On March 12, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust opened a Restoration Resource Center to Trust members. The extensive archive of resources for the conservation, restoration and preservation of historic buildings is intended to aid homeowners of Wright-designed and other historic homes in their restoration and conservation efforts.
Karen Sweeney, staff preservation architect, said the Trust wants to use its vast knowledge and records to help others.
“Over the years, we’ve had an unofficial role as research guide for others, but we felt the need to make it official. Through the conservation and various restorations of the Wright properties in the Chicago area, we’ve collected various samples that may be helpful to others.”
Sweeney notes that the service is aimed at Wright homeowners, but much of the materials and references are also beneficial for other historic homeowners.
Archived materials
The Resource Center is available by appointment as a service to Trust members. The bulk of the Trust’s archived materials are housed in a warehouse, and Sweeney or another staff member will gather information from a homeowner to determine what might be helpful. Some might want to see archived collections of wood trim or examine door or window samples. Some might simply want the name of a tile vendor.
Consultation services available at the Resource Center will include advice on both materials and contractors. The Resource Center will be able to provide advice on interior and exterior finishes, leaded glass, the furniture of Wright’s Prairie years, extensive records of paint samples from the Home & Studio, Robie House and Unity Temple, and referential access to archival samples of plaster fragments, wood trim, roofing, piping, doors, masonry and art glass.
In addition, the Resource Center can provide advice on historic building care and maintenance, products, suppliers and materials, as well as access to a network of preservation specialists, including architects, conservators and craftspeople.
Consultations can be scheduled by email, telephone or in person. Contact the Resource Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday at 312-994-4034 or research@flwright.org
More than a tourist destination
After a meticulous restoration, the Home & Studio opened to the public in 1974. Often, homeowners who either live near Wright’s Oak Park Home & Studio or have visited the Home & Studio and admired its restoration, don’t realize it might be a research resource as well as a tourist destination.
Noted Sweeney, “People are looking for someone sympathetic to the historic nature of their homes. Sometimes, all they’re looking for is to be sent in the right direction.”
When homeowners realize that their vintage homes also require the services of an architect or perhaps a contractor specializing in roofing, tiling or HVAC maintenance, they begin to see the Trust as a good resource.
Even something as simple as finding a good plumber can take on added importance, depending on the home.
“You would rather keep an original fixture working than tear things out and replace with new items,” Sweeney said, noting that the Chicago area has a wealth of specialized craftspeople to help with restoration efforts. “The only time we go outside of the area is when we can’t find it here. The bulk of our vendors are local. I’ve never had a problem finding a great plasterer or metal worker.”
Materials
Sweeney said that, to date, the three most repeated questions she receives are on paint colors, plaster mix and wood trim colors. Some homeowners are also interested in the magnesite flooring that Wright included in his Home & Studio and Unity Temple.
While paint formulations change over time, the resource center can help match or provide formulas for many colors. At times, replacement items are necessary to restore a home, and Sweeney often advises homeowners to go with something salvaged.
“If the original hardware is missing, we might say try to find a salvaged item first from the same era. That’s typically more correct, plus it can be less expensive than replicating the original. The age gives it a level of authenticity.”
Sweeney, whose job entails maintaining the Home & Studio and Robie House to museum-quality levels, noted that this level of conservation may not be demanded by every historic homeowner.
“We need to follow the National Landmark guidelines for restoration,” she said. “As a museum, we take it to the nth degree. As a homeowner, you might want to modify what we do, but there are general guidelines for significant homes that we can point toward.”
Maintenance
Sweeney has also been contacted by people considering the purchase of a significant home in the Oak Park area.
“They may be very interested in a home but a bit worried about the expense. I can help them make the connection to someone in the area with a similar home or who took on a similar restoration. Historic homes take a lot of maintenance, whether they are Frank Lloyd Wright or not. I tell all people that keeping up with the maintenance is the best choice. Make it your priority to make sure the house is water-tight and electrically safe. Then you can go from there and go room by room.
“Many people,” she added, “put a lot of energy into keeping these homes up because they enjoy doing so and they enjoy being in a historic home.”