Wingspread facts for kids
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Herbert F. Johnson House
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | 33 East Four Mile Road, Wind Point, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 11.8 acres (4.8 ha) |
| Built | 1938-1939 |
| Architect | Frank Lloyd Wright |
| Architectural style | Prairie School |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000076 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 8, 1975 |
| Designated NHL | June 29, 1989 |
Wingspread, also known as the Herbert F. Johnson House, is a famous historic house. It is located in Wind Point, Wisconsin. The house was designed by the well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built between 1938 and 1939.
Wingspread was built for Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr.. He was the president of a company called S.C. Johnson. Frank Lloyd Wright thought this house was one of his most detailed and costly designs. Today, Wingspread is a conference center. It is run by The Johnson Foundation. The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989. This means it is a very important historical place in the United States.
About Wingspread
Wingspread is located on the Wind Point peninsula. This area sticks out into Lake Michigan, north of Racine. The house sits on about 12 acres of land. Frank Lloyd Wright also designed the landscape around the house. He wanted it to look like a prairie.
The house has a unique shape. It has a central part, like a hub. From this hub, four long sections, or "wings," spread out. Each wing had a different purpose. One wing was for the parents. Another was for the children. There was also a wing for guests and a service wing. The main living areas are in the center hub. The hub has a domed roof. It also has windows high up on the walls, called clerestory windows. There is a viewing platform at the very top.
Building the House
Construction of Wingspread happened from 1938 to 1939. A young architect named John Lautner helped oversee the building. Frank Lloyd Wright also designed another building for Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. This was the Johnson Wax Headquarters Building in Racine. Both buildings were constructed around the same time.
Wingspread is one of the largest homes designed by Wright. It is about 14,000 square feet. It is also seen as one of Wright's last designs inspired by the Prairie School style. This style uses strong horizontal lines and open spaces.
Wingspread Today
In 1959, the Johnson family gave Wingspread to The Johnson Foundation. Now, it is used as a place for international educational conferences. People can also take tours of the house.
Wingspread was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Later, it became a National Historic Landmark in 1989. These honors recognize its importance in history and architecture.
Images for kids
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Interior view of chimney seeper and ceiling in main living area
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Entrance in 2016
See also
- List of Frank Lloyd Wright works
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Wisconsin
