We are thankful to Frank Lloyd Wright Wisconsin for nurturing and supporting the Burnham Block since 2004. Under their auspices, four Frank Lloyd Wright American System-Built homes were acquired and two were restored. In 2016, the organization began a strategic planning process to consider the best path forward for an organization that evolved to have two divergent missions; promoting Wright tourism statewide and the Burnham Block site. The process culminated in August 2017 when we reorganized into two organizations. Wright In Wisconsin, Inc. will continue the statewide mission to promote Frank Lloyd Wright (and “like”) tourism. Their board is composed of representatives from each public Wright site in Wisconsin (including the Burnham Block).
We are the second organization, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block, Inc. and we will focus exclusively on the Burnham Block historic site. We will move ahead with more restorations, expanded programming and the creation of necessary space to house our educational programs.
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We welcomed nearly 2,000 guests during the annual Doors Open Milwaukee weekend! Visitors continue to journey from around the world to experience Frank Lloyd Wright's Burnham Block.
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Accomplishments:
Historic Site Visitors: Another record year with nearly 5,000 visitors - half from outside Wisconsin and many other countries. Our volunteer docents receive rave reviews as they welcome visitors from around the globe to this internationally recognized historic site in Milwaukee!
Educational Outreach: Classes from area colleges and universities regularly visit the Burnham Block including The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Marquette University, Alverno College (new this year) and others.
Ongoing Restoration: Uihlein/Wilson Architects is finalizing the interior restoration plans and specifications for the 2732-34 West Burnham building.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail: We are an official site on this exciting new tourist attraction. Thank you to our friends at SC Johnson, Wright In Wisconsin, and the many legislators who gave bi-partisan support to the bill that officially designates the trail.
Inspiration: We know the homes inspire young and old alike. We know that connecting our guests with the history and vision of Frank Lloyd Wright coupled with the experience of visiting the site and being inside the homes makes a profound impact. Stuart Graff, CEO of the Frank Lloyd Foundation recently stated, “Frank Lloyd Wright might be more relevant today than when he was alive.” I couldn’t agree more. Our guests frequently confirm this sentiment when they tell me, “I could live here.”
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A student from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design completes a sketch of the Model B1 interior.
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Your financial support is essential to the continued success of the Burnham Block. Please consider becoming a charter member of the Friends of the Burnham Block so this remarkable collection of Wright designed buildings will be restored, experienced, and will inspire generations to come. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Together we can inspire so many.
Thank you!
Mike Lilek, President
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The National Park Service visited the Burnham Block in 2017 to further document the site.
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