Issue 130 January 2nd 2019

The Headlines

Support Frank Lloyd Wright's Burnham Block

The Burnham Block is quickly taking a place as a major cultural asset in Milwaukee. There is no place in Milwaukee more intimate or personal than the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed American System-Built Homes. Model B1, a diminutive 805 square foot building, is a full encounter with Wright’s broad vision to shelter everyone in a work of art. But the Model B1 and the rest of the buildings on the Burnham Block are even more than that. They are also pure expressions of Wright’s genius in merging engineering and technology with art and design to create living spaces filled with natural light, harmony, and comfort.

Wright wanted the American System-Built Homes to connect their occupants with nature, to provide gathering spaces for the family and to be a quiet and serene space to return to at the end of a busy day. The homes on the Burnham Block are all these things and more. It’s amazing they were created 101 years ago – but even more amazing that Wright’s vision for shelter continues to be relevant and inspirational to visitors and students today. Read more.

Development Defines 2018 In River Forest

New development in River Forest, Illinois meant the end of an era for a historic yet dilapidated Prairie School home in the 700 block of River Forest's William Street attributed to Wright associate and architect Harry F. Robinson, on a block the village has declared a local landmark. The block represents a rare example of Prairie School development in the state. Mayborn Development demolished the home at 747 William St. in March and plans to build a new residential property on the site. Its destruction led some residents to create historic plaques for buildings in the village, in an effort to drive awareness of important structures. Read more.

The 11 Best Midcentury Modern Homes Of 2018 According To Curbed

Among Curbed's list of 11 best midcentury modern homes of 2018 is a four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home designed by E. Fay Jones in 1964. A Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice with a lengthy career of his own, Jones made a name for himself building airy structures in forested areas, many in the Ozarks. It’s a masterclass in the Prairie style, built to respect and highlight the serene forest on the 1.27-acre property. With an interior of cypress wood, Arkansas field stone, and flagstone floors carefully balanced with giant floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provides views into the trees outside, this home is a marvel. Read the entire list here.

Wright Infographic: A Year In Review

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has provided an infographic to show how the support received through grants, individual gifts, and memberships, exceeded expectations in 2018. They welcomed nearly 140,000 people from around the world to Frank Lloyd Wright’s most personal creations, Taliesin and Taliesin West, and ensure that these spaces were conserved and shared, using thoughtful, meaningful practices. Check out some of the ways your support helped advance Taliesin and Taliesin West in 2018 here.

Two Iconic Arizona Wright Homes That Hit The Market In 2018

Two homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright hit the list of The Most Memorable Arizona Homes That Hit The Market In 2018. The first is nestled in the Arcadia neighborhood and is a piece of Phoenix's architectural history. "A precursor to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City", the home was designed for Frank Lloyd Wright 's son David. "The offer includes reproductions of the signature ''March Balloons'' carpet designed by Wright for the living room and a dining table and chairs," the listing says. The David and Gladys Wright House was listed for $12,950,000.

Also on the list is the rumored "Last house ever designed by Frank Lloyd Wright": The Norman Lykes House, which is also an architectural treasure and one of Phoenix’s most iconic homes. The circular home, named for who it was initially designed for, hit the market in 2018 for a cool $3.25 million. "The Phoenix home is built into the side of the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the city. Wright designed the home specifically for the rocky, uneven site," the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation writes of the home. See these incredible homes here.

Building Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim

Among the events at the Lighthouse ArtCenter located at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL, is “Building Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim” now through March 2. On loan from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the exhibit includes a series of photographs and videos of the building process. Another gallery will feature architectural models and photos from Jupiter Island architect, Scott Hughes. (Ticket prices vary; lighthousearts.org. More here.

Rennovated Sullivan Building Opens As Hotel In St. Louis

"This is a treasure. There are only 30 Louis Sullivan buildings left in the world," said Amrit Gill. It's also historical. "This is one of the first high rises in the entire country," he added. The Gills have taken what was old and made it new again with the 140 room Hotel St Louis.

Hotel Saint Louis revitalizes an 1893 historic landmark designed by Adler & Sullivan and constructed as the St. Louis Union Trust Company. Sullivan, considered the creator of the modern skyscraper, is credited with the modernist credo, "form ever follows function."

Predominantly vacant since 2013, the Union Trust Company Building was purchased in 2015 by Restoration St. Louis, led by Amy and Amrit Gill. After a multi–million dollar renovation, the hotel is opening as Hotel Saint Louis under the Marriott Autograph Collection in late fall of 2018.

Hotel Saint Louis is an homage to Sullivan and his legacy. The rooftop bar, /FORM Skybar, reflects Sullivan’s famous philosophy while the street-level restaurant is named “Union 30” after the building’s original name and its placement on the city's landmark list. The original two-story lobby has been restored along with a recreation of the stained glass roof. In addition, the top three floors have been converted into 14 luxury apartments plus a penthouse.

Looking upward, one can see firsthand the genius of Sullivan’s design in the carefully crafted and completely intact upper cornice. His evocative style pairs clean lines with lush Celtic and Art Nouveau touches of natural and geometric forms. Original architectural elements and stylistic motifs have been thoughtfully interpreted and utilized throughout the decor and design of Hotel Saint Louis to make it a destination like no other. See it here.

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