The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation Funds Restoration at Frank Lloyd Wright Graycliff Estate
The Graycliff Conservancy has received a grant in the
amount of $400,000 from The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation for restoration of
the Graycliff Estate, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as the summer home for
the Darwin D. Martin family.
The Wendt Foundation’s major contribution will be used to fund restoration of the Foster House, an integral part of the Graycliff Estate. It is a recognizable Wrightian design with broad eaves and cantilevered balconies, and is a prominent terminal feature of the site. The Foster House has suffered from widespread water damage, which requires prompt remediation to save this structure. A 1950s addition to the building interrupted the natural flow of surface-drainage, causing widespread, moisture-related deterioration to the entire Graycliff Estate. This water overflow was especially detrimental to the Foster House, accelerating the extensive damage which currently exists.
In addition, there is a lack of adequate ventilation. There is no ventilation under the cantilevered balcony decks, which allows warm air from the heated spaces of the Foster House to move into the unheated cantilevered areas. The resulting condensation has caused wood rot, damage to the interior stucco and structural problems. Once restored, the Conservancy expects the Foster House will be a key complement to the recently restored cantilevered terrace on the front of the main house (Isabelle R. Martin House) in its impact on visitors’ understanding and appreciation of this Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. Design work is expected to begin this spring.
The
Trustees noted, “This grant is in furtherance of the Foundation’s recognition
that establishing the Frank Lloyd Wright legacy in Western New York is a major
element in our region’s tourism.”
The campaign to preserve Graycliff began in the spring of 1997 as a grassroots, volunteer campaign to acquire this historic landmark, restore the site to the beauty of Mr. Wright’s original design, and open the Estate for public tours. The generosity of The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation will continue the momentum for this community effort and will help to establish Graycliff as an important heritage destination.
January 2, 2002