and more photos here.
LEGO Architecture's Next "Big" Thing
The eyes of the world will be on London this summer, thanks to the Olympics. LEGO is getting in the Anglo spirit with the release of their newest set from their popular architecture series. More after the jump...
A Look At The Walker House
Frank Lloyd Wright's beautiful Clinton Walker House (1948) in Carmel, CA is the subject of a recent USAToday "Loyalty Traveler BoardingArea" blog post. Check out the rest of the photos here.
Image via Loyalty Traveler BoardingArea blog
Sanford Goldman-Designed House For Sale
Scott T. sends a link to a house designed by Taliesin apprentice, Sanford M. Goldman, for sale in Saint Petersburg, FL. Check out the listing and photos here.
Image via hotpads.com
Holy Landmarks Preservation, Batman!
The blog, io9.com, provides a sneak peek at some pages from the new Batman graphic novel by publishing design guru and Bat-fan, Chip Kidd.
Taking artistic cues from Metropolis by Fritz Lang and renderings by architect Hugh Ferriss, Kidd spins his yarn around the architectural side of Gotham City and features classic and new villains, plus Bruce Wayne as chairman of the Gotham Landmarks Commission. Read and see more here.
Image via io9.com
Taliesin Architects Dwell On The Box
Scott T. sends a link to a new Taliesin-designed residence (created as part of the collaborative effort between Taliesin and Seattle-based, Lindal Cedar Homes) for Fontana, WI. While the exploration with their ModFab™ design intrigued many as a way to inject Usonian ideals into a 21st Century package, this particular offering seems more Dwell than Wright. Is this the new direction for Organic Architecture? See the listing here and tell us what you think in the comments.
Image via firstweber.com
Chicago: Gleaming City On The Lake
By now everyone is full-up of stories about the recent NATO summit held last Sunday and Monday here in Chicago. Even though the protests and diplomatic wrangling took most of the headlines, one aspect of the event that may not of gotten as much news was how impressed the foreign visitors were with the city itself.
As quoted in a recent Chicago Tribune article, first time visitor Michelle Stockman, a video journalist for French news agency AFP stated:
"I saw this gleaming city on the lake that was full of amazing architecture — I would say even better than New York City — and that was really impressive to me," said Stockman. "For the show that they're putting on for NATO, Chicago officials have done themselves well."
+1, Chicago. Read more about it here.
Image via northwestern.edu
Little House Chairs At Auction
High-profile pieces of Frank Lloyd Wright furniture design continue to appear on the auction block. This time, it's two reclining armchairs originally designed for the first Francis W. Little House in Peoria, IL that are being offered for sale at Christies for the not-so-little price of $90,000-$120,000 each. Click the link to see the listings.
Image via Christies
Russell Hollingsworth For Sale
Scott T. sends a link to a sweet-looking home in West Vancouver, British Columbia for sale designed by architect Russell Hollingsworth that has all the Usonian bells and whistles. Check it out here.
Image via soprovich.com
"At Home with Frank Lloyd Wright" Preview At Wright In Racine
Mark Hertzberg's Wright In Racine blog has posted an exciting preview of the new "At Home with Frank Lloyd Wright" permanent exhibition in Fortaleza Hall located at the SC Johnson Company campus in Racine, Wisconsin. The show is opening at the end of next week, but this is your chance to catch a sneak peek! Read and see all the photos here.
Images copyright Mark Hertzberg
NATO Spouses' Tour Wright Home & Studio
While the Chicago Loop was filled with protestors and dignitaries this weekend, The Forest Leaves reports that 40 spouses of NATO officials toured the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, IL on Sunday, May 20, 2012.
The idea for the tour came from the wife of U.S. Ambassador to NATO Ivo Daalder, Elisa D. Harris, who apparently is a big Frank Lloyd Wright fan. Read more about it here.
Image via GoWright.org
Here's Your Chance To Build The Next Fallingwater
Brightwater Falls, in a forest near Asheville, NC, is for sale--and it turns out to be the perfect spot for someone wanting to build their own take on "Fallingwater," Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic house cantilevered over a waterfall.
Conrad Brown, the architect-owner, is offering this 6.92 acre forested parcel, at the end of a private, paved access road for $575,000. In addition to the year-round flowing falls, the property includes a brick house with full basement near the falls, a deep well, and all utilities. The site for this century's Fallingwater lies above the existing home, which can be used as is, kept for guests or as a caretaker cottage.
