PrairieMod

In Memorium: Julius Shulman

Iconic architectural photographer, Julius Shulman passed away on Wednesday in his LA home. Read about the impact of his work by following the link.

Lady Liberty Open Again

Happy 4th of July! To help celebrate, the observation area in the Statue of Liberty's crown has been re-opened to the public. It's seen as a sign of US efforts to overcome fears of the past and begin a new era for America. Read about it here.

What Would Frank Think?

Even though the recession has hit big building projects hard, there's news today of the plans to build a new 19-story glass complex at the corner of Lake Street and Forest Avenue in downtown Oak Park. The design by Chicago firm Epstein will have condos, a hotel and much needed parking--but does it radically alter the face of this tree-lined little village. Read this article and this article to find out more.

Image copyright Epstein

R.I.P. Pre-Fab Houses

PrairieMod reader, Paul R. sent us a really interesting article from a blog called buildllc.com. In the article, the myths and misconceptions of pre-fab designs are laid bare, resulting in their proclamation that the pre-fab home movement is dead. Read about it here and let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Image via buildllc

Wolf Lake Rising

Seems the idea of resurrecting unbuilt Frank Lloyd Wright designs is experiencing a recent renaissance. First the Massaro House, next the Buffalo Boathouse and refilling station, next news of a new Florida Southern College design and now Hammond, Indiana officals are looking to implement shades of Wright's Wolf Lake project of 1895. Read about it here.

Image © THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH | J. Willard Marriott Library

Support This Bill And Support Historic Preservation!

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is urging everyone to urge their Congressperson to vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Why? Because..."this bill includes the Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance Program (REEP), which would provide financial incentives in the form of state block grants to help owners of homes and businesses save money on energy upgrades, including weatherization or window repair. And, it would provide additional incentives for owners of older and historic properties to make these upgrades in keeping with the historic character of our homes, buildings, and neighborhoods." Follow the link, find out more and pass it on!

Image via The National Trust for Historic Preservation

Shades Of Wright In Baghdad

The rebuilding of Baghdad continues and one of the places to be rebuilt is a place called Baghdad Island. Originally built in the 1980s and patterned after Frank Lloyd Wright's designs, the site was a popular destination for weddings and other celebrations before it was destroyed in the invasion. I had no idea something was actually built in Iraq (loosely) based on Wright's design! If anyone has any more info about this, please let us know! Read more here.

AP Photo copyright Karim Kadim

Paolo Soleri Turns 90

Paolo Soleri, former (and brief) Taliesin Apprentice and proponent of "Arcology" recently celebrated his 90th birthday. Soleri's major architectural contribution is the still unfinished Arcosanti in Arizona. Read all about Soleri and his work here.

More News Out Of Lakeland, Florida

The other architectural hot-spot in Lakeland, FL--Florida Southern College--has some interesting news to report. $1 million dollars has been approved towards the building of a new Frank Lloyd Wright-designed visitor's center for the campus. This would up the amount of Wright-designed buildings present at the college, which is the single largest collection in one spot in the world. Read about it here.

Image copyright FSC

University Of South Florida Picks Calatrava

Lakeland, Florida will soon become an even bigger architectural Mecca. Why? The University of South Florida has chosen "starchitect" Santiago Calatrava to design and build the first building for their new Lakeland campus. Calatrava will have good company: Frank Lloyd Wright's Florida Southern College campus is also located in Lakeland. Read more about the news here.

Ghosts In The Graveyard

Seems there was some mysterious happenings in the ancestral graveyard on the grounds of Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin. The mystery? A headstone bearing the name of the murdered Mamah Borthwick Cheney that appeared suddenly one day, only to disappear just as quickly. Read all about it here.

Image copyright William Blankenburg

Wright & Like 2009: This Just In!

The Wright & Like 2009 Tour this Saturday just keeps getting better and better! We heard from Wright in Wisconsin (the organization behind the event) that they have a new addition to the Saturday program they wanted PrairieMod readers to know about. Find out more after the jump...

What's In A Name

It seems the organization overseeing the restoration of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, IA is having some name issues. The name "Park Inn" is owned by a group in Minneapolis and anything labeled "Frank Lloyd Wright" also brings up thorny issues. Read more about this name game here.

Image via GlobeGazette.com

In Memorium: Sam Maloof

Master American Modernism furniture designer and craftsman, Sam Maloof passed away at the age of 93. You can read about his life and amazing work here.

Some Sad News

We heard from numerous sources that confirmed the news that Michelle Kaufmann's pre-fab design firm is closing its doors. This is sad news since there was so much hope that Michelle's ideas and energy could catalyze the American Pre-Fab movement into a sustainable, well-designed and profitable future. Our best wishes go out to Michelle and her crew. Read more about the news here and here.

