Issue 244 March 10th 2021

The Headlines

Fallingwater Announces Reopening Date

Fallingwater, the UNESCO World Heritage-designated home designed in 1935 by Frank Lloyd Wright, has announced its public reopening date after closing in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The house museum will officially reopen to the public for its 58th season on March 6, 2021. The Fallingwater Museum Store, Café and Speyer Gallery will also reopen then.

Several touring options will be available for guests wishing to visit. Purchasing tickets in advance is encouraged due to social distancing guidelines and capacity limits. No interior tours will be permitted at this time, though.

According to the museum, tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for on Wednesdays. More here.

Virtual Tours Of Dana-Thomas House Available

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is offering virtual tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield. The Dana-Thomas House in Springfield was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for socialite Susan Dana. The virtual tours will feature a live, on-screen interpreter; recorded segments about must-see features; and interactive discussions to guide guests through many of the 12,000-square-foot mansion’s rooms. Among special features of the customized tours are:

• Insights into daily life at the house, including discussion about Susan Lawrence Dana’s recipes;

• Multi-sensory segments that blend music, photography and architecture;

• Interactive surprises for kids;

• Segments designed for reflection;

• A question-and-answer period.

“We are excited to offer these unique, interactive and educational opportunities to help audiences connect with IDNR staff to enjoy one of Illinois’ most significant architectural treasures,” said Von Bandy, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Land Management. “This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, and classrooms.” Virtual tours will be scheduled on mutually agreeable days and times by calling 217-782-6776 or emailing dnr.historicspringfield@illinois.gov.

The agency website also offers educational resources, including a teacher’s packet, classroom activities and student worksheets. A recorded video tour and overview of the site also is available online.

Home To Taliesin West

For nearly a decade, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has invited a graphic designer to work full time on the Marketing and Communication team, which includes living and working at Taliesin West. Rachel Minier, 2019–2021 Graphic Design fellow, asks the age-old question: Can one return home? In this Whirling Arrow article, she details life at Taliesin West pre-pandemic, her departure, and subsequent return in a changed world. Read Rachel's article here.

An American System-Built Home Sells For $635,000

A historic Wilmette, Illinois bungalow designed by Frank Lloyd Wright sold last month for $635,000. Built in 1915 for Thomas E. Sullivan, the Lewis E. Burleigh House on Gregory Avenue is a rare surviving example of one of Wright's American Systems-Built homes.

Aiming for affordability, the homes were designed to be built out of pre-cut materials shipped ready to be assembled. They were manufactured in Arthur Richards' Milwaukee factory, with Wright designing more than 30 variations, which sold for as little as $2,750 according to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

The Gregory Avenue property is one of at least six surviving recognized American System-Built houses in Illinois, with three on the North Shore and two in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. Read more about it here.

Willey House Stories: The Space Within: Part 2, "Vista Inside and Out"

In this second of a special five-part feature series for the ongoing Willey House Stories, homeowner Steve Sikora explores variations on the theme from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s Spring 2021 Quarterly issue “The Space Within.” In Part 2, titled “Vista Inside and Out,” Steve explores three concepts: 1. Prospect and refuge, 2. Miegakure, and 3. The Möbius ring. Read it here.

Don't Miss The Inaugural Unity Temple Vintage Home Show

The inaugural Vintage Home Show, offered virtually for 2021 is set to debut Saturday, April 24, 10am-3pm and Sunday, April 25, 12-5pm and you're not going to want to miss it.

Famous for its architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright and the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, Oak Park is the perfect location for designers, contractors and artisans to contribute their skills to owners of old homes.

Unity Temple Restoration Foundation (UTRF), in partnership with the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce, will serve as host for this two-day virtual event, where guests will meet experts experienced in old home challenges. The Vintage Home Show will also include workshops, tailored branding opportunities and tour passes for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Proceeds from the event benefit UTRF’s mission to preserve Unity Temple and educate the public about the significance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s contribution to modern architecture. Follow the link to learn more and sign up to experience this special event.

BTW: If you know any businesses that cater to vintage homes—whether it be contractors, designers, or anyone in the trades—then be sure to reach out to Executive Director of UTRF, Heidi Ruehle to give her the reference. Contact info here.

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