McGuire Igleski & Associates
McGuire Igleski & Associates

Taliesin Visitor Center Historic Structure Report

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As stewards of Taliesin, Taliesin Preservation, Inc. (TPI) engaged McGuire Igleski with TKWA to prepare a Historic Structures Report (HSR) to document the building’s history and development, its physical appearance and changes over time, carefully examine the existing conditions, and provide recommendations for preservation treatments to restore and rehabilitate the Taliesin Visitor Center. The prioritized recommendations reflect objectives identified by TPI and emphasize restoring the building to its original completed appearance while enhancing the visitor experience and expanding the buildable area to meet the programmatic needs.

Historic Photos: Taliesin Preservation, Inc.

Location

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Client

Taliesin Preservation, Inc.

Size

16,500 SF

Project Partners

The Kubala Washatko Architects (TKWA)

Pierce Engineers

Altius Building Company

Historic Surfaces LLC

Ring & DuChateau

The history of Riverview Terrace began in 1953 when Frank Lloyd Wright announced the design and construction of a restaurant and bar with a wayside for travelers and a balcony overlooking the Wisconsin River. Construction began on the Usonian structure in 1958 but was halted following Wright’s death on April 9, 1959. The building remained unfinished until 1966, when the Wisconsin River Development Corporation (WRDC) revitalized Wright’s plans as the centerpiece of a 4,000-acre resort. The building continued in this capacity until 1993, when it was acquired by Taliesin Preservation, Inc. to serve as the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center.

View of Riverview Terrace, c. 1967
Inside view of the Spring Green Restaurant at Riverview Terrace, c. 1970
Frank Lloyd Wright onsite during construction at Riverview Terrace, c. 1957-1958
Frank Lloyd Wright onsite during construction at Riverview Terrace, c. 1957-1958
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