Image via Treehugger.com

Frank Lloyd Wright LEGO Sets

We got word today of the official announcement of the new line of licensed Frank Lloyd Wright LEGO sets! Created in conjunction with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Brickstructures, Inc. and the LEGO Architecture brand, the first two sets in the series are The Guggenheim and Fallingwater. Read more after the jump...

Springtime In Chicago

It seems that the reward for sticking it out through an especially brutal winter for the people of Chicago is the visual symphony and sweet perfume that only spring flowers can bring. This is especially true in the Chicago suburb of Lombard, where the aptly named (and Jens Jensen-designed) Lilacia Park is quite possibly the best smelling place in the Midwest right now. If you're close by or passing through, take a moment to stop and smell the Lilacs! Read more here.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Ghosts Of Buildings Past

Much has been (and will be) written about the fan fare surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim, its golden anniversary and the upcoming Wright exhibit there. However, Newsweek takes a look at one of Wright's most important buildings from yesteryear that didn't get so lucky. Read it here.

Image copyright David M. Heald/SRGF

Unity Temple In The News

Here's some links to articles covering Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple being selected as one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Sites in America:

Chicago Tribune, New York Times, USA Today

Also, here's a link to a video made by the National Trust discussing why Unity Temple matters.

Image via YouTube

When It Rains, It Pours

Hot on the heels of the announcement of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Sites by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Landmarks Illinois announced the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places for Illinois. Check out the list here.

Image courtesy of Landmarks Illinois

The Wright-Related News Revealed

I caused a bit of a stir yesterday with my mysterious post, though I was not trying to be a tease. The news I can now announce was embargoed and kept very secret--until now.

Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, to its 2009 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. This annual list highlights important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage.

This places Unity Temple on a very special (if not alarming) pedestal. Out of so many important national sites in need, this building has been specially chosen for its uniqueness and for the terrible risk it is in of being lost forever. As one of the last remaining public building from Wright's Prairie Period, and arguably in the top five of his most important designs, the time is NOW to Save Unity Temple. Read more after the jump...

Major Wright-Related Announcement Tomorrow

PrairieMod™ has gotten word that there will be a major Frank Lloyd Wright-related announcement made tomorrow morning. We've been asked to keep the news under-wraps until the national announcement is made, but we can assure you that it is exciting and of major importance. Stay tuned for more.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Museum Mystery

Here's a head-scratcher: The Dallas Museum of Art claims to have the fireplace andirons from the Davenport House in River Forest, IL as part of its collection. Yet, the owner of the Davenport House confirms that the house's andirons are currently where they belong—at the house. Does anyone know more about this mystery? Follow the link to see more.

Image via How Is Julie weblog

Dana House To Reopen!

Just in time for the tourist season, The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency announced that 33 workers at 14 state historic sites closed last fall will be back to work Wednesday April 22, 2009. This includes Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie masterpiece, the Susan Lawrence Dana House. Read more about it here.

It Was 50 Years Ago Today...

April 9, 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Frank Lloyd Wright. Many argue that no other American architect/designer has had as lasting an impact on so many aspects of our modern world. But confronted with stories of his ego, his scandals, his leaky buildings, his lack of financial discipline--is Wright really relevant? Continue reading after the jump...

Remembering Wright

Today marks the 50th Anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright's death. I'm sure there will be much written and said about the man and the myth today and over the next months. I'll be posting an editorial about what the event means to me and some thoughts on Wright a little later on. Stay tuned.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Cedar Rapids, Iowa Update

The Prairie School Traveler website has an interesting set of photos and written update to last year's damage wrought by flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa--specifically to the Louis H. Sullivan-designed Peoples Savings Bank. Read about it here.

Image courtesy of Prairie School Traveler website

Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Executive Director Retires

We got word today that the Chicago-based Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy is announcing the retirement of its Executive Director, Ron Scherubel. Read all about it after the jump...

After The Water Recedes

With more flooding in the news, Fargo, ND will face many of the same challenges that Cedar Rapids, IA is facing once the water recedes. Read about the challenges here and how it affects some of the Iowa town's significant art and architecture (like the Louis Sullivan Peoples Savings Bank pictured at left).

Image courtesy of wikipedia

Palmer House's Price

The beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Palmer House in Ann Arbor, MI recently sold for $900,00. Read more about it here.

Image courtesy of mlive.com

Challenge to Chicago Landmark Law Worries Preservationists

An article in today's New York Times details the drama unfolding as some Chicago residents lobby to have their neighborhoods' landmark status reversed and how other large cities are taking notes.

Image copyright Amanda Rivkin for The New York Times

Dana House Can't Catch a Break

Bad news for those hoping to see the embattled Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana House in Springfield, Illinois reopen now that a new governor is in charge. According to the recent budget outlined by Gov. Quinn, shuttered state historic sites like Dana will not be reopening. Read more here.

Photo courtesy of the Historic Sites Commission of Springfield, Illinois

Will Dana House Reopen?

