Blair Kamin reports that the The Art Institute of Chicago is planning to mount an exhibition on the work of architect Jeanne Gang in September 2012. Read more here.
Image via studiogang.net
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January 2012
Glickman Home For Sale
Scott T. found a Mod home for sale in Chicago designed by Mendel Glickman, who worked on the engineering of Frank Lloyd Wright's Johnson Wax Administration Building and Fallingwater. See the listing here.
Image via urbanrealestate.com
Wright's Early Work Of Art
The digital world is buzzing about the recent news that the Frank Lloyd Wtight-designed Isidore Heller House (1897) is on the market for $2.5 million. Peek inside of this amazing home with large, stunning photos here.
image via dailymail.co.uk
BUILD :: Russell Mahoney's Midway.Furniture Project
Now in the Features section: a look at Taliesin School of Architecture student Russell Mahoney's challenge of bringing the historic and the cutting edge together in his student shelter design. Read it here.
To stay on top of new PrairieMod features as they roll out, subscribe here.
Image copyright Eric Oxendorf
Haertling's Menkick House For Sale
Scott T. sends word that the Charles A. Haertling-designed Menkick House (1970) in Boulder, CO is on the market for the first time in 30 years for $6.5 million.
This Usonian-esque design is a dream from the outside—but its contemporary "whitewashed" interiors sadly depart from the home's original Organic Architectural intent.
Nothing a design savvy new owner with some extra money can't make right. See more here.
Contemporary images via americasbestagents.net
Historic image courtesy Scott T.
State Street Story Update
Following-up on the proposed redevelopment of the 100 block of State Street in Madison, WI, which would demolish several historic buildings. Mark H. sends a link to an update on the story from The Capital Times. Apparently, the city's planning department staff report rebuffs the plan and states it should be reworked to be more sensative to the historic quality of the block. It remains to be seen if this will stop the developers quest to see their redevelopment vision come to fruition. Read more here.
Image via host.madison.com
Outcry Builds Against Prince House Demolition
Nelson B. sends a link to an article in the Sunday Los Angeles Times, which details the building celebrity anger and outrage at the planned demolition of the Bart Prince-designed Morgenthaler house (2005) in Malibu. Why a practically new, 7,000 sqft house is not sufficient enough for a couple with two kids certainly boggles my mind. Looks like another case of people having more dollars than sense. Read the article here.
Image via latimes.com
Etsy Find: Sunny Day Sun Rays Modern Clock
Travel on timeless rays of light with this modern classic from the 1950s. Relive the modernist’s passage from conformity to expression with this twelve multi-colored metal shafts.
Now on sale for $55, go to site.
Image copyright Brickell Collection
Frank Lloyd Wright Archival Reproductions Now Available
We got some exciting news for anyone wanting to hang a beautiful image of a Frank Lloyd Wright architectural drawing in their home. The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation announced a new licensing agreement with 1000Museums, the premier provider of archival reproductions from museums around the world. Now, with the help of print-on-demand technology, never-before-printed selections from the Foundation’s Archives will be available to admirers of Wright’s work. Find out more after the jump...
Continue reading "Frank Lloyd Wright Archival Reproductions Now Available" »
iPad's Are Great...But At What Cost?
Mark H. sends a link to a troubling story in the New York Times about the often unconsidered (and terrible) human cost associated with the making of Apple's must-have products, such as iPads, iPhones, etc. Read it here.
Image via the New York Times
Heller House Officially Hits The Market
A couple of PrairieMod readers sent word that the Isidore Heller House (1897), an early masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, is officially on the market for $2.5 million. Check out a lot of great photos here and a virtual walk-through here.
Image via chicagomag.com
Mmmmm....Architecture
Even though the holidays have past, you can still recall the mood by checking out this link that Scott T. found, featuring yummy Frank Lloyd Wright gingerbread building creations that were on display in December 2011 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Gobble it up here.
Image via designwire.interiordesign.net
Scenic Salter Design For Sale
Canada's National Post features its home of the week: A 3,120-square-foot residence in Ontario designed by architect W. Millet Salter, who met Frank Lloyd Wright on a few occasions and was apparently influenced by the master architect in his work. Read and see more here.
