From JSOnline:By of the Journal Sentinel
"Racine — For decades Frank Lloyd Wright fans have flocked to the S.C. Johnson & Son corporate headquarters to ogle the beautifully designed and innovative buildings that inspired employees to invent consumer products found in kitchen cabinets throughout the world.
"After tourists trooped through the great workroom inside the administration building and craned their heads to look up at the giant lily pad-like structures supporting the roof — the famous Wisconsin architect compared them to a glade of trees — they stopped to take pictures of the glass tube-enclosed research tower, glowing like a candle in the center of the complex. And they asked: Can we go inside?
"Always the answer was: Sorry, no.
"But starting May 2 the Johnson Wax research tower will open to the public for the first time. The prospect of seeing one of the few surviving Wright-designed corporate offices from the inside has prompted intense interest with most of the free tours already reserved throughout May and into June. Two-hour tours of the administration building and research tower will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays."
I've been on the tour in the past, but never in the tower. I once interviewed for a job located in the great room, but for me, I think it would be noisy and distracting, at least at first.
ReplyDeleteThere are amazing and artistic spaces within the property, even under the road between the buildings. Some of them are only known to employees.
Maybe we should get a posse together and sign up for a tour? I'd love to see it again.
Can we do that? I'd like to see it.
ReplyDeleteA blueprint of the Research Tower is on display in one of the tunnels where employees can see it. It's about 10 feet wide, signed by Sam's dad and FLW. Too bad the public can't see it, I was stunned when I happened to walk by it.
ReplyDeleteI worked there briefly, right outside my window was the Research Tower.