A significant piece of architectural history, Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Fountainhead' house in Jackson, Mississippi, has been acquired by the Mississippi Museum of Art. This purchase, finalized in mid-November, ensures the iconic Usonian-style home will open to the public, fulfilling a long-held dream of its late owner, preservation architect Robert Parker Adams.
The acquisition marks a new chapter for the distinctive property, known for its unique triangular geometry and profound connection to Wright's design philosophy. The museum plans extensive preparations, with public access anticipated within the next year.
Key Takeaways
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Fountainhead house sold to the Mississippi Museum of Art.
- The sale price was $1 million, 40% of the initial asking price.
- The house will become a public museum, honoring the late owner's wishes.
- Complex legal and zoning hurdles were overcome for the acquisition.
- Significant restoration and ongoing maintenance are required due to Yazoo clay foundation.
A Half-Century of Dedicated Stewardship
Robert Parker Adams, who passed away in July, owned Fountainhead for nearly 50 years. He dedicated decades to its preservation and public education. His commitment transformed the house into a local landmark, often hosting tours that could last for hours.
Adams was particularly fond of highlighting the house's unconventional design. He would playfully correct guests who asked about square footage, stating, "There aren’t any square feet. Just triangular feet." This quote encapsulates the home's distinctive acute and obtuse angles, a hallmark of Wright's Usonian period.
Architectural Insight
Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian homes were designed to be affordable, functional, and aesthetically integrated with their natural surroundings. Fountainhead, completed for oil speculator J. Willis Hughes, embodies these principles with its flat roofs, cantilevered overhangs, and natural material palette.
Adams began restoring the property in the early 1980s, working alongside his first wife, Mary. Their efforts ensured the home's integrity for future generations. His passion for sharing Wright's vision was a driving force behind his desire for the house to become a public space.
Navigating the Sale and Preservation
The decision to sell the house came just weeks before Adams's death, with an initial listing price of $2.5 million. Douglas Adams, a relative and co-lister with David Abner Smith of Crescent Sotheby’s Realty, noted the difficulty in pricing such a unique property.
"There were no comparables," he explained. The house stood in stark contrast to other properties in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood, where top asking prices were around $445,000. Yet, it also differed from other Frank Lloyd Wright homes that sometimes fetch over $10 million.
"I love educating people about Wright."
— Robert Parker Adams, on his passion for the house
The final sale price settled at $1 million, approximately 40% of the original asking price. While lower than initial hopes, Adams's widow, Sherri Mancil, expressed satisfaction. She emphasized that the sale ensures the house will be "preserved in perpetuity," aligning with her late husband’s wishes.
What is Yazoo Clay?
Yazoo clay is a highly expansive soil found in parts of Mississippi. It swells significantly when wet and shrinks when dry, causing substantial movement. This can lead to structural damage in buildings, requiring specialized engineering and ongoing maintenance to counteract its effects.
Overcoming Hurdles for Public Access
The path to public ownership was not straightforward. Several critical steps required community and governmental approval. First, the Woodland Hills Conservation Association had to amend its covenants. This change exempted Fountainhead from the requirement of being a single-family residence, a condition valid as long as the Mississippi Museum of Art owns the property.
This amendment required a 'yes' vote from 75% of the association's members. Douglas Adams, who also represented the museum in this process, facilitated the voting through organized events with refreshments and a notary to ensure smooth participation.
Zoning and City Council Approval
After the conservation association's approval, the local zoning board reviewed the museum's plans for hosting small tours and events. This approval was granted on October 22. The final formality came in mid-November when the City Council gave its stamp of approval, paving the way for the closing of the deal.
Betsy Bradley, the director of the Mississippi Museum of Art for 24 years, highlighted the significance of this acquisition. "This is all new territory for us," she stated, as Fountainhead is the first house the museum has ever acquired.
Financial Support
Two anonymous donors covered the entire cost of the house and necessary repairs, demonstrating strong community support for the project. This eliminated financial barriers to the purchase.
Bradley expressed excitement about the community's support. "I am excited that the community has risen to make the resources available and eliminate the barriers to the purchase," she said. This collective effort underscores the value placed on preserving this architectural gem.
Future Plans and Ongoing Care
Even with the acquisition complete and initial repairs funded, the house will require continuous maintenance. Bradley pointed out a significant challenge: "It sits on Yazoo clay." This porous material's constant movement caused damage that Adams had previously repaired, and it will continue to pose an issue.
The museum anticipates it will take at least a year before Fountainhead is ready to welcome visitors. During this period, extensive work will focus on further restoration and preparing the site for public access.
When the house finally opens, Robert Parker Adams's legacy will remain central. Bradley confirmed that "His stories will be incorporated into the interpretive materials," ensuring that his passion and knowledge continue to educate future visitors about Frank Lloyd Wright's unique architectural vision.