PrairieMod

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

Kendrick Bangs Kellogg’s Onion House

Following-up the sad news of losing Kendrick Bangs Kellogg’s Rancho Mirage Chart House yesterday, Randy H. sent a link to another fantastical Organic Architectural design by KBK called the "Onion House" which is found in Kona, Hawaii. See more here.

Image via onionhousehawaii.com

Oak Park Tower A Go

Oak Park trustees voted unanimously this week to move forward with the construction of the $91 million tower project at Lake Street and Forest Avenue. The "tower" is much reviled by local historic architecture fans, but the fact it will feature two floors of retail space and 270 apartments hold appeal for those who want to move the Village's business prospects into the 21st century. We'll see how it plays out. Read more here.

Image via oakpark.com

Kellogg's "Chart House" Building Lost

Yesterday afternoon, Nelson Brackin sent some bad news that he saw author Alan Hess mention on his Facebook page about the loss of a significant work of Organic Architecture by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg. More after the jump...

Rail Removal "I Told You So"

Here's an interesting piece in the Capital Times that cites Taliesin's Charles Montooth, who back in 1972 said it would be short-sighted to remove thousands of miles of rail lines that service small communities and business because the railroads saw them as "non-profitable" in the wake of the new interstate systems being built. According to writer Dave Zweifel, that warning should have been heeded. Read more here.

Image via The Cap Times

Help Scout Help Iannelli Studios

PrairieMod reader, Andrew S., sends us word of a wonderful project that deserves support. Andrew writes:

"In the St. Paul church bulletin (Park Ridge) a young man named Mike Kapst is planning to help renovate Iannelli Studios for his Eagle Scout project for Troop 24. He's going to build a 16' x 6' display case and also refurbish ceilings and walls. Thought it might be worth writing up. Donations to Troop 24 at St. Paul of the Cross, 320 S. Washington, Park Ridge, IL 60068. He can be reached at 847-696-1305 or mikeyk1234@aol.com".

Thanks Andrew for the news. I'm glad to see that people of all age groups are interested in historic preservation. Hopefully getting the news out will generate some help for Mike Kapst and the Iannelli Studios!

Photograph by Richard Nickel, courtesy of the Richard Nickel Committee, Chicago, Illinois

Image Design, LLC Wins GreenBuilder Magazine's 2011 Home of the Year Award

Green Builder Media, North America’s leading media company focused on sustainable living, recently announced the winners of its 4th Annual Green Builder Home of the Year Awards. With entries from across the nation, the judges chose ten outstanding projects displaying the best and most cutting-edge green residential building.

This year’s winning entries include designs that range from small and simple to super-efficient luxury proving that building sustainably can be done on any budget. Image Design, LLC was proud to be one of the winners of this years award for their "River Escape" project. This is the second time in the award's four year history that they have won the award (2009 GreenBuilder Home of the Year Award was for the "Vineyard" Project). Find out more here.

Image via Green Builder Media

Bavinger House Update

When news of the destruction of the Bruce Goff-designed Bavinger House in Norman, OK surfaced, it was surrounded by rumor, confusion and conflicting reports. With the help of several people closely associated with Goff's work and interested in its preservation,we've been doing our best to keep readers informed of the latest news concerning this iconic work of Organic Architecture. Recently, some new info came to light that adds to this saga. Learn more after the jump...

Niemeyer's 104th Marred By Arts Center Feud

Nelson B. reminds us that yesterday was the 104th birthday of celebrated Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer. Of course, the festivities might be overshadowed by an ugly public feud over his namesake arts center in northern Spain. More here.

Image via guardian.co.uk

Holl Takes Gold

Blair Kamin's Cityscapes blog reports on the news that Steven Holl, a New York architect responsible for a Nelson Atkins Museum addition in Kansas City and a University of Iowa arts building, has been awarded the 2012 American Institute of Architects' Gold Medal. Read more about it here.

Image via dexigner.com

Bavinger House For Sale: One Piece At A Time

A disturbing story comes out of Norman, OK. Apparently the severely storm damaged Bruce Goff-designed Bavinger House is now being sold-off in pieces by its owner, according to the home's website. This is appalling, since it means that this important work of Organic Architecture will never be allowed the chance at a full restoration and instead have the remnants of its architectural corpse scattered to the four corners of the globe. I urge people interested in the plight of this building to contact the Friends of Kebyar to see if anything can be done.

