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If you're in the NYC area, check out Van Alen Books, "New York City's new center for architecture and design publications, where books are read, sold, discovered, and discussed." Looks like their opening party last week was a big success. There's a public reading room on the sixth floor for browsing.
Image copyright Van Alen Institute
Who says kids don't care about history? Park Ridge, IL students from several elementary schools are joining the cause to save an important historic site in their town from being lost: The Iannelli Studios. Read about it here and help the cause with a donation of your own here.
Image via Tim Samuelson
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bernard Schwartz House in Two Rivers, WI is not only a beautiful home, it's a beautiful work of art you can spend the night in! Check out this article from the Sheboygan Press and plan your stay here.
Image via schwartz house website
According to this New York Times article on the new superhero movie, Thor, director Kenneth Branagh used images of Frank Lloyd Wright and Santiago Calatrava architecture as visual references in pitching his ideas for the movie to Marvel Comics executives. Wrightian Valhalla? Read more here.
Image via the NYT website
Blair Kamin recently wrote about the uncertain future of the old Motor Club building, a small 1928 Art Deco gem of a skyscraper designed by the Chicago firm of Holabird & Root. The building is being sold at a court-ordered auction and the fear is that it could be lost to a developer's wrecking ball. So why aren't preservationists overly worried? Find out more about its fate at Kamin's Cityscapes blog.
Image via Cityscapes
Looking for someplace special to visit after Mother’s Day Brunch? A tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff is just the thing! Enjoy spring at Graycliff, and see the striking Wright designed buildings silhouetted against Lake Erie. Tours of Graycliff are also available daily except Wednesdays through May 27, and daily thereafter. On Mother’s Day, basic tours are available at 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm, with an In-Depth Tour at 1:30 pm. Get all the details here.
Image via graycliff estate
Past meets future as the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago unveils its 2011 Smart Home: Green + Wired on Earth Day, April 22, 2011 and runs through Jan. 8, 2012. This year’s exhibit has a completely new look with the help of two new partners—Chicago interior furnishing store Scout and technology blog Gizmodo. Catch all the details here.
Image via MSIChicago website
If you love historic house tours and live in San Diego, then plan on attending the Chula Vista Centennial Historic Home Tour from 10am to 4pm on April 30, 2011. The event will guide visitors through five homes that were built 1896-1995, including the 1921 Craftsman style Dupree-Gould house (shown at left) and the Joseph Morrison House, a 1920 Prairie Style home. More info here and here.
Image via sandiego.com
Nelson Brackin sent a link to a recent post on Curbed Chicago which features five beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes for sale in the Chicagoland area (including the stunning Avery Coonley House in Riverside, IL). See what the five houses are and more photos here.
Image via chicago.curbed.com
The 12th annual meeting of the Walter Burley Griffin Society of America is scheduled to take place in Oak Park and River Forest, IL on Saturday, June 25, 2011. The event will focus on the work of Griffin’s mentors and associates among the architects of the Prairie School, including Robert Spencer, William Drummond, Tallmadge & Watson, and George Maher. Details after the jump...
Curbed.com reports that an anonymous philanthropist/architecture has recently offered $300 million to any city that hires someone other than Frank Gehry to design and build its main art museum. I guess someone really hates piles of crumpled-looking stainless steel. Read it here.
Image via Curbed.com
Eldon Davis and Louis Armet made their mark on Los Angeles architecture by designing several of the city's most iconic "Googie" style restaurants. Davis passed away Friday at the age of 94. Here's a link to a blog post on LAist with a remembrance. Read it here and lift a cup of joe and fork full of cherry pie in his memory.
Image via laist.com
Here's an article from islandpacket.com discussing the 40th anniversary of the Beaufort County Open Land Trust, which played a role in preserving Frank Lloyd Wright's Auldbrass Plantation near Yemassee, SC. Read it here.
Image via Wikipedia
Check out the cool mid-century-style furniture from Wilkerson Furniture, especially this unique flat screen console!
Image copyright Wilkerson Furniture
Bertram Goldberg's embattled Prentice Women's Hospital does not have to be torn down. A new 16-page study was recently released by Landmarks Illinois that describes in detail how this iconic modern design by Goldberg can be repurposed and ultimately saved. The entire study, which includes floor plans and renderings, can be found on the Landmark Illinois website. Read it here and help save this important building.
Image via Landmarks Illinois
Architect Harry Weese is enjoying a period of renewed appreciation. Case in point: The Chicago Architecture Foundation is organizing a Harry Weese Symposium and Tour that will definitely be of interest to lovers of progressive architecture. Get details here.
Image via Chicago Architecture Foundation website
After our recent posts on the upcoming Edgar Miller show at the ArchiTech Gallery, we were reminded that you'll have another amazing chance to get up-close-and-personal with some fantastic Edgar Miller art at the opening reception for Wright & Like 2011 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Enjoy a traditional Milwaukee Friday Fish Fry in Pabst Brewery’s historic Blue Ribbon Hall, where the walls are adorned with murals by Chicago artisan, Edgar Miller. The evening will begin with a reception and silent auction. Following dinner will be a talk by authors Richard Cahan and Michael Williams on their newly published book, Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home: Chicago’s Renaissance Man. Tickets are limited, though, so follow the link and make sure to get yours!