Image via life.nationalpost.com
State Street Story
Here's a link to an article at the Madison, WI Capitol Times news site that discusses the possibility of the demolition of the 1867 Vallender Building, an example of a 19th century German architectural style called Rundbogenstil. Of interest is a mention of some of the notable figures who have passed by or spent time at the building, including Frank Lloyd Wright. Read it and see more photos of the historic 100 block of Madison's State Street here.
Image via host.madison.com
"Two Poems That Never Cease To Delight"
Blair Kamin shares a special treat on his Cityscapes blog: Lecture notes from last Saturday's program on Mies van der Rohe's Tugendhat House by Chicago architect Dirk Lohan, in which two of Mies' residential masterpieces (Farnsworth and Tugenhat Houses) are compared and contrasted. Read it here.
Image via Blair Kamin/Cityscapes
Ain's Avenel Coop Unit On Market
Curbed LA reports that for the first time in 40 years, an upper unit in the Gregory Ain-designed Avenel Cooperative Housing Project is on the market for $595,000. See the listing here.
Image via curbed LA
Wright's Religious Architecture Q & A
Here's a link to a question and answer interview on Frank Lloyd Wright's religious architecture with Joseph Siry, author of the new book on Wright's Beth Sholom Synagogue. Read it here.
Image via wesleyan.edu
R.I.P. Erdman Office
Scott T. sends sad news for those of us that appreciate progressive architecture and its history: The endangered Marshall Erdman office designed by architect William Kaeser in Madison, WI that we brought to your attention in September 2011 is now a pile of rubble. It's a real shame and waste--but I guess "progress" cannot be bothered with such things as historic buildings. As we learn more on the story of its demise, we'll let readers know.
Image credit: Scott Templeton
A Hot Idea For Helping Unity Tmeple
Here's a link to an article about Elmhurst college students exploring the hot topic of sand-casting bronze. It's a labor intensive art form that few people still practice. This article is of specific interest to architecture lovers in that one of the students expresses his desire to turn his experience in casting bronze into a way to help Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple replace the bronze epigram letters that were stolen off the building a few years ago and need to be replaced. Now that's a hot idea!
Image via the elmhurst.patch.com
A Look Back At T-West
Wright Chat user "m.perrino" was kind enough to post info and a link to an online collection of fantastic photographs of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West for the Arizona Memory Project. It's a fitting tribute in this year marking T-West's 75th anniversary. Follow the link to check them out.
If you want to celebrate T-West in person, then plan on attending the special Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy event on March 17, 2012. Details here.
Image via azmemory.lib.az.us/Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
The Taste Gap
Mark Hertzberg sends a link to an interesting article about the "taste gap" between what the general public likes architecturally and what is liked by architects themselves (the article uses the 2012 AIA 25-year award for the Gehry House in Los Angeles as the example). Why does it matter? Seems the disconnect makes people distrust architects. Read more about it here.
Image via articles.boston.com
Schuster Home For Sale
Wisconsin abounds in Organic Architecture for sale! Catherine E. sends word of a John Schuster-designed Usonian home on the market near Manitowoc, WI on 116 acres for $975,000. Check out the listing details and more photos here.
Image via coldwellhomes.com
Jerome Landfield House Still For Sale
Melissa G. recently reminded us of the beautiful Usonian home designed in 1960 by Jerome Landfield that is still on the market for $349,000 in Glendale, WI. This gem was featured on the 2011 Wright and Like Tour and was an instant hit for anyone who saw it. Someone very lucky will buy this house and enjoy living PrairieMod in it! See the listing here.
Image via shorewest.com
Tafel Archive Arrives At Avery Library
Here's a link to an article at columbiaspectator.com that discusses the donation of the architectural archives of Frank Lloyd wright apprentice, Edgar Tafel, to the Avery Library at Columbia University. Read it here.
Image via peterbeers.net
Thanks, But No Thanks Uncle Dan
What happens when you turn down an offer of a lifetime to study at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts for four years in Paris, all expenses paid; spend two years of study in Rome; come back to Chicago and be made partner in the city's most successful architectural firm? If you're a young Frank Lloyd Wright, you ultimately become the most celebrated American architect of all time.
Find out the story of when Wright turned down Daniel Burnham's amazing offer here.
