Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day

Monday, September 8, 2008

Fallingwater Trip


We will be taking a spectacular field trip to Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater" on Sunday, September 14, 2008. We have reservations at 2pm for a guided tour and will leave Dormont about noon. Bring beverages and food - there is a picnic spot within 1/2 mile from the house where we will stop weather permitting. It will be fascinating to experience the architecture of one of the most prominent and reknowned artists of our time. Fallingwater is considered to be one of the most important architectural designs of the 20th century. Look forward to seeing everyone.


Home Facts


Description: A mountain retreat for the Edgar J. Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh, owners of Kaufmann's Department Store


Residents: Edgar Kaufmann Sr. (1885-1955), Liliane S. Kaufmann (1889-1952), and their son, Edgar Kaufmann jr. (1910-1989). The home was owned and used by the Kaufmann family until 1963, when it was entrusted by Edgar Kaufmann, jr., to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Design and construction: Designed in 1935 by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) The main house constructed 1936-38, followed by the guest house construction in 1939
Final cost: $155,000 (Included $8,000 architect’s fees, and $4,500 for installed walnut furnishings)


Square footage: The main house uses 5,330 square feet. (2885 sq. ft. interior; 2445 sq. ft. terraces) while the guest house uses 1,700 square. feet.

Visitation: 4 million people since opening our doors in 1964, with 145,470 in 2007
Preservation: The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has preserved Fallingwater since 1963, with a major structural repair in 2002 strengthening Fallingwater’s cantilevers to prevent collapse and future deflection.


Fallingwater was featured on the cover of Time Magazine, January 1938
Fallingwater is the only major Wright-designed house to open to the public with its furnishings, artwork, and setting intact. Frank Lloyd Wright once suggested that the house’s concrete surfaces be coated in gold leaf.