PrairieMod

Maher Furniture At Auction

Leslie Hindman's upcoming 20th Century Design auction on May 1, 2013 has quite a bit of architecture-related items of interest—and a few that are worrisome. Among the latter is 20 pieces of furniture from the George W. Maher-designed Magerstadt House in the Kenwood neighborhood of Chicago. The house sold last May for a hefty sum to new owners. I'm not certain that this furniture was part of that sale and is now being sold off, or if it was separated from the house previously and is now coming back to the market. Either way, it's a shame this integrally-designed furniture is not with the house it was only ever intended for. See all of the furniture pieces here.

Image via liveauctioneers.com

From A Winged Seed: Samara And Frank Lloyd Wright's Indiana Architecture

Linda Eales sent word that Scott W. Perkins, a national expert on Frank Lloyd Wright's work, will be speaking about Wright's SAMARA in West Lafayette, IN and how it relates to the architect’s other Indiana structures. The lecture takes place on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. at the Indiana Landmarks Center (1201 Central Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202) and is supported by the Cornelius and Anna O’Brien Lecture Series Concerning Historic Preservation. The event is FREE but you need to RSVP online at samaralecture.eventbrite.com or call 317-639-4534.

Image via samara-house.org

Hardy House Restoration Update

Mark Hertzberg has posted another update at Wright in Racine about the amazing restoration work underway at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hardy House in Racine, WI. Read and see more photos here. If you want to experience this iconic Wright work in person, then don't miss the April 27, 2013 tour, which benefits Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin. Tours are limited to 90 people, by reservation for specific time slots between 9:30 and 2:30 p.m. Reservations are accepted by telephone only, at 608-287-0339. More details here.

Image copyright Mark Hertzberg

Join-Up: Chicago Art Deco Society

It took me a long time, but I finally stopped procrastinating and joined the Chicago Art Deco Society this week. I've known about CADS for some time as a fantastic not for profit organization devoted to preserving all things Deco. They also put out a really great color magazine that is a must have for any Art Deco enthusiast. I encourage PrairieMod readers to join to also support their preservation and education efforts (and to get another great publication for your enjoyment!) More info and become a member here.

Image via CADS

Speak Out Against Logan Square Billboards

Andrew Schneider sends word of a new petition he started at change.org to stop the installation of billboards on Chicago's Logan Square. The decision will be made soon by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. If you're interested in saving the character of this historic neighborhood then follow the link and virtually "sign" the petition. Help here.

Image via change.org

Kellogg's Turney House Seeks Historic Designation

The City of San Diego’s Historical Resources Board is weighing the possibility of giving historic designation to the Kendrick Bangs Kellogg-designed Thomas and Margaret Turney House (1971-1978) in La Jolla, CA. Read more about it here.

Image via lajollalight.com

Glencoe Changes Preservation Rules

The Glencoe Village Board is trying to prevent people from knocking down landmark buildings for which state historic preservation tax breaks have already been granted. They recently passed new codes that the village Historic Preservation Commission created to fix the problems of the 1990 historic preservation ordinance. So how did the Wright-designed Perry House become the last home to receive the status of "designated landmark" under Glencoe's previous preservation ordinance at the same meeting? Find out here.

Image via glencoe.suntimes.com

Arthur Erickson's Home Threatened

Nelson also sends word that the Vancouver home of famed Canadian Modern architect, Arthur Erickson, is in danger of being lost if the Foundation that carries his name cannot come up with the money to cover extensive debts incurred at the end of the architect's life. Read more about it here.

Image via theglobeandmail.com

Finding A Lasting Fix For Watts

Nelson Brackin sends a link to an article from the LA Times about the team of engineers and conservationists trying to discover the root problems for the decay of the city's famed Watts Towers and come up with a long-term fix. Read it here.

Image via the LA TImes

Graycliff Gala 2013

Join The Graycliff Conservency for their annual gala on Friday, April 12th at 6:30pm, at the Buffalo Pierce-Arrow Transportation Museum, 263 Michigan Street at Seneca St., downtown Buffalo, for a festive evening of food, wine and friends in celebration of the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Graycliff Estate. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, ale, dining stations, and music by the Party Squad. Proceeds will benefit the Graycliff Conservancy, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring and providing public access to the Graycliff Estate, designed by noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Details here.

Image via Graycliff Conservancy

The Blue Lady Is Back

Olivia Smith at the Los Angeles Review of Books wanted to let PrairieMod readers know about a recent piece published on their website about appreciating the modernist aesthetic of Dodger Stadium and its recent renovations. Read it here.

Image via lareviewofbooks.org

Get A Peek At The Nichols House Renovation

The new owners of the Harry F. Robinson-designed Nichols House (1917) in Naperville, IL have been kind enough to share tons of photos from their recent renovation of the home on Facebook. See them here.

