Phoenix Mayors Support the David Wright House
DWH Mayors Arcadia ad B_Arcadia Back Page 6/18/15 1:54 PM Page 1
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Inset photo: Mayor Terry Goddard
Pictured: Mayors Johnson , Rimsza and Gordon in a recent visit to the Wright House
PHOENIX MAYORS SUPPORT THE DAVID WRIGHT HOUSE
E
ach of us, with the exception of one, has had the honor and pleasure to serve as both a councilmember and Mayor of the City of Phoenix. While a councilmember may pay particular attention to one constituency or another within his or her own district, experience has taught us that the Mayor (who is elected city-wide), must put the interest of the entire City first. Over the years, each of us has been fortunate to have councilmembers share our own passion for actively preserving Phoenix’s most historic homes and buildings. In May 2012, Phoenix nearly lost one of its most architecturally significant historical homes – the David Wright House in Arcadia. In 1950, Frank Lloyd Wright designed the home for his son David on 10 acres in the middle of citrus groves with magnificent views of Camelback Mountain and Papago Peak. Completed in 1952, the David Wright House is one of three spiral designs by Mr. Wright. It is a precursor to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. The house is regarded as Mr. Wright’s last residential masterpiece. It is an architectural jewel,
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson, Mayor City of Phoenix, 1990-1994 Council, City of Phoenix, 1986-1990
but until recently very few knew it even existed. We believe the home is the embodiment of Arizona exceptionalism. It is part of what makes Phoenix such a uniquely American city. In December 2012, the home was saved from destruction by a native Arizona family, who plan to restore the home and then donate it to the David and Gladys Wright House Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to maintain the house and the grounds, as well as celebrate the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright through tours, educational programs, exhibitions, lectures, research facilities, events and performances, and to inspire future generations of artists and architects. On November 6, 2013, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved an allowance within the City’s Zoning Ordinance, thereby acknowledging the need to preserve this exceptionally significant historic structure and property. Paramount to this new City approved allowance was that the building and property be open to the public in order to educate, display, celebrate, and inspire future generations to not only appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, but the arts too. These goals are
Skip Rimsza, Mayor City of Phoenix, 1994-2004 Council, City of Phoenix, 1990-1994
consistent with the Foundation’s mission. Sensitive to his Arcadia neighbors, the new owner of the property already has secured parking for the home through an agreement with a neighboring church on Camelback Road, thereby keeping visitor traffic off residential streets. Further clarification of the hours of operation, the types and number of events, the size of improvements such as a an educational center, bookstore and museum café will soon be brought to the community who will be asked to further define acceptable uses of the property. Such sensitivity can only enhance an already spectacular gift to the people of Phoenix and Arizona. The Foundation offers us an extraordinary opportunity. We encourage everyone in Phoenix to embrace this magnificent project and celebrate it with us. The Wright House is unique to Phoenix and as past leaders, we encourage our current leaders, neighbors, and members of the greater community to work together to make sure we don’t squander this chance. We can help to inspire future generations through the architectural treasure that Frank Lloyd Wright gave to us decades ago.
Phil Gordon, Mayor City of Phoenix, 2004-2012 Council, City of Phoenix, 1998-2004
Terry Goddard, Mayor City of Phoenix, 1984-1990
DAVID AND GLADYS WRIGHT HOUSE FOUNDATION PO Box 60190 Phoenix, AZ 85082 DavidWrightHouse
For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.DavidWrightHouse.org or call 602.689.6140
DavidWrightHouse
DavidWrightHouse
WrightHouseAZ
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Inset photo: Mayor Terry Goddard
Pictured: Mayors Johnson , Rimsza and Gordon in a recent visit to the Wright House
PHOENIX MAYORS SUPPORT THE DAVID WRIGHT HOUSE
E
ach of us, with the exception of one, has had the honor and pleasure to serve as both a councilmember and Mayor of the City of Phoenix. While a councilmember may pay particular attention to one constituency or another within his or her own district, experience has taught us that the Mayor (who is elected city-wide), must put the interest of the entire City first. Over the years, each of us has been fortunate to have councilmembers share our own passion for actively preserving Phoenix’s most historic homes and buildings. In May 2012, Phoenix nearly lost one of its most architecturally significant historical homes – the David Wright House in Arcadia. In 1950, Frank Lloyd Wright designed the home for his son David on 10 acres in the middle of citrus groves with magnificent views of Camelback Mountain and Papago Peak. Completed in 1952, the David Wright House is one of three spiral designs by Mr. Wright. It is a precursor to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. The house is regarded as Mr. Wright’s last residential masterpiece. It is an architectural jewel,
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson, Mayor City of Phoenix, 1990-1994 Council, City of Phoenix, 1986-1990
but until recently very few knew it even existed. We believe the home is the embodiment of Arizona exceptionalism. It is part of what makes Phoenix such a uniquely American city. In December 2012, the home was saved from destruction by a native Arizona family, who plan to restore the home and then donate it to the David and Gladys Wright House Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to maintain the house and the grounds, as well as celebrate the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright through tours, educational programs, exhibitions, lectures, research facilities, events and performances, and to inspire future generations of artists and architects. On November 6, 2013, the Phoenix City Council unanimously approved an allowance within the City’s Zoning Ordinance, thereby acknowledging the need to preserve this exceptionally significant historic structure and property. Paramount to this new City approved allowance was that the building and property be open to the public in order to educate, display, celebrate, and inspire future generations to not only appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, but the arts too. These goals are
Skip Rimsza, Mayor City of Phoenix, 1994-2004 Council, City of Phoenix, 1990-1994
consistent with the Foundation’s mission. Sensitive to his Arcadia neighbors, the new owner of the property already has secured parking for the home through an agreement with a neighboring church on Camelback Road, thereby keeping visitor traffic off residential streets. Further clarification of the hours of operation, the types and number of events, the size of improvements such as a an educational center, bookstore and museum café will soon be brought to the community who will be asked to further define acceptable uses of the property. Such sensitivity can only enhance an already spectacular gift to the people of Phoenix and Arizona. The Foundation offers us an extraordinary opportunity. We encourage everyone in Phoenix to embrace this magnificent project and celebrate it with us. The Wright House is unique to Phoenix and as past leaders, we encourage our current leaders, neighbors, and members of the greater community to work together to make sure we don’t squander this chance. We can help to inspire future generations through the architectural treasure that Frank Lloyd Wright gave to us decades ago.
Phil Gordon, Mayor City of Phoenix, 2004-2012 Council, City of Phoenix, 1998-2004
Terry Goddard, Mayor City of Phoenix, 1984-1990
DAVID AND GLADYS WRIGHT HOUSE FOUNDATION PO Box 60190 Phoenix, AZ 85082 DavidWrightHouse
For more information or to arrange a tour, visit www.DavidWrightHouse.org or call 602.689.6140
DavidWrightHouse
DavidWrightHouse
WrightHouseAZ