Image via Wikipedia

Svetlana Stalin Peters Passes Away

John C. and Mark H. send word that Svetlana Stalin Peters, Joseph Stalin's daughter and former wife to Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice, William Wesley Peters, died today in Wisconsin at the age of 85. Read more about it here.

Image via Wikipedia

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Selects Sean Malone As Next President And CEO

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation announced today it has hired nationally honored not-for-profit executive Sean Malone to serve as the organization’s next President and CEO. Malone comes to The Foundation with more than 20 years of nonprofit sector experience, including leadership roles for the past 15 years at Ten Chimneys Foundation. On February 1, 2012, Malone will take over for interim-President and CEO Anne Maley who is stepping down in early 2012 and who will assist in the transition. Read more after the jump...

 

Graycliff Celebrates Its Visitor Readiness Following National Conference

After successfully hosting many new out-of-town visitors during the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s national conference last month, Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff is building additional momentum as a heritage tourism destination by harnessing the continuing support of two local corporations to welcome future visitors.  Read more after the jump...

Parks And Wreck

St. Louis County is in financial duress and that means painful cuts. On the chopping block are county parks and their associated jobs. This is of note for architecture lovers, due to the fact that one of the smaller parks in jeopardy is Kirkwood's Ebsworth Park, which is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Kraus House. The non-profit organization that oversees the house museum has a lease with the county's park and could have that relationship wrecked as a result. Read more about it here.

Image via ebsworthpark.org

Walter Burley Griffin Presidential Shout-Out

President Obama gave Prairie School props to Walter Burley Griffin on his recent visit to Canberra, Australia saying :

"I know I am not the first guy from Chicago to come to these parts,’’ he said. ‘‘A century ago, Walter Burley Griffin came here with a vision for this city. He said, ‘I have planned a city that is not like any other in the world’. Tonight I want to thank all of you and the people of Australia for the hospitality that is unlike any other in the world.’’

As readers may know, Canberra is the city Griffin and wife Marion Mahony influenced through their competition winning design in 1912.

Read the current affairs article here and learn more about the 1912 Canberra design competition here.

Image via Wikipedia

"Just Don't Look"

Blair Kamin's Cityscapes rails against the new Bank of America ads "uglifying" Chicago's Wabash Avenue Bridge—an aesthetically misplaced attempt by the cash-strapped city to raise extra revenue.

Maybe if we take the musical advice of an animated Paul Anka from the classic Simpsons Halloween episode Attack of the 50-foot Eyesores and "Just Don't Look" they will lose their power, disappear sooner, and never return. One can only hope. Read more here.

Images via http://simpsonswiki.net & Cityscapes blog

Katy Ralph Recalls Life At The Iannelli Studios

The Kalo Foundation recently enjoyed a visit from a very special vistor to the Iannelli Studios building in Park Ridge, IL. Katy Ralph grew up knowing the Iannelli's and returned to see the building Kalo has worked so hard to save from destruction. Read more about this remarkable story after the jump...

Rebuilding From The Foundation

Tucsoncitizen.com reports on the steady progress at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to rebuild and regenerate itself after years of legal and financial trouble. The article reports that they are closer to choosing a new CEO, forging new partnerships, and increasing public outreach. This is good news and a positive step towards a future of stability and growth. Read more here.

Image via franklloydwright.org

Soleri Retires At 92

The Daily Courier reports on 92-year-old Paolo Soleri's retirement as president and CEO of the Cosanti Foundation. Follow the link to read more about the life, legacy and future for this architectural innovator.

Image via dcourier.com

In Memoriam: Steve Jobs

Computer and Design visionary, Steve Jobs passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. His genius lay in the ability to make the technology items we use everyday "Useful and Beautiful." Read more about the man and his legacy here.

Image via dailymail.co.uk

Liquidating The Collection Of A Bankrupt Jeweler

Last week we reported on some important Wright-designed objects that will be up for auction October 3, 2011 at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago. Turns out, the items are being liquidated from the collection of Ralph Esmerian, the bankrupt jewelry dealer, who was sentenced to six years in prison for massive fraud. Read more about it here.