Image via bestplacemilwaukee.com
Here's an interesting article from the Wisconsin State Journal about the once-forgotten 1909 carriage house of the Louis Sullivan-designed Bradley House. Its pedigree was only recently discovered, but it is well taken care of by its owner Sue Thering, an assistant professor of landscape architecture at UW-Madison who has lived there for a decade. Read more about it here.
Image via M.P. King — Wisconsin State Journal
Bill S. sends information on a Ilan-Lael Foundation Gala Celebration for James Hubbell on the evening of April 30th, 2011, to be held at the historic Rubio Oritz House. This event will feature dinner, live music, and a silent and live auction benefitting the Ilan-Lael Center. Details here.
Image via ilanlaelfoundation.org
William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty will be sponsoring a tour of seven modern houses in New Canaan, CT on Sunday, May 1,2011 from 1 to 4:45. Homes on the tour include designs by Philip Johnson, John Black Lee, John Howe, James Evans and many others. Get the details here.
Image via acorn-online.com
Eric S. shares a link to an Edina, MN residence designed by architect David Liametz that, despite its jaw-dropping size and opulence, also happens to be a really good example of organic architecture in its composition of materials, use of space, and design details. As Eric puts it, "It is a covetous piece of architecture." See the listing here.
Image via edinarealty.com
The DIY food movement has certainly gained momentum in recent years, from beekeeping to home brews. Here's a modern way to put fresh, homegrown eggs on your table: the nogg chicken coop. Its name and shape pay homage to the chicken egg and with all the recent coverage in several design blogs (design*sponge, new house design and contemporist, to name a few), it's only a matter of time before a US-based store carries this British beauty. Until then, internet orders only.
Image copyright nogg
This Sunday is Easter and as a special treat, architectural historian William Blair Scott, Jr. was kind enough to share a group of photos documenting Frank Lloyd Wright's last Easter celebration at Taliesin West in 1959. More after the jump...
Continue reading "Easter Celebration At Taliesin - April 1959" »
Today is Earth Day, a time to reflect on our home planet and how to be better stewards of it. In an effort not to be gloom and doom about environmentalism, here's a link to a recent NOVA special called "Power Surge" which discusses the ways our own creativity and technology could help save us from ourselves. See it here.
Image via PBS.org
The ArchiTech Gallery has kindly offered a couple more images of Edgar Miller's Iannelli Studios-era work that will be exhibited in their upcomming "Edgar Miller" show. Check out the other images from our past post on the topic and check out the ArchiTech Gallery website for info on visiting.
Images courtesy ArchiTech Gallery
Mark Hertzberg's latest Wright in Racine blog post is an interesting and thought provoking examination of the costs and benefits (for both them and the community) associated with The SC Johnson Company's stewardship of their various Wright-designed buildings. Read it here.
Image copyright Mark Hertzberg
Mod artist, Eleanor Grosch, recently created some very sweet one-of-a-kind painted canvases, stretched on wood panels. They feature her colorful abstracted animal designs and I'm especially taken with the sea horses panel. Check out the panels at her etsy.com store and add one to your pad!
Image copyright Eleanor Grosch
Kevin B. sent a couple of links associated with the first annual Architecture and Design Film Festival in Chicago.
From May 5 – 9, 2001 The Architecture & Design Film Festival at the Gene Siskel Film Center will showcase 39 films from 11 countries, and feature a dynamic program of films, panel discussions and Q&As with filmmakers, architects and designers and a pop-up architecture bookshop organized and operated by the Graham Foundation. Details here and here.
Additionally, a special presentation of Points on a Line by artist Sarah Morris will screen at the Wright auction gallery May 3, 2011, 6 - 8 pm. Details here.
Image via adfilmfest.com
PrairieMod reader, James K., sent a link to a video featuring a virtual tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Ziegler House in Frankfort, KY. See it here.
Image via di.net
This just in! Ward Miller, Executive Director of the Richard Nickel Committee, has sent a group of even more amazing photos that Richard Nickel took of Alfonso Iannelli actually working in his Studio space and PrairieMod readers are some of the first people to see these! Read and see more after the jump...
The owners of the historic Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge, IL are planning a $1.5 million renovation. According to the article, items on the list include: "larger, modern seats, a digital-projection system for all films and restoration of the 82-year-old theater's fire curtain — painted by local artist Alfonso Iannelli — are three of the most significant improvements planned, according to co-owner Dino Vlahakis. There are also plans to repaint the famous marquee facing Prospect Avenue and rehab the restrooms." This great news for Park Ridge and shows the pride they have in their local landmarks. Let's hope the effort to save and restore the Park Ridge Iannelli Studios can also be achieved. Read the Pickwick article here and find out how to help save the Iannelli Studios here.
