What’s Going On With Fallingwater?
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the historical landmark in the Laurel Highlands is undergoing extensive repairs.
FALLINGWATER | PHOTO BY GERALD ZAFFUTS – STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Nestled in the Laurel Highlands stands Fallingwater, a structure made up of glass, sandstone and concrete terraces above a waterfall; the appearance mimics the natural elements that surround it.
Operating as a museum since 1964, the iconic house originally designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935 for the Kaufmann family is undergoing $7 million worth of repairs.
“It’s a huge undertaking,” Justin Gunther, Fallingwater’s executive director and vice president of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, told The Wall Street Journal.
The home is currently covered in scaffolding as a result of the World Heritage Preserved Campaign, a three-year project aimed to fix leaks within its walls and conserve the property for years to come. In all, the waterproof membrane on the roof is being replaced, the windows are being recaulked, the stone masonry is being repointed and a new flashing is being installed, which will prevent water from seeping into the building, according to The Wall Street Journal.
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On Fallingwater’s website, the World Heritage Preserved Blog features updates on the project; in its latest update in January, it detailed how workers are reinforcing the canopied walkway that connects the main house to the guest house.
Back in 2019, Gunther predicted the repair project would cost $3 million. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic, bids increased to more than $6 million total, he told The Wall Street Journal.
Grant funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Fallingwater Conservancy and several other foundations have helped advance the project.
While scaffolding is predicted to come down in April, the preservation work will be ongoing throughout 2025.
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Those wanting to see the home amid its makeover are able to purchase Preservation-in-Action tours before Fallingwater opens for the 2025 season. During these guided tour, visitors will learn about the intricate steps involved in safeguarding Fallingwater for future generations, including insights into its original construction and past preservation efforts.
Because its an active construction site, visitors may also encounter dust, debris, protective tarps and other temporary conditions.
Although the appearance of Fallingwater will be different during the Preservation-in-Action tours, the temporary view does come without its own unique qualities, Gunther told KDKA.
“It still kind of has a beauty in its own sense,” Gunther said. “And I think what it allows visitors to do is see what it takes to preserve a landmark like this.”
