Historical Society: Spring Green Restaurant listed on the State Register of Historic Places

Town of Wyoming, WI. – The Wisconsin Historical Society placed the Spring Green Restaurant (Town of Wyoming, Iowa County) on the State Register of Historic Places on August 14, 2020.

The Spring Green Restaurant constructed 1967-1969 was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, one of his last designs before his death, using his signature Usonian style.  The design was completed by Taliesin Associated Architects, renowned architects in their own right, using the same stylistic vocabulary.  This project had deep meaning to Wright, as it was built in the Wyoming Valley the landscape that nurtured his genius and that he considered his home.  The building is an excellent example of Usonian design and skillfully incorporates the characteristics that define the style. 

The building is tucked into the low bluff along the Wisconsin River taking advantage of both the topography and the sweeping views of the river itself.  Strongly horizontal in form, exterior materials of warm sand-colored stucco and local limestone set with randomly laid and at times projecting stones, emphasizes the connection to nature.  Flat roofs and cantilevered overhangs, both strongly associated with the style, intersect with a broad gabled roof; a cantilevered roof over the terrace incorporates this design feature and achieves the goal of comingling interior and exterior spaces. The building has expanses of glass windows, mitered corners, and integrated and clearstory windows, all used to dramatic effect to bring the outdoors in and provide expansive views. Interior finishes and the central hearth evoke warmth and nature.  Currently known as the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitors Center and home to Taliesin Preservation, Inc., the building continues to welcome the public who have come to learn more about the architect and his work.

The State Register is Wisconsin’s official list of state properties determined to be significant to Wisconsin’s heritage. The State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society administers both the State Register and National Register in Wisconsin.

To learn more about the State and National Register programs in Wisconsin, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org

About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.