Herbert F. Johnson House
Description and history
Wingspread stands near the center of the Wind Point peninsula, a triangular protrusion into Lake Michigan north of the city of Racine. The approximately 12 acres (4.9 ha) of landscaped grounds form an integral part of the architectural experience, having a landscaping plan also developed by Wright in emulation of a prairie setting. The house is approached from the north by a long winding drive. It consists of a central hub, from which four long arms radiate. Each of the wings originally housed a different function: parents' wing, children's wing, service wing, and guest wing, with the public spaces in the center. The hub appears as a domed structure, with clerestory windows on the sides, and a viewing platform at the top.
The house was built in 1938–39. Its construction was overseen by a young John Lautner. Wright's client, Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. was also a corporate client, for whom Wright designed the Johnson Wax Headquarters Building in Racine, which was built at about the same time. The house, at 14,000 sq feet, is one of the largest of Wright-designed homes. It is also considered to be the last of Wright's Prairie School inspired designs, and was one of his most expensive residential designs.
The Johnson family donated the property to The Johnson Foundation in 1959 as an international educational conference facility. It is also open to the public for tours.
The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989.
Gallery
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Interior view of chimney seeper and ceiling in main living area
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Entrance in 2016
See also
- List of Frank Lloyd Wright works
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Wisconsin
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Racine County, Wisconsin
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
- ^ "Herbert F. Johnson House". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on April 3, 2009. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
- ^ Carolyn Pitts (January 29, 1989). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Wingspread / Herbert F. Johnson House". National Park Service.
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: Cite journal requires|journal=
(help) and Accompanying 14 photos, exterior and interior and of Frank Lloyd Wright with model, from 1980 and undated. (3.13 MB) - ^ "Wingspread: Frank Lloyd Wright's Largest Prairie-Style House was Home to the Johnsons".
- ^ "Visiting". SC Johnson. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
- Storrer, William Allin. The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion. University Of Chicago Press, 2006, ISBN 0-226-77621-2 (S.239)