Image via facebook.com/wittman.renovation

Sullivan Windows Return Home

The globegazette.com reports that three original art glass windows from the Louis H. Sullivan-designed Henry Adams Building in Algona, IA (1913) are being returned to it after 30 years of separation. It's all part of the ongoing restoration efforts for the building , which now serves as the Algona Chamber of Commerce. Read more here.

Image via globegazette.com

(Re)Visioning Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House

UbSpectrum.com recently showcased the efforts of University of Buffalo architecture professor, Edward Steinfeld, and his students to help develop “universal” or “inclusive” design changes at Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House that will enable visitors with visual impairments to experience the architecture in a meaningful way. Read more about it here.

Image via ubspectrum.com

Behind The Velvet Ropes Tour At The Gamble House

The LA Times recently wrote-up the ultimate VIP tour for the ultimate Arts & Crafts bungalow: The Greene & Greene-designed Gamble House in Pasadena, CA offers a "Behind the Velvet Ropes" tour that allows architecture devotees to experience parts of the home normally off-limits. Read more here.

Image via The LA Times

Demolition Permit Issued For Prentice

The Chicago Architecture Blog discovered that a demolition permit has been issued for the Bertrand Goldberg-designed Prentice Womens Hospital. The earliest Northwestern University could begin the destruction of this Modernist work would be March 28, 2013. It's a sad and wasteful end to this story. Read more here.

Image via Chicago Architecture Blog

Phoenix Approves Plan To Protect Wright Structures

AZCentral.com reports that the Phoenix City Council has approved a plan to preserve seven Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings throughout the city. The plan will include outreach to owners of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings and assistance in the long-term preservation of those properties. Read more about this important preservation initiative here.

Image via azcentral.com

Closer Look: Wright Plus 2013 T-Shirt

I mentioned last Friday that the limited edition 2013 Wright Plus T-shirt designed by PrairieMod is now available from the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust's ShopWright.com. I figured I'd post a larger image of the artwork so that everyone could get a good look at it and hopefully spur on a buying spree. Every dollar helps the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust's mission to preserve and present the amazing architectural wonders that they are such excellent stewards of. Follow the link to get your t-shirt today before they are all gone!

Image via PrairieMod

Wright Plus 2013 T-Shirts Are Here!

I received word that the official 2013 Wright Plus limited edition T-shirts have arrived at the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Why so exciting? Well, they just happen to feature a stylized illustration of the Harry Adams House (which is on this year's tour) by your PrairieMod editor. Be sure to get yours while they last and do your part to help support the preservation efforts of the FLWPT. Get your limited edition T-shirt here.

Image via FLWPT

Adler & Sullivan's Deimel House Sold

Curbed Chicago reports that the early Adler & Sullivan Joseph Deimel House (1886) at 3141 S Calumet in Chicago has officially sold this week for $480,000. More info and photos here.

Image via Curbed Chicago

“The Inside Story: Saving The David And Gladys Wright House”

As reported in Portland Monthly, Larry Woodin, architect and President of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, will be speaking at an April 12, 2013 fundraiser for the Gordon House. Oregon's only Wright building, this Usonian's history is notable in that it was moved from its original location in Wilsonville, OR, to the Oregon Gardens in Silverton. Get tickets here, and see an overview of the house here.

Image via thegordonhouse.org

Don't Miss Hardy House

Spots are filling up for the special April 27, 2013 tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hardy House in Racine, WI. The event is sponsored by Wright in Wisconsin and will be not only a unique chance to see this iconic Wright design, but also help an organization raise funds to save Wright's works in the state. Get details and tickets here.

Image via wrightinwisconsin.org

Gold Dome's Days Numbered?

Nelson Brackin sends a link to an article on NewsOK's website about the efforts to demolish Robert B. Roloff's "Gold Dome" in Oklahoma City by its current owner who bought it at auction and determined it is “prohibitively expensive” to renovate. Read more here.

Image via newsok.com

Pre-Season Tours Of The Taliesin Estate

With the arrival of spring, the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center will re-open its doors, welcoming the public to Frank Lloyd Wright’s private 600-acre estate, Taliesin. These pre-season tours, which begin on Saturday, April 6 and continue each weekend through the month, offer guests a unique overview of the serene valley that the renowned architect explored in his youth and to which he would return as an adult in order to build his home, Taliesin. The full array of interior tours will commence on May 1. More after the jump...

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust Seeks Volunteers

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust volunteers present world-class historic sites and their neighborhoods to an international audience, cultivate long-lasting relationships and receive ongoing education and training on topics related to history, design and Frank Lloyd Wright. The FLWPT will hold training sessions in March and April for volunteer interpreters to lead tours at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, IL. Details after the jump...

