Taliesin West takes contemporary approach to historic preservation

As newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of a collection of 8 sites, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West in Arizona and Taliesin in Wisconsin have already seen an increase in visitors from around the world, a trend that the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation anticipates will continue for years to come.  

To ensure Wright’s two personal homes are accurately preserved, Foundation Vice President of Preservation Fred Prozzillo has taken a contemporary approach to the historic preservation of both sites. Through the work of the preservation teams, Prozzillo seeks to extend the legacy of Wright’s innovation by showcasing unique design and sustainable practices.

Many of the practices implemented by Prozzillo and his team are looking to take a leadership position on a global level when it comes to the use of new technology, the latest materials and experimental methods that have never been utilized at National Historic Landmarks.

Along with the prestigious designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site comes increased interest and traffic from people of all walks of life who hope to experience Wright’s work. Ensuring the sites are accessible to individuals with disabilities is essential to achieving its mission. As such, the Foundation is working to add ramps, replace surfaces that are easier for wheelchairs and walkers, upgrade lighting and sound systems and create ADA compliant bathrooms, among other things. The accessibility projects are funded by a Challenge Grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities, which requires matching support from individual donors, a Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Pakis Family Foundation (a supporting organization of the Arizona Community Foundation). Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this press release do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.