PrairieMod reader Marty Hackl sent word of a couple of troubling preservation issues concerning some John S. Van Bergen-designed buildings. More after the jump...
Preservation
Early Eco-City Faces The Future
Here's a link to an article from the New York TImes website about the transitional period facing Arcosanti, the experimental eco-city in the Arizona desert designed and built by Paolo Soleri. Read more here.
Image via the NYT
Cooley House Gets Grant
Thenewsstar.com reports that the Walter Burley Griffin-designed Cooley House in Monroe, Louisiana has been awarded a $5,000 grant that will assist in its ongoing preservation by the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation. Read more here.
Image via thenewsstar.com
Neutra Building Illegal Remodel Halted
The LA Times reports that Newport Beach officials have ordered a real estate investor to stop gutting the interior the Richard Neutra-designed Mariners Medical Arts building (1963) which had been saved from demolition in 2009. Sadly, it seems the whole upstairs of the building was gutted before a preservationist blew the whistle on the non-permitted work. Read more about it here.
Image via latimes.com
Le Corbusier-Designed Building Damaged By Fire
The Guardian reports that the Le Corbusier-designed La Cité Radieuse housing estate (1947-1951) in Marseille, one of France's most important modern architectural landmarks, was damaged by fire on February 10, 2012. Read more about it here.
Image via guardian.co.uk
Historic Restoration Looks Up
Here's a link to an article about restoration craftsman, Bill Schermerhorn Jr., and his work restoring historic architecture in Ottawa and Chicago (specifically, the Louis Sullivan-designed Carson Pirie Scott & Co. building). Read more here.
Image via mywebtimes.com
Chicago Modern: More Than Mies
Landmarks Illinois' Save Prentice coalition has created a new blog our called “Chicago Modern: More than Mies” that anyone interested in the preservation of our Modern cultural heritage should check out. The coalition also has a series of events coming up under the same name. Check out the blog here and the events you won't want to "Mies" here.
Image via Save Prentice coalition
"B" Is For Bott House
The Kansas City Star is showcasing an "A to Z" of area architecture. "B" includes a look at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bott House (1956). See photos here.
Image via kansascity.com
Schindler's Goodwin House For Sale
Rudolph Schindler's 1941 Goodwin House in Studio City, CA is on the market for $750,000.
The interior has been "whitewashed", but a sensitive and dedicated new owner could work wonders to bring this Modernist gem back to its former glory. See the listing here.
First images via redfin.com/historic image via Getty Research Institute
Celebrating T-West
Mark H. sends word that the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation will be hosting a special 75th Anniversary celebration for Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West on February 16, 2012. Find out more after the jump...
Saving A Cincinnati Mod Kitchen
Here's a link to an article about the efforts of Chuck Lohre and Janet Groeber to save an innovative Modernist kitchen designed in 1960 by Taliesin architect, John deKoven Hill, for the Corbett House in Cincinnati, OH. The house's owners agreed to let the couple remove the kitchen and now the quest is on to find a new home for it. Read more here.
Image via House Beautiful magazine
Rare Taliesin Chinese Floor Screen To Be Auctioned
On February 13, 2012, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will be offering a 17th-century Chinese eight-panel Coromandel floor screen that was once owned by Frank Lloyd Wright and kept at Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. The screen was apparently given by Olgivanna Wright to her daughter and William Wesley Peters as a wedding gift. The Peters' son, Brandoch, then sold it to architect Daniel J. Libermann (who is now selling it at auction). Because Taliesin is a designated historic landmark, the Chinese screen is the only item from the home known to have been offered publicly. Find out more here.
Image via Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Stay On Target...
Crain's Business Chicago reports that the new downtown flagship Target store inside the former Louis Sullivan-designed Carson Pirie Scott & Co. store on State street is scheduled to open on July 29, 2012. Read more about it here.
