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Join the Friends The Burnham Block

Frank Lloyd Wright's Vision to Shelter All

WE NEED YOUR HELP

2018 Annual Campaign

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE BRING THE VISION OF FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT TO LIFE

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A recent Burnham Block review on Facebook said simply, “It was a great experience walking through art” – Emily K.

Emily felt it! There is no place in Milwaukee more intimate or personal than the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed American System-Built Homes, Model B1. Emily is not alone. Guests often say, “I could live here”. This diminutive 805 square foot building is a full encounter with Mr. Wright’s broad vision to shelter everyone in a work of art. But the Model B1 and the rest of the buildings on the Burnham Block are even more than that. They are also pure expressions of Mr. Wright’s genius in merging engineering and technology with art and design to create living spaces filled with natural light, harmony, and comfort. Mr. Wright wanted the American System-Built Homes to connect their occupants with nature, to provide gathering spaces for the family and to be a quiet and serene space to return to at the end of a busy day. The homes on the Burnham Block are all these things and more. It’s amazing they were created 101 years ago – but even more amazing that Mr. Wright’s vision for shelter continues to be relevant and inspirational to visitors and students today.

We welcomed a group of 23 Japanese architects in October. Visitors continue to journey from around the world to experience Frank Lloyd Wright's Burnham Block.

Accomplishments:
Visitors: Another record year - nearly 5,000 visitors from around the world. #37 on Trip Advisor list of places to visit in Milwaukee!

Educational Outreach: Visits from University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), Marquette University, Ripon College, North East Tech and more.

Restoration: Interior restoration of the 2732-34 W Burnham building is underway.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail: We provided partial funding for the historic marker signs installed along Interstate 94 in Milwaukee.

A student from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design completes a sketch of the Model B1 interior.

The Burnham Block is quickly taking a place as a major cultural asset in Milwaukee. The homes and our extraordinary volunteer docents inspire young and old. We also have a lot of “bricks and mortar” (a.k.a. stucco) that needs restoration. We will be making a major “brick” announcement soon. We are profoundly grateful for the generosity of the donors and benefactors who have helped us so far. Please consider joining us in this by becoming a member of the Friends of the Burnham Block. Your membership provides vital support for this historic site and our mission to “Preserve, Connect and Inspire” for 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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American System-Built Homes, Model B1 Living Room.
Photo (c) Robert Hartmann

Fundraising for critical stabilization projects is underway. Our four buildings are each 102 years old - only two have been restored to date. Temporary repairs fixed this leak in the Model C3 Living Room. A new roof is the long-term solution. Please consider giving to this important work.

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