The Frank Lloyd Wright Revival Initiative has announced that its organization will expand efforts beyond those of its original mission, and offer assistance to various Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings in need.

Originally conceived as an entity dedicated only to reconstructing demolished Frank Lloyd Wright buildings on their original sites, the Initiative has recently become involved in projects outside of that mandate. “We realize that there is an enormous void in the protection, maintenance, and restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, and the promotion of Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy” says FLWRI CEO Michael MIner, “and that these objectives are not being currently met with existing efforts. Having said that, I would like to point that the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust in Chicago, which maintains stewardship of the FLW Home and Studio, Robie house, and Unity Temple, seems to be doing an exemplary job.”

In addition to assisting in some relatively minor projects, which include helping a Wright homeowner in negotiating a lower cost for roof repair, Miner speaks of larger efforts, “We have already become spokesmen for the owners of the Malibu Oboler complex, lost to the Woolsey fire last year, and taken the lead in having the site declared historic by the State of California, thus saving the surviving stone masonry from demolition. Now the owners can begin the application process for rebuilding. I’ve also made a personal donation of 45,000.00 as a start up fund for this rebuilding effort. Additionally, I have committed to obtaining a bank loan, using my own home as collateral, and will offer 200,000.00 as a matching donation for the acquisition of the Spring house in Tallahassee to bring it under the control of a protective organization. It’s being done this way because we don’t want to access our general fund, where most donations were intended for the rebuilding of the Banff Pavilion. Also, in the interest of full disclosure, I will reimburse myself through salary from the Initiative to eventually get my house out of hock, if donations specified for that purpose are received. If they don’t come through, I’ll take the financial hit.”

“I know these seem like extreme steps, but I’m getting impatient with the lackluster efforts of those who have been expected to protect these buildings, help with their restoration, and educate the public as to Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius. Up to now my films have been providing the advocacy, now we’re taking concrete steps to make a difference.”

The Revival Initiative’s inaugural project, the rebuilding of the Banff National Park Pavilion in Alberta, Canada, remains its primary focus. “The final portions of the terms of reference required by the Town of Banff are being completed at this time, and will be submitted soon. Following approval, the construction on the building will hopefully begin in the Spring of 2020, delayed one year from our initial estimate.”

Miner reminds that outside help is still needed. “We are a 501(c)3 non-profit, and still welcome individual donations.” When asked why he is doing this, he replies “The only answer I can give is, because it needs doing, and it’s currently not being done.”

http://flwrevivalinitiative.org