Frank Lloyd Wright’s Famous Creation Gets a Facelift

Leaks Abound at Fallingwater

The Wall Street Journal reported that leaks have been a recurring issue at Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous home, Fallingwater, and repairs are costing 40 times what it cost to construct it.

A 40-Fold Increase in Cost

The gravity-defying Fallingwater is looking forlorn in recent months with a thick barrier of scaffolding. The efforts of its steward, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, to fix dozens of leaks at the Mill Run, Pennsylvania property are adding up to $7 million — a far cry from the $148,000 required to build it in the 1930s.

A Challenging Design

The home-turned-museum is a seminal example of Wright’s organic architecture, but its ambitious design and position over a waterfall have left it in a somewhat precarious state as it approaches the 100-year mark.

Restoration Efforts

On the scaffolding, enclosures retain heat, keeping workers warm and waterproofing materials viable. In a dimly lit Fallingwater, a rare glimpse of preservation from within. The last time the conservancy took on a restoration of this scale was in the early 2000s, Justin Gunther, Fallingwater’s director, told The Post.

A 20-Year Preservation Plan

This current project is a part of the next 20-year preservation plan for Fallingwater, which received a UNESCO World Heritage site designation in 2019. It’s one of just two Pennsylvania sites on the list — the other being Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

The Scale of the Preservation

A view of the property shows the immense scale of the preservation. The home partially sits over a gushing waterfall, which makes maintenance more difficult.

The Challenges of Maintenance

“Water is always the main natural force that you’re trying to combat with a house,” Gunther said. The project is due to finish up by the end of winter 2026. All of this time and work, of course, comes at a steep cost.

A $7 Million Price Tag

Original estimates for the project in 2019 have more than doubled, thanks in large part to pandemic-era supply shortages and subsequent inflation. A state grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is covering a large chunk of the big-dollar restoration, and the remaining funds are being raised through private foundations and individuals, Gunther said. Another $1 million will be required to complete the fundraising.

A Masterpiece of Architecture

The famous American architect designed more than 1,000 buildings, but fewer than half were built. The site received 143,000 visitors in 2024, according to the Journal. “Frank Lloyd Wright said that Fallingwater was designed to the music of the stream,” Gunther said. “He meant it to be this kind of sculptural expression of the stream itself, of rushing water. It’s this sculptural expression of nature’s forms and principles. Because of that direct inspiration from nature, no matter who you are, when you come to see Fallingwater, you find some connection to it.”

Conclusion

As the scaffolding is set to come down by the beginning of April, early bird visitors have a special opportunity to see the preservation process up close. The “Preservation-in-Action” tours planned for the start of Fallingwater’s tour season next month will take visitors on a deep dive into the complexities of the preservation projects.

FAQs

Q: Why is the restoration of Fallingwater taking so long?

A: The restoration is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution to ensure the preservation of the property for future generations.

Q: How much is being spent on the restoration?

A: The restoration is costing $7 million, a 40-fold increase from the original construction cost of $148,000 in the 1930s.

Q: Why is the restoration necessary?

A: The leaks and structural issues at Fallingwater are a result of its unique design and position over a waterfall, making it a challenging property to maintain and preserve.

Q: When will the restoration be completed?

A: The project is expected to be completed by the end of winter 2026.

Q: How can I visit Fallingwater?

A: Fallingwater is open to visitors, and guided tours are available. Visitors can also take part in the “Preservation-in-Action” tours planned for the start of its tour season next month.