Memories Of Shin'enKan

This week we've been remembering the loss of Bruce Goff's masterpiece for client Joe D. Price, Shin'enKan (1956, 1966, 1974), which was destroyed by arson in 1996. As mentioned in an earlier post this week, the property the house once stood on is being prepped to make way for a new house, thus completely erasing the remenants of this once stunning home.

Nelson Brackin, President of the Friends of Kebyar group was kind enough to share some photos and personal memories of working on Shin'enKan. More after the jump...

The Chicago Seven For 2013

Mark H. sends a link to a story about the new list of the seven most endangered buildings for 2013 from Preservation Chicago. Making this list are banks, churches and a West Side hotel where former President Jimmy Carter and his wife once stayed. Read more here and see the list here.

Image via preservationchicago.org

Sullivan For Sale

Paul R. sends a link to the National Trust for Historic Preservation realty listing for the Louis Sullivan-designed Old Home Bank building (1914) in Newark, OH. For $750,000 someone could have an amazing office, a sweet restaurant, or some other really amazing use for this historic work of architecture. More here.

Image via historicrealestate.preservationnation.org

From Gaudi To Goff

Speaking of Gaudi, Nelson Brackin sends two links about Bruce Goff, one of which relates to Gaudi. Apparently, when Bruce Goff came to speak at Auburn University in 1975, Nelson had arranged for him to give two lectures: one on his work and the other on any topic he wanted. Goff elected to talk about Gaudi. I'm only assuming Gaudi's masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, was mentioned. Nelson also sends a link to some more photos of Goff's lost masterpiece, Shin'enKan. See them here.

Image via Wikipedia Commons

Terry Tatum's Favorite Things

Join the Pleasant House Foundation for the second lecture in their series "Unauthorized Anecdotes of Architecture" this Thursday 7:00 p.m. with Terry Tatum sharing stories about his favorite architects. All lectures will be held at Pleasant Home, 217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL. Lectures are free of charge and open to the public, but donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Visit pleasanthome.org for more information.

Image via Pleasant Home Foundation

Losing What's Left Of Shin'enkan

Zach M. recently visited the former site of Bruce Goff's masterpiece Shin'enkan (destroyed by arson in 1996) and discovered that there are now plot lines laid out for a new McMansion that will incorporate the remaining land, hill, and rubble. As stated by poet Robert Frost, "Nothing gold can stay." See what the home looked like before it burned here.

Image copyright Zach M.

Goff Tower Restoration Update

I wanted to update PrairieMod readers on the efforts to raise the funds needed to restore the Bruce Goff-designed Sooner Park Play Tower in Bartlesville, OK. Almost $4000 has been raised (likely helped by generous PrairieMod readers) but there's still a ways to go to reach the goal amount needed. Please follow the link and donate whatever you can towards this excellent cause to save a unique work of Modern architecture.

Image via indiegogo.com

Rescuing Marion's Artwork

This news item from Australia describes the tense situation conservators were under trying to save a valuable silk lithograph by Marion Mahony Griffin from being destroyed. Read about it here.

Image via abc.net.au

Wiel Arets' Vision For A Wonderful World

We live in an exciting and extremely complex world, in which the growth of technology has radically changed how we see ourselves in relation to an emerging global metropolis. It’s time, says internationally renowned Dutch architect Wiel Arets, to redefine our map of the world. Widely regarded for his sleek and minimalist geometries, Arets recently joined IIT’s College of Architecture as Dean and splits his time between Chicago and his active design practice in the Netherlands.

Plan on attending Unity Temple Foundation's Break::The::Box 2013 event at Frank Lloyd wright's Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL on Monday, March 11, 2013 at 7 pm where Arets will discuss his new book, Autobiographical References, and how we need to change the way that we look at our world. Get details and purchase tickets here.

Image via UTRF

Unauthorized Anecdotes Of Architecture This Thursday

The first in a series of three lectures at the George W. Maher-designed Pleasant Home takes place this Thursday at 7pm. This year's lecture series will cover "Unauthorized Anecdotes of Architecture," and will kick off with Bill Hinchliff sharing stories of his days as a Chicago tour leader. All lectures will be held at Pleasant Home (217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL). Lectures are free of charge and open to the public, but donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Visit pleasanthome.org for more information.

Image via Pleasant Home Foundation

We Lost Another One: Neutra's Cyclorama

March 1, 2013 was a bad day for Modern architecture. First we lost the James Fitzgibbon-designed Paschal House (1950) in Raliegh, NC and now comes word that Richard Neutra's Cyclorama building at Gettysburg was also destroyed that same day. Read the sad news here.

Image via lamag.com

Special Tour Of Hardy House

Wright in Wisconsin recently announced the first tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hardy house in decades as a fund-raiser for the organization. It's a unique chance to see this Prairie-era gem undergoing a complete restoration. Details after the jump...

