Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple is falling down. Literally. As this YouTube video shows, a huge section of the building's ceiling recently collapsed, necessitating emergency restoration action. So how did this all happen and what can you do to help? Find out more after the jump...
Following recent heavy rain, a 6' x 6' section of plaster fell from the ceiling of Unity Temple, the result of water entering the structure through cracks in the concrete and a malfunctioning, century-old drainage system. While Unity Temple Restoration Foundation has been aggressively working on resolving the problem of the building's vulnerability to water - caused in part by Wright's innovative use of concrete and flat roofs - further repairs cannot be completed until the root causes - aging drainage systems and deteriorating concrete - can be fixed.
Such remediation efforts have been part of UTRF's master plan for full restoration, but immediate funds are needed at this time to escalate our efforts. The time frame for repairing the damaged concrete is far shorter than originally believed. And as time passes, conditions worsen, damage spreads, and achieving full restoration grows more difficult and more expensive.
In addition to offering tours and a rich variety of cultural and educational programming, UTRF must also raise significant funds to replace the drainage systems and resurface the concrete "crown" surrounding the Unity Temple skylight. Please consider how you can take part in saving Wright's modern masterpiece. Think about what Unity Temple means to the world, to the community...and to you.
This is where you come in. If you've ever wanted to be a part of something that had a long-lasting positive effect for millions of people, this is your chance to shine. Making a donation at any amount to save this "Noble Room" means that you've taken an active role in helping to save a world treasure in its most desperate hour. It's been almost 100 years since this most important building in American architecture was dedicated for the world to experience. Help write the next chapter in Unity Temple's future.
Follow the link to find out how you can be a part of the effort to save this one-of-a-kind masterpiece!
Photo copyright of UTRF
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