I guess I have a new hobby, architecture. In fact, I've seen 18 Frank Lloyd Wright structures in the last 18 months or so (plus many other styles)! It's a good excuse to travel. We were fortunate enough to visit the Park Inn September 10 & 11, 2011 during the grand opening. Originally, the bank was the vault-like east end, with the law offices between the bank and the hotel. The exterior remains true to Wright's Wasmuth Portfolio rendering, and the interior has been very well converted into a modern day hotel. We were very impressed with the interior conversion, and the the attention given to keeping as much of the original plan intact as possible. This was an impressive task, and well done, especially when accommodating modern day ADA laws and fire codes. I'll post a few pics here, if you want to see the rest, go to my FLW blog here: http://flwarchitecture.blogspot.com/search/label/Park Inn 1910 This is the hotel. And the bank:
I admire those who try to keep historical buildings looking much as they did when they were first built. So many, over here, tend to be left for vandals to destroy so that councils can then pull them down stating that they have become an eyesore and pose health and safety issues. In truth it's because they want the land for new buildings and the old ones are simply getting in their way. However, in saying that, there are many fine, old buildings that are now being preserved for future generations and have conservation orders on them. I'm impressed with the iridescent art glass that was discovered - it must look wonderful when the sun hits it. So glad you were there for the grand opening and I hope the Park Inn goes from strength to strength and is around for many generations to come. I wouldn't mind having one of the cars that were parked outside. :-D
Pianolady---Beautiful! What a cool hobby, checking out Frank Lloyd Wright's projects. You are right, what a good excuse for travel. I love his buildings. Do you know how many there are in existence in USA? BTW, do you play piano?
I'm not sure how many are still standing in the US. Probably a few hundred, there are many homes being preserved by private owners or non-profit groups. Yes, I teach & play piano for a living and love it.
PL, how cool to be a part of all that. My DD#1 has an Assoc. Degree in Architechural Science and is a fan of FLW structures (although she's never had the privalage of seeing one outside a book). I love when people renovate and keep the integraty of the building they are preserving. Thanks for sharing.
