American Midwest Road Trip

Frank Lloyd Wright Tour, day 2

August 7

Racine Campground #2::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Racine Campground #2
Wingspread #1::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Wingspread #1
Wingspread #2::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Wingspread #2

The second day of our Frank Lloyd Wright tour in Wisconsin began at Wingspread. Built in 1939, the house of Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. was one of the most elaborate house designs of that era. Due to Coronavirus restrictions, we were only allowed to see it from a distance without getting out of the car.

Windpoint Lighthouse::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Windpoint Lighthouse

On our way, we stopped for a moment at Windpoint Lighthouse. One more time turquoise waters of Lake Michigan captivated us.

Thomas Hardy House #1::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Thomas Hardy House #1
Thomas Hardy House #3::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Thomas Hardy House #3
Art Glass Window::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Art Glass Window

Beautifully located on the shores of Lake Michigan is the Thomas Hardy House in Racine, Wisconsin. This is another example of Prairie school design by Frank Lloyd Wright. The architect perfectly fit the design in the site where the hill drops towards the lake. The facade of the house on the street side designed is to ensure the privacy of residents. There are only small art glass windows facing the street. It is hard to believe that this modern home was built in 1905.

Johnson Wax Tower #1::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Johnson Wax Tower #1
Johnson Wax Tower #2::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Johnson Wax Tower #2

Johnson Wax Headquarters is an industrial building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built from 1936 to 1939. A nearby 14-story Johnson Wax Tower was built ten years later.

Johnson Wax Headquarters #1::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Johnson Wax Headquarters #1
Johnson Wax Headquarters #2::Racine, Wisconsin, USA::
Johnson Wax Headquarters #2

Buildings feature many curvilinear forms. In order to create extensive curves, many different types of curved bricks were required. The mortar between the warm, reddish bricks is light in color to emphasize the horizontal lines of the exterior.

Next, we wanted to visit Chicago. Driving slowly in traffic jams, we arrived at a hotel in downtown. It was interesting to see how the hotel operated during the Covid-19 era. Not only was the hotel restaurant closed, we were also offered to cancel room cleaning. The desk in our room was empty, no pen, notebook or magazines.

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© 2020 Maciej Swulinski