Image via Blair Kamin/Cityscapes
Wrigley Building Closer To Landmark Status
Blair Kamin reports that the iconic Wrigley Building on Chicago's Michigan Avenue was finally recommended for landmark status yesterday by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Read more about it here and here.
Image via Wikipedia
The Wright Shade Of Green
The newest issue of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy's "Save Wright" newsletter arrived in the mail yesterday and its chock-full of engaging and interesting articles on Frank Lloyd Wright and "green" architecture. Learn more after the jump...
Could Pullman Be Chicago's First National Park?
Historian and blogger, Lee Bey, reports that the historic Pullman neighborhood on Chicago's south side could become the city's first national park under legislation to be proposed in Congress by U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. Read more about it here.
Image copyright Lee Bey
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
Iannelli Studios Progress Report
We've been doing our best to keep readers informed of the wonderful work being undertaken by the Kalo Foundation and several generous volunteers to help bring the Iannelli Studios in Park Ridge, IL back to life. I received some photos from the Kalo Foundation of more renovation work being done recently that I thought everyone would enjoy seeing. More after the jump...
Boulter House Seeking LEED Certification
According to a recent post on the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy's Wright Chat discussion board, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Boulter House (1956) in Cincinnati, OH is seeking LEED Certification and will be hosting two events associated with that endeavor. Learn more here.
Boulter House illustration and 3D-model by Brayden McLaughlin and Greg Algie
Buffalo Blast From The Past
The Buffalo Rising blog recently posted some interesting images from a trove of 1950s era slides showing scenes throughout Buffalo, New York--including one of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed William Heath House. Read and see more here.
Image via buffalorising.com
Endangered Bart Prince-Designed House Update
Nelson B. sends updated news on the preservation saga unfolding over the Bart Prince-designed Lever/Morgenthaler House located in Malibu, CA. According to the Curbed LA update, the Malibu planning commission has not made any decisions yet on giving the go-ahead for tearing down the seven-year-old structure. Also, it seems celebrities are joining the cause against tearing down the house, including Don Rickles and Sean Penn. Read more here.
Additionally, here's a link to The Mailbu Times article on the planning commission hearing to get their perspective.
Image via curbed LA
Scouts Pitch In To Help Iannelli Studios
Following-up on the recent post about Mike Kapst's Eagle Scout project to help renovate Iannelli Studios in Park Ridge, IL: Herb Zuegel of the Kalo Foundation sends some photos of the guys at work. More after the jump...
Continue reading "Scouts Pitch In To Help Iannelli Studios" »
Prince-Designed House In Peril
Image via Curbed LA
Is The End Near For Neutra's Cyclorama?
Architectural preservationists fear the worst for the Richard Neutra-designed "Cyclorama" (1961), located on the Gettysburg battlefield in Pennsylvania. Civil War historians say it blocks views of the battlefield; architecture buffs hail it as an important work of American modernism. Will the Cyclorama be saved or will it be the battlefield's final casualty? Read more here.
Images via Neutra.org
Dunes Park Pavilion Looking For TLC
The Department of Natural Resources in Indiana is looking for a public/private partnership to renovate the Dunes State Park Pavilion on the shores of Lake Michigan, near Chesterton. The pavilion opened in the early 1930s and stood near the now razed Dunes Hotel (bottom photo) which was designed by John Lloyd Wright. Read more about this preservation initiative here.
Top image via posttrib.suntimes.com/bottom image via eBay
Cole House Photos And Questions
Wright Chat user "DRN" was kind enough to share some fantastic period photos of the Bruce Goff-designed Frank Cole House (1939) originally taken by Fons Iannelli (Alfonso Iannelli's son). These stunningly rich images showcase this Usonian-esque home, which was built in Park Ridge, IL.
PrairieMod readers may remember a post that stirred-up some confusion about whether or not this home still stood when it was advertised for sale in 2010 as a "Bruce Goff-designed" home.