Image via Wikipedia
Demolition Looms For Texas Architectural Gem
Nelson B. sends a link to troubling news that the Andrew Fuller House, designed by architect A. Quincy Jones and located in Fort Worth, TX, is in imminent danger of being demolished. The house carries no historic designation (despite being architecturally significant) and with the city's recent issuing of a demolition permit, things look bleak. Read more about it here.
Image via star-telegram.com
The Reviews Are In
Mark Hertzberg has posted a bevvy of new reviews over at his blog, Wright in Racine. They include reviews of Patrick Mahoney's new book about the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Davidson House; Randy Henning's 2011 book about Alfred Browning Parker's work; Roland Reisley's 2001 "Usonia" book, and a link to a demo of Tim Sakamoto's iPad app. Read them all here.
Image credit: Cindy Hertzberg
Dwelling On Schindler
In other R.M. Schindler news, the February 2012 issue of Dwell magazine has a small feature on the restoration of Rudolph Schindler's Bubeshko Apartments (1938) by DSH Architects. The article provides insights into the process and also some never-before-seen historic images and materials associated with the building. Get your issue at newsstands or through the Dwell website.
Imge via Dwell magazine
Make Offer: Rudolph Schindler's DeKeyser Duplex
Sometimes it's hard to believe what pops-up on Craig's List. As an example, PrairieMod pal, Bill S. sends a link to a listing asking for an offer to be made to buy the Rudolph Schindler-designed DeKeyser Duplex (1935) in Los Angeles.
This residence has been on the market for some time, but now it seems like the agents are trying everything to get it sold. See more here.
Image via losangeles.craigslist.org
The Approachable Architect Podcast
Karlitos E. sends a link to a podcast he thought PrairieMod readers would enjoy. "The Approachable Architect" with David Doucette is based in Santa Monica, California and has many great podcasts regarding topics such as "green" living, energy efficiency, conservation, etc. Check it out here.
Image via residearchitecture.com
Chandler, Arizona History Goes Digital
The Chandler Museum's extensive collection of photos, writings, and publications dating back to 1912 is being digitized and put up on the web for viewers to enjoy around the world. Read more about it here and check out some the site's Frank Lloyd Wright-related images here.
Image via archive.chandlermuseum.org
Sullivan Jewel Box Bank On Endangered List
Eastern Iowa Life reports that the Louis Sullivan-designed People’s Bank and Trust Building in Cedar Rapids, IA was named to the 2012 Most Endangered Properties list by Preservation Iowa. Severely damaged by flood waters in 2008, the bank is in danger of being lost if a restoration and ongoing preservation plan cannot be implemented. Read more about this perilous situation here.
Image via easterniowalife.com
Zoo Blast From The Past
PrairieMod reader, Steven S., sent a link to a mentalfloss.com post showcasing several WPA era posters for zoos, including Chicago's own Brookfield Zoo! Check it out here.
Image via mentalfloss.com
A Special Way To Celebrate Wright In Phoenix
The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy wanted to let PrairieMod readers know about an exciting event that they’ll be hosting in Phoenix/Scottsdale on March 17, 2012. The day includes entrance to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Price House, a custom-designed tour of Taliesin West, a tour of the Arizona Biltmore Hotel and an after-hours reception at the Phoenix Art Museum to see the landmark exhibit, Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century. You will not want to miss this one! For detailed info and to find out how to sign-up, follow the link.
Image credit Judith Bromley/via The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation website
More Prairie Libraries To Check Out
After posting yesterday about the Claude and Stark-designed Carnegie Library in Rochelle, IL, PrairieMod pal, John Clouse, was kind enough to send some photos of other Claude and Stark libraries he's visited. See all the photos after the jump...
Book Illuminates Beth Sholom
Here's a link to an article about the new book written by Wright-historian Joseph M. Siry titled Beth Sholom Synagogue: Frank Lloyd Wright and Modern Religious Architecture that details and lavishly illustrates the story of Wright's only executed synagogue design. Read more here.
Image via Amazon.com
Alfred Browning Parker's Floyd House For Sale
Scott T. sends a link to the listing for Alfred Browning Parker's Floyd House (1968) in Ann Arbor, MI. This stunning home is a masterpiece of Organic Architecture and isn't located too far from Frank Lloyd Wright's Palmer House. Check out the full listing here.
If you want to learn more about Alfred Browning Parker's life and works, I highly recommend picking up a copy of the new book, The Architecture of Alfred Browning Parker: Miami's Maverick Modernist, by Randolph C. Henning. Get your copy here.