Image via PrairieMod
The Frank Lloyd Wright-conceived Usonian Homes community in Pleasantville, NY is more than a half century old and just as architecturally exciting and relevant as ever. Read about what the 'burbs could be like in this article.
Image via pleasantville.patch.com
Here's a link to an article about restoration architect, John Eifler's amazing work saving the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Ross House in Glencoe, IL. The house had extensive damage due to burst pipes and it was a potential tear down. John not only saved it, he designed energy and water-saving aspects into the restoration to make the house 'better than new." Read it here.
Image by Allison Williams
Scott T. sends a real estate listing link to the Jack Hillmer-designed Milton Munger House (1950) in Napa, CA. The house was featured in the book Forgotten Modern by Alan Hess. Check out more here.
Image via bayareaforsale.com
Here's another bit of PrairieMod Vintage Picks etsy store news: In the spirit of spring cleaning, all original Elmslie-designed terra cotta architectural elements are now on SALE! It's your chance to acquire a significant piece of lost architecture. See them here.
Image via PrairieMod
Three more unique items have just been added to the PrairieMod Vintage Picks etsy.com store: A great celluloid Art Deco box, a unique laser cut prototype wood screen panel based on a George W. Maher window design and a fantastic one-of-a-kind Prairie School bird house. See them here.
Image via PrairieMod
Curbed Chicago reports that John Van Bergen's Prairie School gem, the Miller House (1913) has had it's asking price reduced to $424,900. It's a great price for a great house. Read and see more here.
Image via Curbed Chicago
An elementary school building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, The Wyoming Valley School in Spring Green, Wisconsin, has opened its doors again. This time as a place of public learning and inspiration. Read more about it here.
Image via wyomingvalleyschool.org
Head's-Up LA! The 2011 Legends of La Cienega is taking place May 12–14, 2011. The event, produced annually by Los Angeles' La Cienega Design Quarter, brings together VIP's, tastemakers, and enthusiasts from the worlds of interior design, art, fashion and architecture for two-days of receptions, keynote panel discussions, cocktail parties, book-signings, personal appearances, trunk shows and special exhibitions. The majority of the event programs are free and open to the public. More details after the jump...
Here's a link to an article about the back-and-forth between city officials and preservationists over moving a rare Canadian example of Prairie School architecture by architect Francis Conroy Sullivan. Read it here.
Image via Wikipedia
The clock is ticking down on the future of Bertrand Goldberg's Prentice Women's Hospital. Northwestern University is planning on demolishing the Modern structure, but Landmarks Illinois has enlisted a team of architects to imagine three possible futures for the striking cloverleaf-shaped tower: research laboratory, medical office and student housing.
The odds are not looking so good for this important building, and it is shameful that Chicago is even considering tearing down such an iconic and important part of the city's architectural heritage. Have we learned nothing from the errors of the past? PLEASE follow the link to support the effort to try and save this important landmark from needless destruction.
You can also contact Chicago's 42nd Ward alderman to encourage local landmark designation and to work with Northwestern University to reuse the building:
Alderman Brendan Reilly
Office of the 42nd Ward
Suite 510
325 W. Huron
Chicago IL, 60654
Ph 312.642.4242
Fax 312.642.0420
office@ward42chicago.com
Images via Landmarks Illinois website
Photographer and historian, Lee Bey, provides some insight into the restoration effort behind Adler and Sullivan's fire-ravaged Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago and some photos of the damage that was wrought. Read and see more here.
Image via Lee Bey's blog
One of Frank Lloyd Wright's early residential experimentation on the way to developing his Prairie style, the George Furbeck house (1897) in Oak Park, IL, is currently on the market for $800,000. Check out the listing and more photos here.
Image via realtor.com
The ArchiTech Gallery in Chicago recently announced their summer 2011 show. Titled Edgar Miller and running May 6 – August 27, 2011, it's a perfect follow-up to the gallery's recent Alfonso Iannelli show and provides another glimpse into the amazing talent that creatively blossomed at the Park Ridge, IL Iannelli Studios. More info after the jump...
No, not the kind that strut down fashion show runways—the architectural kind. Mark Hertzberg's recent post to his blog, Wright in Racine, shows off the amazing models that are currently on display at the Milwaukee Museum of Art as part their Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit. Read the post and see the photos here.
Image copyright Mark Hertzberg
Two of the nation's top 10 green buildings are in Wisconsin. One is close to a Wright building (the OS House in Racine) and the other is connected to a Wright building (the new addition to Wright's First Unitarian Society Meeting House in Madison). Read more about it here.
Image via jsonline.com
The New York Times has an article about the show, "John Storrs: Machine-Age Modernist" at Grey Art Gallery. John Storrs, whose works display both fine art and architectural sensibilities, which makes sense since Storrs was very familiar with the buildings of Sullivan and Wright. Read the NYT review here.
Image via nytimes.com
Architect Ray Kappe's Gertler House in Santa Monica, CA is on the market for $3.99 million. Check out photos and the listing here.
Image via deasypenner.com
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