Issue May 8th 2024 May 8th 2024

The Headlines

Concern Over Price Tower Grows

Leaders of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy expressed concerns to the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise about recent developments at the historic Price Tower in Bartlesville, OK and its current ownership.

The FLWBC, which facilitates the preservation and stewardship of works designed by Frank Lloyd Wright by holding an easement in perpetuity over properties like the Price Tower, told the newspaper they are monitoring the situation closely.

The Conservancy's easement stipulates things like maintaining insurance on the building, paying bills on time to prevent liens and preserving the building's original architectural integrity.

"We are concerned," John Waters, preservation program manager for the Conservancy, said, "Yes, this is a significant Wright building. It was a potential nominee for World Heritage, and it seems to be really struggling right now."

Price Tower, completed in 1956 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is one of Wright's most unique designs and his only realized skyscraper. In March 2023, after years of financial woes and struggles to maintain Price Tower, new owners promised to breathe new life into the Tower with an infusion of $10M investment.

The new life has failed to materialize as promised.

Waters said the Conservancy has been concerned about the Tower's struggles over the last few years but hoped Cynthia Blanchard could turn things around.

"It's a hard model, and it needs to find the right person, and we had hoped that this would be the right person," Waters said. "From what we had been hearing ourselves and what we're hearing now makes us question that."

Waters confirmed the Conservancy conveyed to Blanchard what the easement meant and how it worked before she gained control of the Tower.

Barbara Gordon, executive director of the Conservancy, calls the Price Tower "a very special building." She fondly recalls getting stuck in one of its tiny elevators the last time she was there.

"If there could be a stakeholder group in Bartlesville that could really come together and say this Tower is important to us," Gordon said. "Bringing key stakeholders rather than just a few to really say, 'How do we secure this for the future?' "

Gordon explained that the Conservancy provides valuable resources and connections to other Wright sites, but ultimately, the community will lead the effort.

"We always believe that all preservation is local," she said.

Gordon and Waters said the easement gives the Conservancy legal options to rectify issues, but they weren't considering pursuing that option.

"When you go to court, nobody wins; that's something we want to avoid," Waters said. "Our goal would be to work to find a new steward for the building before we did anything else."

"The international Frank Lloyd Wright and design communities are watching what's happening in Bartlesville right now," Waters said.

Waters said the Conservancy plans to inspect the Tower in the next few months to better understand what's happening.

Blanchard, owner of Copper Tree Inc. and the Price Tower, did not respond to requests to comment on the original story.

Schweikher House Hosts A Peony Party Fundraiser

The Schweikher House Preservation Trust invites the public to a summer afternoon fundraiser at the Schweikher House in Schaumburg, Illinois on Saturday, June 8th, from 1pm to 4pm. in support of our organization. Enjoy the 35 varieties of blooming peonies and hors d'oeuvres from Unforgettable Edibles while mingling throughout the house and grounds. Classical guitarist, Brad Conroy, will provide the soundtrack for the afternoon.

Tickets support educational outreach and programming as well as maintaining a growing collection of Alexander and Martyl Langsdorf artifacts (subsequent owners of the home) — plus Paul Schweikher artifacts.

The Schweikher House was constructed in 1938 as Modernist architect Paul Schweikher’s home and studio. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a local Schaumburg landmark, the AIA Illinois top 200 architectural sites in Illinois, a longstanding member of Docomomo Chicago and a new member of Iconic Houses.

McDonald House Rescued From Ruin

In its heyday, the McDonald House, a mid-century home in Birmingham, Alabama was the height of 1960s modern design, with wide horizontal planes used to create a spacious interior. Embracing the tenets of organic architecture, the house celebrates its picturesque location with huge windows and a palette of natural materials. Once a beloved family home, it fell into disrepair after the owner died.

The home's architect, John Randal McDonald’s buildings were more affordable versions of visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. McDonald's designs included jutting rooflines, repeating rectangles, ribbon windows and horizontal lines, but without the expensive masonry, glasswork or costly carpentry of Wright.

Happily, the two-bedroom home was rescued from ruin by local investors who spotted its potential. Despite being built in 1960, the house still looks ultra-modern today, with the exterior featuring restored window panes and a manicured lawn with shrubs. The whole property was brought up to 2019 energy codes, with updated electrics, plumbing and a septic tank.

Featuring a 1,500-square-foot floor plan, the renovated house has an open living area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a family den, a walk-in closet and a pantry.

The restoration carefully retained McDonald’s original vision for the house, while updating the residence for modern living.

Celebrating Roland Reisley At 100

Join the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy for an online celebration of Roland Reisley’s 100th Birthday! In 1951 at the age of 26, Roland and his late wife, Ronny, commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design his home as part of the Usonia community in Pleasantville, New York. Roland is now the only person still living in a house designed for him by Wright. A founding Board member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, we will have a chance to hear first-hand from Roland about his experience working with Wright and how the house has contributed to his longevity. Please bring a glass of something bubbly to toast!

The virtual event will be held over Zoom on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 5 – 6 p.m. CDT. Registration is free but required.

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