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Set in a 30-acre property
with a wooded ravine and a series of ponds and lagoons, Wingspread spreads
elegantly across its gently rolling site –
a site that Wright found “not
at all stimulating before the house went up.” Even more than many of
Wright’s earlier Prairie Houses, Wingspread seems to be the epitome of his
“organic” architecture. Its four wings stretch elegantly out to embrace
the prairie. Its primary materials – limestone, brick, stucco and wood –
tie the house to the earth. From the center
of this array of horizontals rises Wingspread’s 30-foot-high chimney, with
five fireplaces on three levels. The chimney of warm brick is complemented by
expanses of oak veneer, and bathed in the changing light from overhead and
from the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the Great Hall. At night the
living room glows like a fire-filled lantern.
The Johnson family lived at
Wingspread for 20 years in the last and largest of Wright’s Prairie Houses.
Wingspread was given to the Johnson Foundation in 1959 as an educational and
conference center. A formal dedication ceremony was held on June 24, 1961, at
which Wright’s widow, Olgivanna, gave a brief speech.
Since 1960 the fireplaces
have been the gathering spots for men, women and young people who come to
Wingspread conferences from around the world. They come as guests of the
Johnson Foundation to meet, plan and share ideas that will make a difference
on behalf of the public good. National Public Radio, the National Endowment
for the Arts and the initial blueprint for arms control all had their roots in
Wingspread conferences.
Wingspread was designated as
a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Tours are free and available 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. by appointment. Call 262-681-3353. Address is 33 East Four Mile Road,
Racine WI 53402. n
Text:
Wingspread by Craig Canine,
© The Johnson Foundation, Inc., 1977. Reprinted
by permission
http://www.johnsonfdn.org,
© The Johnson Foundation, Inc.
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