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...
Continue reading "The Wright-Related News Revealed" »
We recently heard from Sandy Byrne, whose husband, Bud Byrne is the listing agent for the imperiled Gunning House or "Glenbrow". This significant work of Ohio Organic Architecture by Theodore van Fossen, Tony Smith and Larry Cuneo is in danger of being torn down. See what Sandy has to say after the jump...
Continue reading "Gunning House Update" »
We've received more info about the last Prairie School House design that is in danger of being torn down. Read about it after the jump...
Continue reading "More Van Bergen House Info" »
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...
Continue reading "Unity Temple In Peril" »