Image via Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Chicago's Newest Architectural Genius

Chicago adds another genius to its long list of architectural luminaries. It was announced today that Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects was awarded a 2011 MacArthur Fellowship "Genius" grant. Read more about it here and Congratulation Jeanne!

Image via chicagotribune.com

Taliesin And Wright Honored

This week, the Wisconsin State Assembly unanimously passed Joint Resolution 47, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of Taliesin and honors its architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Read more after the jump...

Go Greene

Organic Architect Herb Greene, renown for his innovative work and responsible for the famous perspective of the Bavinger House (shown at left), celebrates a birthday this week. Best wishes from PrairieMod!

Image via Scott Architectural Archive

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Adds New Board Member

Word reaches us that the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has recently added a new board member, Alanna Mack. More info after the jump...

Groupon Eyes Wrigley

Chicago-based Groupon is apparently in talks to acquire the iconic Wrigley Building on Michigan Avenue. Read more here.

Image via chicagobusiness.com

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Seeks CEO

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is undergoing a search for a new President/CEO to provide strategic leadership to the organization as it continues its varied work to preserve Wright’s legacy. Interested? Get details here.

Logo copyright the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Frank's Beautiful Campus

The Princeton Review, known for its test prep books and college rankings, has bestowed the title of "most beautiful campus" on the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Florida Southern College. Read a little more here.

Image via Wikipedia

Wrigley Won't Stick Around Michigan Avenue

The Chicago Tribune reports that the Wrigley Company is going to leave the Wrigley building its occupied on Michigan Avenue in Chicago for more than 90 years by the end of 2012. Read all about it here. Thanks to Mark Hertzberg for the link.

Image credit: Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune

Winging It

Mark Hertzberg sent a link to an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the Calatrava-designed Milwaukee Art Museum's "wings" being a little off kilter and causing a stir among people who saw its lopsided look. Turns out, the wings were undergoing a little maintenance check-up and lopsided for a reason. Read more here.

Image via Vinny Carpenter on Google Plus

Soleri Retires

News was announced last week that architect Paolo Soleri has retired as the President and CEO of The Cosanti Foundation in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Read more about this change of leadership here.

Image via arcosanti.org

Ennis House Sold!

This just in: Frank Lloyd Wright's California Textile Block masterpiece, the 1924 Ennis House has be sold to business executive Ron Burkle for just under $4.5 million. This is wonderful news and Mr. Burkle's commitment to complete the rehabilitation of this important iconic architectural work is heartening as well. Read the Ennis House Foundation's statement on the sale here.

Images via ennishouse.org

Elgin Day School To Close, Future Uncertain

Lee Bey reports that John S. Van Bergen-designed the Fox River Country Day School in Elgin, IL has announced it will close due to shrinking enrollment and rising costs. Unfortunately, this means the future of the building and its large campus is in doubt. Read more and see photos here.

Image copyright Lee Bey

Kalo Foundation Set To Acquire Iannelli Studio

Today is full of good news! After first calling attention to the danger the Iannelli Studios in Park Ridge, IL faced of being lost, PrairieMod received the news today that the Kalo Foundation has made a successful bid to acquire the building and an agreement has been signed! Read the details after the jump...

One Step Closer

Good news! The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy offically announces that the effort to have 11 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed properties placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List reached an important milestone! Read all about it after the jump...

Shedding Light On Light Bulb Controversy

With all the challenges facing this country, stirring the pot over energy efficient standards for light bulbs seems pretty low on the list. However, the phasing out of traditional incandescent bulbs controversy has been a heated topic recently. Luckily, Gregory Karp of the Chicago Tribune sheds some light on some of the complaints and mis-information dimming the issue. Read it here.

Image via sustainableken.com

Support The Garfield Park Conservatory

PrairieMod reader, Debbie B. sent us a head's-up that there will be a fundraiser for the storm damaged Garfield Park Conservatory on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at the Hideout. The Conservatory is now open for business, with the damaged rooms still off-limits. Details here. Thanks Debbie!

Image via soupnbread.wordpress.com

Glass Breaking News

Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory, the century-old historic building, sustained an unbelievable amount of damage due to a hail storm that hit the city last night. Unfortunately, the glass building did not fare well and the building is now closed indefinitely until repairs can be made. Read more about it here. Thanks to PrairieMod reader Molly M. for the news.

Image via chicagotribune.com

Vote Today!