Image via hotpads.com
And The Design Oscar Goes To....
In other House Industries news, their photolettering.com website was recently nominated for Design Museum London's "Design
of the Year 2012" award (aka "The "Oscars of the design world"). Check out more info about the award and the museum exhibit that features the winners here.
Image via House Industries
Fanatical Mechanical: Photo-Lettering And The Paste-Up Era
House Industries sent word about a new exhibition titled "Fanatical Mechanical: Photo-Lettering and the Paste-Up Era" opens February 6, 2012 at Chapman University¹s Guggenheim Gallery. The show will display mechanical-era graphic artifacts with their modern iterations and deftly demonstrates the relevance of traditional graphic arts techniques in a contemporary context. By adroitly juxtaposing traditional materials and processes with contemporary applications, "Fanatical Mechanical" is less a history lesson and more a lesson of how to learn from history.
The exhibition opens Feb. 6, 2012, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with opening Lecture by Rich Roat of House Industries, Feb. 6, 2012, 6:00 p.m. Located at the Chapman University Guggenheim Gallery, Orange, CA, the exhibition runs from Feb. 6, 2012 through March 9, 2012 and is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More details here.
Image via House Industries
Check This Library Out
Here's a link to a little editorial celebrating the town of Rochelle, IL's special Carnegie library: The Claude and Stark designed Prairie School building that still shines today. Check out more here.
Image via Debbie Ramsey
Stay Wright In Mason City
Here's a link to a story about the newly restored Park Inn Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1910, from the Chicago Tribune. If you'd like to see this and many of the other architectural treasures in Mason City, plan on attending this year's Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Annual Conference. Details here.
Image via Chicago Tribune website
William Bernoudy House For Sale
Steve P. let us know about a house for sale in St. Louis that was designed in 1951 by William Adair Bernoudy, who apprenticed with Frank Lloyd Wright. Called the Schweiss House, it's a beautiful little Usonian gem that is going for about $410,000. Unfortunately, the house is being for sold for about what the lot is worth, so it is in real danger of being torn down.
It would be a real shame to lose such a fantastic little house to make way for some bloated McMansion. Hopefully a sympathetic buyer can be found who can save it! Find out more here, see more photos here, and here.
If you're interested in saving this house, contact Ted Wight at 314-607-5555 or email him at tedwight@aol.com
photo from the book William Adair Bernoudy, Architect
In Memoriam: Albert "Ollie" Adelman
Over the weekend, Mark Hertzberg sent word that original Frank Lloyd Wright client, Albert "Ollie" Adelman, passed away last Friday. Mark wrote-up his own remembrance at his blog "Wright in Racine", which you can read here.
A few of the PrairieMod Squad members were lucky enough to visit Mr. Adelman's home in Fox Point, north of Milwaukee, last year as part of Wright in Wisconsin's 2011 Wright & Like event.
He was an amazing man, whose life was enriched by living in a Wright house, and was kind enough to share it with all of us.
Image copyright Mark Hertzberg
Girard Homage
Image via Jared Fanning
Chicago: To Be Demolished
Throughout 2012, Gapers Block will be showcasing David Schalliol's photographic portrait series of 100 of the hundreds of buildings threatened with demolition in Chicago. Explore the background information for the project, which includes definitions and links to other building resources. See the series so far here.
Image via gapersblock.com
Beat The Winter Blues—Go To Modernism Week!
Tired of winter and need to get your Mod on? Then plan on heading to the 7th Annual Palm Springs Modernism Week February 16-2, 2012.
While your there, plan on using our new Palm Springs FanGuide™ Architectural Tour app to help get you around town to see the sites! Details and download here.
Image via modernismweek.com
Jack Howe-Designed House For Sale
I was copied on an email from Rob Barros (who's working on the Jack Howe documentary) to a realtor in Michigan on the subject of a Howe-designed home for sale. Details after the jump...
See The Technicolor Fair
Whet Moser at Chicago Magazine.com dug-up some wonderful Technicolor footage of the 1934 Chicago Century of Progress World's Fair and posted it for all of us to enjoy. Check it out here and imagine how vibrant and uplifting visiting this Fair must have been for those mired in the depths pf the Great Depression.
Image via chicagomag.com
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