Bike Wright: Preservation Infrastructure Needs

Fred Prozzillo, Director of Preservation, The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona was the home, studio, and school of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Today, this National Historic Landmark is home to The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. Recognized as one of Wright’s master works, it was his architectural laboratory where materials and architectural theories were tested as his apprentices constructed and re-constructed the buildings between 1938 and 1959, the year of Wright’s death. Today, we need your assistance in preserving this architectural gem.

In 2014 the Foundation developed a Preservation Master Plan to guide the future comprehensive restoration of this important architectural site. As part of the plan, a list of preservation priorities were outlined and recommended for completion before comprehensive restoration would take place. On this list were priority projects such as: monitoring and testing the concrete of the cabaret theater, stabilizing the roof of the original dining room, conserving a concrete slab with an inscription of a Whitman poem at the entrance to the property, and, developing a full scale mockup to test prototype fabric roofing systems that may someday be used in the restoration of the buildings of Taliesin West. But, of all the priorities listed, two stand out as critical to the success of future restoration efforts at Taliesin West: the plumbing and electrical infrastructure were listed as major projects that, if upgraded, would provide a sound foundation for future restoration efforts.

Taliesin West’s domestic water supply consists of galvanized pipe that is at the end of its service life. Installation of the lines started in 1939, after a private well was established on site.  Whereas the well system was recently updated, the domestic water lines are in varying states of failure. Repairs have been made over the last 50 years with copper, PVC, and Schedule 10 PVC (1970s). Additionally, the sewer lines and waste water treatment plant are in need of upgrading and now consist of varying materials: clay, concrete, cast iron, Orangeburg, ABS, PVC, and, they fail from deterioration. When repairs are needed, the loss of water results in the closing of the property, preventing the Foundation and the School from carrying out their mission.

To meet the demands of modern life, the electrical infrastructure at Taliesin West will also require significant upgrading. From the survey, a plan will be developed for future replacement and upgrade. The current infrastructure will not be sufficient to support the comprehensive restoration of the property, let alone the technology needed to succeed as a modern organization and school.

As the landscape surrounding the property is integral to the buildings, innovative solutions will be needed when undertaking the replacement of the infrastructure.  Our goal is to minimize the destruction of existing walkways and the surrounding desert, the desert that so struck and inspired Wright.  To assist us in this effort we assembled a team of engineers and contractors who are leading the field in horizontal boring and non-invasive construction. These leaders are eager to partner with us and carry out the work in a sensitive and non-destructive manner. As Taliesin West is a place of innovation and education, we plan to document this work and use it to inform the community about cutting edge technologies and advance new techniques in the construction industry.

Replacing the water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure at Taliesin West will be an important and delicate job.  Its replacement will insure this architectural masterpiece, and National Historic Landmark, will be around for generations to come.  With a sound infrastructure The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architect will be able to carry out their missions of educating the public, as well as future generations of architects, and inspire society through an understanding of Wright’s ideas and designs.  We hope you will support Bike Wright, so we may accomplish our goals and continue this important mission.

Visit FRANKLLOYDWRIGHT.ORG and click on “Bike Wright” to help support Taliesin West.