Information and photographs here.
Image via Conrad Brown
Re-Slinging Schindler's Chairs
Image via Modernica blog
We're Losing Another One...
Radioiowa.com reports that the efforts to save the First Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, IA has failed and demolition by the hospital that owns it to make way for a parking lot will proceed this week. The church was significant because Louis Sullivan had a consulting hand in its design and it featured Louis Millet windows. No word yet where the windows will end-up. Ironically, May 22, 1912 was the Church's original dedication and groundbreaking. Read the sad news here and here.
Image via The Gazette
See Sacremento's Roush Residence
Sacramento Modern (SacMod) will be celebrating the Roush Residence (designed by Taliesin Fellow and friend/colleague of architect John Lautner, Terry Waters) with a tour on June 2, 2012 from 1pm - 6pm. There will be food, drink, music, and docents on hand to discuss this amazing Mid-century Modern home. Details here.
Image via SacMod
Sweeton House Tables At Auction
The Wright auction house in Chicago is offering two Frank Lloyd Wright-designed redwood plywood tables originally made for the J.A. Sweeton House in Cherry Hill, NJ. Estimated at a steep $10-$15,000, it's unlikely they will ever be reunited with their intended environment. Perhaps they could at least be recreated...it would be interesting to see if plans for these simple, yet elegantly geometric tables either exist or could be drawn up. Any woodworkers with Usonian flair out there? See the auction listing here.
Image via Wright20.com
Energizing Taliesin West
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation began an initiative last fall with Big Green Zero, a team of energy engineers and planners, called Energizing Taliesin West™. This launch is an unprecedented effort to increase the energy efficiency of Taliesin West while maintaining the architectural integrity of the campus. More after the jump...
A Rochester Gem Gets A Beautiful Polish
Rochestercitynewspaper.com recently posted an interview with the current owners of the Edward E. Boynton House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence in Rochester, NY about its painstaking 2-year restoration. Read it and see more photos here.
Image via Rochester CIty Newspaper
The American Spirit Of Landscape, Part II
A lecture by Charles Birnbaum, an authority on landscape architecture of the 20th and 21st centuries will take place on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 7 pm. This is the second in a series of lectures on the American Spirit of Landscape organized by the Graycliff Conservancy. It will take place in the auditorium of the Burchfield-Penney Art Center at 1300 Elmwood Ave in Buffalo, NY. Details after the jump...
Continue reading "The American Spirit Of Landscape, Part II" »
Madison Goes To The Dogs
Heads-up Madison, WI! The well-traveled Frank Lloyd Wright-designed dog house will be on display June 4-10, 2012 at Monona Terrace. Read more here.
Image via host.madison.com
Speaking Of Zook...
The Hinsdale Trib Local reports that About 100 architectural items salvaged from (mostly demolished) Zook homes will be for sale this Saturday, May 19, 2012 to raise money to restore the architect’s home and studio overseen by the Hinsdale Historical Society, which moved the structure in 2005 from the 327 S. Oak Street to Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Read more here.
Image via hinsdalehistory.org
Wright's Roots
Blair Kamin reports that Tim Samuelson, the Cultural Historian for the City of Chicago, has a new Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit opening June 22, 2012 in Chicago called "Wright's Roots" that anyone who loves Organic Architecture will not want to miss! Read more about it here.
Image via Wikipedia
Questions About Des Plaines Zook House
PrairieMod reader Larry Z. sent word that a house in Des Plaines, IL designed by R. Harold Zook (who worked on the Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge with Alfonso Iannelli) appears from the outside to need some TLC. He sends a photo from a few years ago showing its unique design. Several of Zook's building's have been demolished over the years, so the fear is that this one may end up with the same fate.
I have not had a chance to see this house and how it appears today, but am wondering if any readers know anymore about the state of this home. Let us know!
Image via Larry Z.
Taliesin Preservation's New Board Members
Taliesin Preservation, Inc. (TPI), a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, just announced the appointment of four new board members. Each new member brings with them a valuable background in business, strong ties to Wisconsin, and a passion for the arts and environment; enhancing TPI’s mission to preserve Frank Lloyd Wright’s 600-acre Taliesin estate in Wisconsin. More info after the jump...