Anyone interested in preserving our Modern cultural history needs to follow the link, sign-up at the National Trust for Historic Preservation and vote for the Iannelli Studios in the 2011 This Place Matters Community Challenge.

The contest ends June 30, 2011 and the winning site receives $25,000 towards preservation goals. Show your support and vote to save the Iannelli Studios!

Erupting With Building Possibilities

Karlitos E. sent some links associated with using volcanic ash, which is often in abundance after a devastating eruption like the recent one in Chile, to make bricks. Seems like a great way to use the materials of destruction to help rebuild lives. Learn more about this idea here, here and watch a video here.

Image via popsci.com

High-Rises And High Blood Pressures In Oak Park

Tempers are flaring-up again in Oak Park, IL over the proposed 19-story glass high-rise proposed for the corner of Lake Street and Forest Avenue. This is a little too close for comfort to some of the most important American Architecture in the country and residents are not too happy about it. Read about the latest chapter in this contentious issue here.

Image via Cityscapes blog

Bavinger House Mystery

Information surrounding what happened to cause the destruction of the Bruce Goff-designed Bavinger House has been frustratingly slow to come into focus. One version of the story claims a freak micro burst of strong weather doomed the uniquely engineered residence. However, other sources claim that the house has allegedly met its end at the hands of its own caretaker. Which version is the truth? Read more about this tragic story here and here.

Image via news9.com

Bad News For Bavinger House

I received word from the Friends of Kebyar organization that the Bruce Goff-designed Bavinger House has sustained significant damage. However, due to the reticence of those living at the house to let people near the home, it has been difficult to determine the full extent of the damage to this important architectural work. Read the Friends of Kebyar message here and as we learn more about the condition of the home, we'll keep readers informed.

Image via Shane Hood

Purchase Poster/Help Joplin

Thanks to Craig S. for sending along a link to a group of really great limited edition posters designed by Moosylvania to help raise funds for the tornado-ravaged city of Joplin, Missouri. Check out all of the options here and help support the cause--but hurry! This special fund-raising sale ends June 20, 2011. Get yours here.

Image via Moosylvania

Save Iannelli Studios Before Time Runs Out

The Kalo Foundation in Park Ridge, Illinois is up against the clock. They are trying to get at least 7,000 e-mail votes to Save Iannelli Studios in a contest being held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Why is it so important win? Well, the winning entry will receive $25,000 towards securing the future of this important historic site!

Voting is free & simple:  Click on this link and then enter only your email and zip code and violá! You helped save the Studios...no muss, no fuss! But one more thing is required—spread the word to others who care about our collective cultural heritage and vote before the deadline of June 30, 2011.

The Kalo Foundation has collected about $160,000 towards the goal of acquiring the building, but that is not enough to Save Iannelli Studios. Donations are needed urgently, since the generous "$1 match for every $2 raised" campaign expires July 4, 2011. Please consider a tax-deductible donation and follow the link to give as soon as you can!

Image courtesy Tim Samuelson

Apple's Mothership

Steve Jobs is a pretty forward-thinking guy. As the head of Apple, he's gotta make sure that he fosters a creative environment for his people to continue to "Think Different." With that said, Steve was at the Cupertino City Council on June 7, 2011 to walk them through the proposed headquarters Apple would like to build. Said to be designed by Foster + Partners, it looks like a giant glass spaceship. Watch Steve's presentation to the city council here and hear about it in his own words.

Image via nbcbayarea.com

Happy Birthday Mr. Goff

In addition to being Frank Lloyd Wright's birthday today, it also happens to be Bruce Goff's birthday as well! Quite an auspicious day for anyone who loves Organic Architecture. Find out more on Bruce Goff and his architectural work at the Friends of Kebyar website.

Image via the Friends of Kebyar website

Happy Birthday, Mr. Wright

Today marks the 144th birthday of Frank Lloyd Wright. In honor of the special occasion, architectural historian, William Blair Scott, Jr. was kind enough to share a group of photos from Wright's 1953 birthday. See them all after the jump...

Mark Kawell House Destroyed By Fire

Eric S. sends word that a house in Minnetrista, MN designed by Mark Kawell (an apprentice to John Howe in the mid-1970s) was destroyed by fire over the weekend. Read about the fire here and see a gallery of the devestated home here.

Image via wayzata.com