However, the recently posted period photos may reveal that the original house was not actually torn down to make way for a new one—but instead extensively renovated beyond recognition. To shed a little more light on this mystery, I came across some recent exterior and interior photos to see if it can be determined if this home was actually lost or if perhaps enough of its bones remain to one day restore it back to its "Goffian" state.
If anyone know more on the history of this home and if it has been lost or remodeled beyond recognition, please let us know. To see all of the photos follow the link.
Image credit: DRN (top)/tours.vht.com (bottom)
Gunning House Still On The Market
It's been awhile since we checked up on "Glenbrow", the significant work of Ohio Organic Architecture by Theodore van Fossen, Tony Smith and Larry Cuneo that was in danger of being torn down.
A recent check of the web and MLS listings shows the home is still on the market--which is good news that it has not been torn down--but it still needs an architectural savior.
If you want to save this home and live PrairieMod, then check out the listing.
Images via Columbus Landmarks
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
We're Mod In Kansas, Toto
Lawrence, Kansas is becoming known for not only its MCM architecture, but also for the historic preservation passion of its residents. Case in point: this article about the preservationist group, Lawrence Modern from LJWorld.com. Read the article here and visit the group's website here.
Image via LJWorld.com
The Best/Worst In 2011 Architectural Preservation
The end-of-year lists keep coming! Here's a link to Curbed.com's Best/Worst in architectural preservation news for 2011 (including LACMA's relocation of the Eames House living room for its California Design, 1930-1965: "Living in a Modern Way" exhibit). Read the list here.
Image via curbed.com
Sullivan Stencil For Sale
Urban Remains recently posted for sale an ultra-rare, Louis Sullivan-designed original stenciled fragment from the now lost Chicago Stock Exchange. For $39,500 it can be yours! Check out more info and photos here.
If you don't quite have that much disposable income, but still like the design, then consider purchasing a reproduction instead.
Image via Urban Remains
Beverly Hills Approves Preservation Ordinance
After 2011's nail-biting preservation saga over the Richard Neutra-designed Kronish House, The Beverly Hills Planning Commission unanimously approved a proposed historic preservation ordinance last week, which will pave the way to finally protect local properties of historic value. Follow the link and follow the instructions to read more.
Image via the LA TImes
'Tis The Season Of Giving!
John C. sends a link to the online donation site where anyone interested in supporting the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Laurent House and its new start as a public museum can donate funds. Follow the link to find out more.
Image via Rockford Register Star
Iannelli's Roof Needs Replacing...And Your Help
Saving the Iannelli Home and Studio from certain destruction was one of the historic preservation bright spots in 2011. Since taking possession of the building in August of this year, The Kalo Foundation has already made extensive emergency repairs to the long-neglected building. But, all of the repairs made left limited funds to handle one of the most critical items on the list: A new roof.
Read more about this critical need and all of the restoration efforts here. If you're interested in supporting the wonderful work undertaken by the Kalo Foundation and other volunteers trying to restore this unique historic site, then please consider donating whatever you are able here.
Photograph by Richard Nickel, courtesy of the Richard Nickel Committee, Chicago, Illinois
Laurent House To Open In Spring 2013
The group that successfully won the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Laurent House at auction on December 15, 2011 has announced the steps necessary to have the home open to the public by spring 2013. Read more about these exciting plans here.
Image via Rockford Register Star
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...
A Hrdy Mystery
Nelson B. sends a link to an article at This Land Press' website about Avant-garde artist, Olinka Hrdy and the mystery surrounding the fate of her famous abstract murals executed for Bruce Goff's Riverside Studio (1929). Olinka Hrdy briefly worked at the Iannelli Studios in Park Ridge, IL at the end of 1933, designing billboards and trophies while there. Tim Samuelson was kind enough to send a photo of Olinka Hrdy working on the Riverside Studio murals for readers to catch a glimpse of what is now missing. Read the article here to learn more.
Images courtesy Tim Samuelson
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