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Frequently Asked Restoration Questions:
Why is it important to restore the Robie House?
Decades of decay and neglect had endangered Wright's Robie House, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building that the architect himself termed “a cornerstone of modern architecture” and the only one of his creations that he fought to save from demolition – twice. Wright was not the only one to regard the Robie House as an important structure. Architectural historians consider it one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture, a masterpiece of the Prairie style and a forerunner of modernism. Although designated one of the 12 most significant structures of the twentieth century by the American Institute of Architects, the Robie House was badly in need of repairs. In 1999, the Robie House was named an official project of the Save America's Treasures program, intended to help preserve America's irreplaceable historic and cultural treasures. Now a $10-million-plus restoration project, undertaken by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, is giving this American icon a new lease on life and preserving it for future generations.
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Who is conducting and paying for the restoration?
The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, known for its award-winning historical restoration of Wright's first home and studio in Oak Park, Illinois, is responsible for restoring the Robie House. A Restoration Committee, comprising staff members, architects and architectural historians, oversees all planning and makes critical decisions about the restoration.
The Preservation Trust is also solely responsible for raising all the funds required to restore the building to strict museum standards. Sources of major funding have included grants from the National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the State of Illinois, the Pritzker Foundation, Tourism Cares for Tomorrow, and contributions by members and friends of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Proceeds from membership fees, tours, museum shop sales and educational programs also support the restoration. To date, $5.5 million has been raised and successfully spent on half the project.
The Robie House Centennial Campaign is in full operation securing financial support for the restoration from the philanthropic community. As with all construction campaigns, some financial support comes in the form of pledged donations, which are received over a period of time, often several years. In order to bridge the gap between campaign income and construction payment, the Preservation Trust has access to interest-free bank funds that add no cost to the restoration. By covering campaign income gaps with interest-free bank funds, the Preservation Trust can accelerate the construction schedule and eliminate costly work stoppage.
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What are the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation
Trust's goals for the restoration?
The restoration's main goals are to stabilize the building, repair the damage caused over time, and return the building to its original appearance in 1910 when construction was completed and the house best reflected the design intent of the architect and the client. Throughout the process, as much original building fabric as possible will be conserved so that the Robie House will showcase with historical accuracy Frank Lloyd Wright’s original extraordinary design, engaging and inspiring new generations of visitors.
The restored Robie House will offer an opportunity to expand public access to the building, develop inspirational education opportunities, offer extraordinary programming and advance traditional house museum interpretation. Our objective is to increase public engagement while creating innovative reasons to revisit the museum.
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Is the Robie
House open to visitors during the restoration?
Yes. During the next phase of the restoration, November 1, 2008 through October 31, 2009, public tours of the Robie House will be offered Saturdays between 11 am and 3 pm. Public tour offerings on Saturdays will include guided tours of the museum and self guided audio tours of the neighborhood. The Robie House will also continue to offer The Wright 3 tours and our full slate of Second Saturdays programs. Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets can be purchased here or 1.800.514.ETIX (3849).
The restored Robie House will fully reopen to the public May 1, 2010 with new innovative tours and programming to celebrate the 100th anniversary. To prepare for the museum’s grand reopening, the Robie House will be closed to public access November 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010.
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What restoration work has been completed so
far?
First, a master plan for restoration was developed after extensive research, including archival documentation of historical records and photographs, and an analysis of existing conditions of all building materials and components. A distinguished panel of restoration architects and Wright scholars reviewed and discussed the plan. Pre-restoration projects included the development of dozens of architectural drawings; completion of life safety work, including asbestos removal; detailed documentation of existing conditions of all 174 panels of art glass; beginning of ADA compliance through the addition of wheelchair-accessible bathrooms; an evaluation of existing mechanical, electrical and fire safety systems; and data logging of temperature and humidity in different rooms through each season. Since the Robie House was originally designed as a home, but was now to be open for public tours, engineers studied the implications of assembly occupancy for the building.
Exterior restoration began in the spring of 2002, and was completed on schedule in July 2003. The first step was to stabilize the building by preventing further water infiltration and repairing termite-damaged areas. Major projects included repairs of damage caused by water penetration, installation of a historical clay tile roof, replastering of deteriorated soffits, extensive masonry repairs, replacement of damaged bricks and limestone, stabilization or rebuilding of balconies, and conservation of 22 art glass doors and windows. All internal electrical wiring was updated and new water service was introduced. A climate management system, interlocking aspirating fire detection system, and a dry sprinkler system were installed. Reproduction iron gates have been installed in the garden and garage area.
Interior restoration is in progress.
Visit the Robie House Restoration Project home page for current updates.
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What remains to be done?
While the exterior restoration has been completed, a significant amount of work remains to fully restore the Robie House to its historic appearance. First, "hardscaping" of the site is necessary. This includes installation of drainage and lighting around the site. The interior of the home, after years of use as a dormitory and office building, needs to be restored to the original design. This includes recreating interior finishes and paint colors; conserving the original wood floors; and conserving 118 art glass windows and sashes. Missing building elements need to be restored, including custom fabricating 70 brass light fixtures; reconstructing built-in cabinets and buffets; replacing missing hardware; recreating bathroom fixtures; and procuring period pieces such as telephones, a stove and kitchen sink. Five custom-made carpets also need to be recreated.
Finally, the exterior needs to be landscaped to emphasize the relationship Wright created between the building and nature. Three large elm trees must be planted to recreate the appearance of the site in 1910, and the built-in flower boxes planted to recreate the appearance of the exterior as portrayed in the famous Wasmuth Portfolio plate of 1910.
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At present, in what stage is the restoration
project?
Exterior restoration of the Robie House was completed in July 2003. Inside the building, the dining room prow area was the first space to be restored. The first phase of interior restoration of the 9,062-square-foot museum is currently under way with a projected finish date of November 2008. This work includes the restoration of Robie House's servants’ wing, kitchen and dining room. Work will start in November 2008 on the second phase of interior restoration, including the guest bedroom, third floor bedrooms and bathrooms, and the central stair halls.
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How can I help restore the Robie House?
The countdown to the Robie House centennial has begun and we want everyone to be a part of this exciting moment in architecture. We have launched the final phase of the Centennial Campaign, which will raise $5 million to complete the interior restoration of this masterpiece of modern residential architecture.
If you would like to volunteer for the Centennial Campaign or make a philanthropic investment in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, please contact Mark D. Warner, vice president of development at 708.848.1976 or mwarner@gowright.org.
You can also help make the Preservation Trust’s mission come alive everyday by joining us as a member. Our members play an essential role by underwriting engaging programs that enrich our knowledge of architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright and celebrate his magnificent legacy.
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