According to Blair Kamin's "Skyline" blog, we'll find out Wednesday as part of Gov. Pat Quinn's budget speech. Read more here.

Image via Blair Kamin

Winona Ready To Tell It's Story

The Winona County Historical Society recently won a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to help in planning a future exhibit showcasing the town's architectural heritage, including the amazing Merchants Bank designed by Purcell & Elmslie. Read more here.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

The Don Erickson Legacy

We recently received some very good news about the estate of Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice E. Donald Erickson from his daughter, Karyn L. Erickson. Read more after the jump...

Changes At The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

From PRNewswire: "The board of trustees of The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation announced on March 6, 2009 that Philip D. Allsopp, president and chief executive officer for the past three years, will resign his position effective June 30, 2009. Read more after the jump...

In Memorium: Dustin H. Griffin

Walter Burley Griffin's nephew, Dustin H. Griffin, passed away on Jan 18, 2009. Mr. Griffin was an active preservationist and lived in the noted Prairie School home designed by his uncle, the Ralph Griffin House. Read more about Dustin by following the link and see more images of the Ralph Griffin House by checking out this link.

Image courtesy of PBS.org

Governor Quinn: Open Dana's Doors!

The Springfield, Illinois State Journal-Register echos the feelings of many when it says the state's historical sites (closed by disgraced governor Blagojevich) should reopen and soon. This would include the beautiful Wright-designed Prairie School treasure, the Susan Lawrence Dana House. Read about it by following the link.

Image copyright The State Journal-Register

Small Is The New Big

After the housing meltdown, people might finally be ready to embrace the adage "bigger isn't always better". Read this recent article about the domestic down-sizing trend.

Illustration copyright PrairieMod

Case Closed: Chair Not Stolen

It seems the "Chairgate" case has been closed. The dust-up over the allegedly stolen S.C. Johnson Wax Frank Lloyd Wright-designed chair turned out to be much ado about nothing. Read the details by following the link.

Image copyright Mark Hertzberg

Arizona Architect Passes Away

Noted architect Bennie M. Gonzales has passed away at age 84 in Nogales, Arizona. Gonzales was impressed by Frank Lloyd Wright while working at his father’s adobe-brick factory, which made the materials for the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Read more about the life of Gonzales by following the link.

Image courtesy of Latino Perspectives Magazine

River Rises In Riverside

With heavy rains and melting snow, flooding has again hit several communities near rivers in the Chicagoland area. Officials urged residents near the Des Plains River in the historically and architecturally significant town of Riverside, Illinois to evacuate Saturday due to the river spilling over its banks. Read more about it here.

Photo copyright WBEZ/Carrie Shepherd

S.C. Johnson Wax Company: Several Chairs Missing

More news about "Chairgate". The blog Wright In Racine reports that after an internal company audit, the S.C. Johnson Wax Company has found that several of their Frank Lloyd Wright-designed chairs appear to be missing. Read about it by following the link.

Image copyright Mark Hertzberg

Need A Place To Stay For The Obama Inauguration?

The current owner of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marden House in McLean, VA is offering to rent it out for 5 days and...gulp...$100,000. Read about it here.

Photo copyright Washington Life/Kimsey Foundation

S.C. Johnson Wax Chair: An Update

Mark Hertzberg at Wright In Racine has shed a little more light on this story. Read about it by following the link.

Image copyright Mark Hertzberg

This Seat Taken?

A chair from the S.C. Johnson Wax Administration Building in Racine, Wisconsin was put up for auction on eBay recently. However, it has been reported that it may have been stolen from the building. Read about this alleged audacious crime by following the link. Thanks to Mark Hertzberg, from Wright in Racine,  for the heads-up on this story.

Photo copyright Mark Hertzberg

Drummond Home Burns

Fire has significantly damaged the Curtis-Yelland house in Mason City, Iowa. Designed by Prairie School architect William Drummond in 1910, the home is considered a total loss. Read about it here and watch a video here.

Image copyright KAALtv

And A Merry Bah Humbug To You, Too

The doors to one of the most beautiful public homes in America have now closed. Shame on you, Governor Rod Blagojevich, for letting this happen. Read about this travesty by following the link.

Protesting Historic Site Closings

Illinois State workers will be protested outside of embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s Executive Mansion in Springfield, IL last night in an effort to have him change his mind about Sunday's planned closure of historic sites. We've been following this story and with the state budget crises the way it is, only a Thanksgiving miracle will solve this mess. Read about it here.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Eames In The Oval Office

President Obama kicking back in an Eames Lounge chair in the Oval Office? Well, at least not yet. It's only one idea a group of designers re-envisioned the new administration's office redecoration. Read about the ideas for a presidential "extreme makeover" by following the link. Thanks to PrairieMod reader Mark for sending the link!

Image copyright Seth Stein