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Group to Rebuild Frank Lloyd Wright Design
The Frank Lloyd Wright Revival Initiative has set out to rectify wrongs done to the legendary architect’s creations.
First up is the Banff Pavilion at the Banff Pavilion Park in Alberta, Canada. Designed by Wright along with Canadian architect Francis Conroy Sullivan in 1911 and constructed in 1914, the pavilion was torn down in 1939, due to water infiltration and structural damage.
According to the Initiative, the relatively simple structure, commissioned by the Canadian government, was initially conceived as a visitor center by Department of Public Works; however, given the timeline of its completion during World War I, the pavilion served as a quartermaster’s store operated by the Department of Defense.
Following the war it was used as it was intended: a picnic area and visitor shelter, the organization noted.
Reclaiming a Treasure
The structure epitomizes the architect’s famous “Prairie School style,” demonstrating horizontal lines reminiscent of native prairie landscapes, and if rebuilt, will be one of two standing Canadian buildings designed by Wright. The other is the E.H. Pitkin House located on Sappar Island, in Desbarats, Ontario.
The FLW Revival Initiative says the pavilion has never been replicated and offers the town an opportunity to reclaim the historic treasure.
Canadian Architect reports that the organization’s proposal for Banff was accepted by the Banff Town Council, who is now conducting a feasibility study as Phase I of the project. The FLW Revival Initiative is inviting donations to help fund the project.
Righting Wrongs
The Initiative plans to rebuild demolished Wright buildings on their original footprints according to original designs, accounting for any changes due to modern building codes.
“These buildings were demolished due to a lack of appreciation for their value,” Initiative Founder Michael Miner told Canadian Architect. “Genuine works of art should never be destroyed. Our hope is to amend some of these errors and, hopefully, prevent this from happening in the future”