Continue reading "Taliesin Preservation's New Board Members" »
E. Fay Jones' Jacoway House For Sale
Scott T. lets us know that the E. Fay Jones-designed Jacoway House in Springdale, AR has just hit the market for $595,000. Check out the listing here.
Image via zillow.com
Happy Birthday Jack Howe
The celebration continues later this year, when Rob will speak on Howe at the Friends of Cedar Rock annual speaker event Oct. 27, 2012 in Quasqueton, IA. More details about all of these exciting events to come soon. Happy Birthday Jack!
Photo courtesy of Minneapolis Star Tribune
Announcing Taliesin West Mobile App
Planet Architecture announces the release of the Taliesin West mobile app — a virtual tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece. Visit Taliesin West today from anywhere in the world using your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Details after the jump...
Stockman House Opens 20th Tour Season
The Frank Lloyd wright-designed Stockman House in Mason City, IA is set to open up for public tours for its 20th season. Read more about it here and plan to attend this year's Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Annual Conference to see it in person! Details here.
Image credit: Arian Schuessler/The Globe Gazette
Stickley Museum On The Road
We received word that Toms-Price in Lincolnshire, IL will be hosting a "Stickley Museum on the Road" event on May 17, 2012 from 7 to 9 pm. Sarah Lanigan, curator of the Fayetteville, New York, Stickley Museum will talk on the history of Stickley. She will also present in Skokie, IL on May 18, 2012 and Wheaton, IL on May 19, 2012. Attendees can see more event details and sign up online by visiting the Toms-Price website here and clicking on an event.
Image via stickley.com
House Industries Herman Miller Shipping Blocks
This miniature representation of the Eames-designed Herman Miller shipping boxes features alphabetic elements from House Industries Eames Century Modern font collection. House originally created the Shipping Blocks for Herman Miller Japan in 2010, but the folks in Zeeland liked them so much that they commissioned the font gurus to create a set for the U.S. market.
Available through July 1, 2012 at the Herman Miller pop up store ( 68 Wooster St., New York, NY). If you can’t do the Soho shuffle, the blocks will be available through Herman Miller’s online store after July 1. More here.
Image via House Industries
Unity Temple's Epigram Returns
The Forest Leaves reports that Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL will soon have its epigram "For the worship of God and the service of man" replaced above its entrance, almost two years after the original's shocking theft in the fall of 2010. Read more about it here.
Image via Bill Dwyer/Sun-Times Media
Corbett House Kitchen On Auction Block
When the John deKoven Hill-designed Corbett House appeared as the 1960 "Pace Setter House" in House Beautiful magazine, everything about it, including the colorful Formica kitchen, was cutting edge. Some 40 years later, that one-of-a-kind kitchen has been removed from the house and will be auctioned-off for charity on June 17, 2012.
It's a shame this kitchen could not have stayed with the house, but thankfully it was salvaged and the hope is that it can be kept intact in a new home or institution. Follow the link to see images of its removal and if you plan to bid on it, follow the link to learn more.
Image via citybeat.com
Men In Black 3 "J-Waxes" Nostalgic
If you go to see the summer blockbuster, "Men In Black 3", then don't be surprised if elements of the 1969-era MIB headquarters looks familiar. Apparently it was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's SC Johnson Wax Administration Building in Racine, WI. Read more here.
Image via flicksandbits.com
Save Date For 2012 Wright In Kankakee Annual Meeting
Make sure to save the date for the second Wright In Kankakee Annual Meeting, volunteer recognition and banquet, which will take place at the Kankakee River North Restaurant (555 S. West Ave. in Kankakee, Illinois) Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 5:30 pm. The event will feature a presentation by Gaines and Sharon Hall, the Bradley House's previous owners/restorers; recognition of volunteers; awarding of the 2012 Volunteer Of The Year Trophy; and silent auction. Make sure to sign up for info at the Wright in Kankakee website to receive more info.
Image via Wright in Kankakee
Wright Plus 2012 T-Shirt Now Available
I received word that the 2012 Wright Plus t-shirt is officially available to purchase in time to wear to the June 2 event. This year's black shirt features a graphic illustration of the Fricke House's beautiful art glass windows and designed by your PrairieMod editor, me!
If you like the graphic and supporting the mission of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, then make sure to buy yours today—this shirt design will only be available for a limited time and once they're gone, they're gone! Get yours here.
Image via PrairieMod
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