We Lost Another One: Paschal House

George S. sent word that the James Fitzgibbon-designed Paschal House (1950) in Raliegh, NC was demolished Friday, March 1, 2013 following an eight-year effort to save it.Even more disturbing is the fact that it was the children of the original owner who let it be destroyed and who now plan to divide the lot for five new homes. Read more about this sad architectural loss here.

Image via newsobserver.com

Wright "Bootlegs" Get Prices Slashed

Two 1892 "Bootleg" designs by Frank Lloyd Wright for sale in the Chicago neighborhood of Kenwood (The Warren McArthur and George Blossom House) have had their asking prices slashed by $200,000 each. From the posted photos, they both appear in beautiful shape, so hopefully sensative and preservation-minded buyers will snap these early Wright designs up! More info here.

Images via Curbed Chicago

Unauthorized Anecdotes Of Architecture

The Pleasant Home Foundation announced their free annual lecture series line-up under the theme “Unauthorized Anecdotes of Architecture." The lecture series will feature three exciting speakers, sharing tales of architecture in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. All lectures will be held at Pleasant Home (217 Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL) at 7:00 p.m. Lectures are free of charge and open to the public, but donations are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Follow the link to learn more.

Image via pleasanthome.org

Attention To Details At Dana House

The State Journal-Register reports that the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Susan Lawrence Dana house in Springfield, IL will start offering special two-hour "Attention to Detail" tours that focus on the story behind the restoration of the residence and its plethora of unique design qualities. Learn more here.

Image via sj-r.com

Speaking Easy About The AZ Biltmore's Mystery Room

HotelChatter.com reports that the Albert McCarthur-designed (with input from Frank Lloyd Wright) Arizona Biltmore Resort will finally reveal its "Mystery Room" (a former prohibition era speakeasy lounge) to the public as a restored drinking lounge—no password required. Read more here.

Image via hotelchatter.com

If you've ever wandered the legendary Arizona Biltmore Resort, you've likely stumbled upon a photo of the "Mystery Room," though never the room itself as the location has long been — you guessed it — a mystery. That's all about to change; last week we were among the first to learn that this mysterious room will soon be revealed and restored to a version of its former self as a speakeasy lounge. - See more at: http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2013/2/27/13249/0972/hotels/Arizona_Biltmore%92s_Mystery_Room_Returns_to_Speakeasy,_Man-Cave_Glory#sthash.WLkF08wJ.dpuf

Bertrand's Secret Shell Classrooms

Gapers Block recently featured Chicago's Brennemann Elementary School and its Modern architectural secret: shell-like Bertrand Goldberg-designed classrooms, which are currently encased in a box to protect them from the elements. More here.

Image via bertrandgoldberg.org

Explore Wright's Musical Origins

On the evening of Thursday, February 28th, Oak Park music historian David Patterson will re-introduce architecture fans to William C. Wright, the long-neglected yet highly influential composer-father of America’s most famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright as part of Unity Temple Restoration Foundation's “Break::the::Box” program series. More after the jump...

A New Hardy House Restoration Update

The blog, Wright in Racine, provides another photo-laden update on the amazing restoration work taking place at Frank Lloyd wright's Hardy House in Racine, Wisconsin. Check it out here.

Image copyright Mark Hertzberg

A Photo Tour Of Florida Southern College

PrairieMod pal, John Clouse, was kind enough to share some photos from his recent trip to Florida Southern College as part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy's "Out and About Wright" event. Enjoy this photographic virtual tour after the jump...

Bachman Wilson House To Go To Italy?

The New York Times reports that Italian architect Paolo Bulletti has been discussing the possibility of transporting the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman Wilson House (1954) from its current flood-prone site in New Jersey to the hills of Fiesole, near Florence, Italy. It may not be as far-fetched as it sounds, if a buyer with the money to move the Usonian can be found. Read more here.

Image via nytimes.com

A Look At The Iannelli Celebration

Last Sunday February 17, 2013 marked the celebration of Alfonso Iannelli's 125th birthday and a fantastic time was has by all at the Iannelli Home & Studio in Park Ridge, IL. The Kalo Foundation hosted a sold-out crowd there to enjoy some birthday cake and two excellent presentations by Tim Samuelson, Cultural Historian for the city of Chicago. More after the jump...

Building The Wright Chair

The good folks at Wright in Wisconsin have undertaken a fascinating project in bringing to life an unbuilt chair designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for one of the American System-Built houses at 2714 West Burnham Street in Milwaukee. Master craftsmen Stafford Norris III and Stephen D. Ritchings have been tasked with bringing this chair to life. Read about their intriguing efforts here.

Image via Wright Chat

The South Shore's Hidden Architectural Wonders

The website nwitimes.com recently featured some of Northwest Indiana's architectural heritage, including a few homes (some sadly lost or remuddled) by Frank Lloyd Wright. Read the article and see more photos here.

Image via nwitimes.com