Issue 33 February 22nd 2017

Weekly Note

We've been experiencing some unusually warm weather for February here in Chicago, giving us a healthy dose of spring fever! But just because it's nice outside doesn't mean we'll shirk in our efforts to bring readers all the week's best Frank Lloyd Wright-related news. So enjoy this week's curated stories and as always: Stay Calm and Wright On!

The Headlines

The Ghost of Wright’s Mile-High Tower

Even though the Burj Khalifa in Dubai astonishes all who gaze upon its dizzying height, it owes a debt to Frank Lloyd Wright's never-built "Mile High Illinois" tower design of 1956. If it had been built, Wright's tower at 5,280 feet tall would have dwarfed the Burj Khalifa. Find out more about Wright's super skyscraper by following the link. Read more.

Cuomo Wants Martin House/Graycliff Projects Completed

The Buffalo News reports that New York state Governor Andrew M. Cuomo wants to see restoration projects at Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Complex in Buffalo's Parkside neighborhood and Graycliff, the summer estate built for Isabelle Martin in Derby, completed with funds from phase two of the state's Buffalo Billion program. Follow the link to learn more. Read more.

The Last Original Frank Lloyd Wright Owners

The Wall Street Journal recently spotlighted the 5 remaining original Frank Lloyd Wright clients and shared some of their experiences working with America's most famous architect. Read more by following the link. Read more.

Frank Lloyd Wright Trust A Chicago Gem

We've always been big fans of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, so it only stands to reason the organization behind the saving and restoring of Wright's Oak Park Home & Studio and Robie House—would have the spotlight shown on them as one of Chicago's true cultural gems. Follow the link to read more. Read more.

Is The World Ready For Frank Lloyd Wright’s Suburban Utopia?

Curbed.com's fascinating long form article explores the question of whether or not the world is ready to embrace Frank Lloyd Wright's often overlooked and frequently misunderstood plan for a decentralized society he called "Broadacre City." Follow the link to read more. Read more.

Boomwhacking The Guggenheim Rotunda

The New York Times features the teaming-up of acclaimed choreographers Michelle Dorrance and Nicholas Van Young in their effort to create a new dance piece for the Guggenheim Museum’s rotunda. Follow the link to read about and watch a video showing the percussive dance from above and below. Read more.

Architecture Professor Builds Knowledge Of Past Masters

Here's a link to an article from TheMercury.com spotlighting the educational work of Mick Charney, an associate professor of architecture at Kansas State, who has spent his career teaching students and fostering their interests related to architecture and architectural history—particularly the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Follow the link to learn more. Read more.

Don't Miss The Tour du Taliesin 2017

Taliesin Preservation invites cyclists to explore a broad swath of Frank Lloyd Wright territory, starting and ending at his 800-acre estate, that will offer a challenging ride as well as a memorable gourmet experience. This ride is fully supported with mechanical and medical staff, clear road signage, as well as nutrition and hydration at every aid station.

There are different levels for participating in the event that include a range of cool experiences and swag — including an official event jersey and socks. Depicted on this year's jersey is a stylized graphic of Frank Lloyd Wright's Romeo and Juliet Windmill at Taliesin, which Wright's aunts commissioned from him for their co-educational Hillside Home School. Designer Nizar Schaller, M.Arch is a graduate of Taliesin, The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.

All riders are invited to join us for an after-party under the oaks at Tan-y-Deri Hill, which has a resplendent view across Taliesin and the Welsh Hills, and is one of the more intimate areas of the estate. Enjoy local beer and seasonal cuisine grown and made right here at Taliesin. Spectators and supporters can also purchase tickets to join the after-party to welcome back riders and to celebrate with them.

Can't ride but still want gear or to join the after-party? Purchase after-party tickets and shop the online store. For information on sponsorships, club discounts, or event details follow the link. Read more.

Frank Lloyd Wright Fan

Kenneth Simpson, a volunteer for the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust who conducts tours of Wright's Home & Studio and the Oak Park neighborhood has been visiting and photographing FLW buildings for many years. He sent word recently that he's sharing his photos and other Wright items of interest on his Tumblr page. Follow the links to see more. Read more.

99% Invisible: Usonia The Beautiful

Following up on the previous episode about the First Jacobs House (aka Usonia I) the podcast 99% Invisible explores the realization of that initial Usonian idea as a full-fledged community in Pleasantville, NY. Find out more by following the link. Read more.

About

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