Wright Chat

bill · Guest

I live in ferndale,mi. And have been very interested in this home. I was able to go inside a few yrs. back. I believe the last owner had a estate sale and I went,just to see the place.Do you know who is in charge of the place @ this time? I drive By often,taking my step-son to U-of D highschool. and any info would be great! Thanks...Bill

guestnow · Guest

Have you visited the auto repair / tire store place in Ferndale to see the Wright work there?

EJ · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 239

There is no such place in Ferndale by Wright. Perhaps there is a Wright like building, but nothing more.
_________________
"It all goes to show the danger of entrusting anything spiritual to the clergy" - FLLW, on the Chicago Theological Seminary's plans to tear down the Robie House in 1957

guestnow · Guest

It is real, but there is not much to it: just barely-detectible remodeling around the service counter.

Historically, it is listed as "Roy Wetmore Service Station Remodeling". It is still in business.

Here is a recent photo of the exterior (which, of course, does not show the interior service counter)

http://www.rreini.com/dixiehwy-mi/Wetmores.JPG

Greg Coatsworth · Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:08 pm Post subject:

I would agree that very little if anything remains of the original FLLW plan for Wetmore's, other than the concept of having a automobile placed on the second floor for viewing from the ground. The FLLW plan did not include having the automobile extend out over the ground without a ramp below the front wheels (as built, the wheels freely spin). Growing up in the area, my family would always point out the 'wiggly wheels' when we drove by. The wheels would spin out of balance 24 hours a day. It is a local landmark in the Detroit area. When I stopped in about 30 years ago, I could not see any of the FLLW remodeling remaining. You can get a view of the plan by going to the FLLW Monograph Volume 8.

guestnow · Guest

So there was a lot more remodeling which has been removed? When I was there recently, I saw pretty much what was in Storrer's book.

us024077 · Guest

which storrer book are you referring to? there's nothing in either one of mt storrer books on this.

guestnow · Guest

It is S.348, "Frank Lloyd Wright Companion". A very small entry, fitting of a very small project.

us024077 · Guest

S348 is the Greene FLW office in San Francisco in both the companion and the field guide.

Storrer considers the Wetmore as an unbuilt design. Sounds like you need a newer version of Storrer's book.

patrick mahoney · Guest

The Greene Office was carefully documented and dismantled before it was removed from its museum setting in Pittsburgh. It is crated awaiting reinstallation in a Buffalo, N.Y. museum

pharding · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2006 9:36 am Post subject:

Hi Patrick:

Can you give us an update on Greycliff and the Martin House. I saw that New York State apprepriated funds for FLW projects in Buffalo. Will some of those funds go to Greycliff and the Martin House?
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Paul Harding FAIA Owner and Restoration Architect for FLW's 1901 E. Arthur Davenport House, the First Prairie School House in Chicago | www.harding.com | LinkedIn

guestnow · Guest

I did not know, until now, that Dr Storrer's index numbers change over time.

In his "Printing 4 1994", he notes the following:

"S.348 Replaced Wetmore Auto Service Station listing with Frank Lloyd Wright Field Office listing including text and plan for the latter"

I was referring to an earlier version of his index.

patrick mahoney · Guest

The Martin House expects the exteriors of its rebuilt pergola,conservatory, and garage to be complete for a ceremony this fall. Work has also started inside the main house which has opened up the two sided main fireplace. This has dramatically changed the perception of the interior. Recent appropriations will go towards the visitor center. Other major announcements are pending.

Graycliff was not included in the recent appropriations (too far from downtown to be considered). The exteriors of the two major buildings there will be the target of this years restoration projects, which are partially funded by the State from past appropriations.

EJ · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 239

Pat,

What's the status of the filling station recreation? My wife and I have friends in Buffalo and are contemplating a visit there. What are my options for FLLW touring? I know the recent masoleum is there, but are the Martin House and Greycliff open to the public now?
_________________
"It all goes to show the danger of entrusting anything spiritual to the clergy" - FLLW, on the Chicago Theological Seminary's plans to tear down the Robie House in 1957

JimM · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 1455

Don't know the latest on the gas station or boat club. I believe the Martin and Barton House (currently Martin site shop) are open during the rebuilding/restoration. Then you have the Heath House, Davidson House and Martin gardeners cottage, which are private homes. Of course, Graycliff on the lake (less tha 30 minutes from Martin) is well into restoration and open for tours.

Also, downtown is Sullivans Prudential building and there are is at least one HH Richardson building. Buffalo was an important, wealthy city at the turn of the century (before the demise of the Erie Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada diverted all its trade.). Many huge, beautiful mansions dot Delaware Ave., a main thoroughfare into the city. The area around the Martin House is upscale and near the zoo, whose grounds along with various museums were originally built for an exhibition (worlds fair) in the early 1900's. The Saarinen designed Kleinhans Music Hall houses the Philharmonic. No shortage of architectural history to take in.

If you go up to Niagara Falls, skip the refineries on the American side and cross the Peace Bridge in Buffalo and take a really nice cruise up Canada's well maintained roadway to the falls. A lot of pre-revolution history in Western New York and Ontario, CA.