By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The Martin House Restoration Corporation Thursday announced the start of the long awaited reconstruction of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece.
The architect's vision was largely destroyed when three buildings in the complex were demolished 40 years ago. But after years of planning -- and fundraising -- reconstruction of the pergola, the carriage house and the conservatory has begun.
Reaching the $6 million reconstruction phase was a major hurdle. Restoration Corporation Director John Courtin described it as climbing Mount Everest.
"This phase we're doing here is clearly the push for the summit. This is the top of the mountain, rebuilding the buildings that were lost." Courtin said. "But we still need to get down from the mountain. We have smaller, easier steps to take such as furniture replication, window replication -- the artisan work in the house -- that needs to be completed."
The reconstruction phase will take about two years and more than $130,000 replica bricks. Total restoration is expected to cost about $30 million.