SC Johnson’s Fortaleza Hall Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room
SC Johnson’s new Fortaleza Hall, named for the Brazilian city that was at the heart of two life-changing expeditions by the Johnson family, features several unique experiences. One of the experiences that will draw visitors to the city of Racine, Wis. is the Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room.
H.F. Johnson, Jr. commissioned Wright to design buildings for the company’s main campus in Racine. The famous Administration Building opened in 1939, followed by the Research Tower in 1950. The relationship between Wright and Johnson helped define Wright’s career as much as it helped to define the Johnson buildings and the company. Often viewed as an architectural artist ahead of his time, Wright’s creations were deemed innovative and extremely modern.
The Library
Fortaleza Hall is a contemporary partner to Wright’s buildings. The Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room is a space dedicated to one of America’s most well-known architects. One of the largest collections in the country that's focused on Wright's unique contributions to a single community, it offers visitors an opportunity to view hundreds of documents, blueprints, books and DVDs.
SC Johnson worked in partnership with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation at Wright’s Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Ariz., Mark Hertzberg of Racine, Wis., and the SC Johnson internal archives collection to obtain hundreds of Wright artifacts including handwritten notes and other correspondence. While the items cannot be borrowed or leave the facility, visitors have access to all of it free of charge.
Exploring the Genius
Visitors and researchers can learn more about Wright’s interaction with his clients through copies of his correspondence. The library also contains detailed drawings, renderings and elevations of key elements of Wright projects that help to better understand the depth of his vision and understand his creative approach to design. Historians, chroniclers and biographers assessed his life, work and impact on today’s architecture and the library contains much of this information. At the time of opening the items, mostly provided by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, include:
• More than 300 books about Wright and his career
• 250 original drawings and blueprints
• 125 interior, exterior and construction photos
• 140 letters
• 15 videos
• An original Wright desk and three-legged chair from SC Johnson’s Administration Building
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Legacy in Racine
Known as a place that inspired several Wright creations, the city of Racine draws 4,500 Wright enthusiasts and admirers annually. From the Hardy House and Keland House to Wingspread, the former home of the Johnson family, Wright’s influence can be seen throughout the city.
The library also includes information on three Racine Wright-designed buildings that were not built: the YWCA building, the Roy Petersen House and a café intended for the Racine airport.
Visit the Library and Reading Room
Fortaleza Hall is open to the public and invites visitors to tour the building. Tours of Fortaleza Hall will run on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year.
• Fridays, beginning Feb. 12 – April 30: 10 a.m., 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Fridays, May 7 – Oct. 29: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
• Fridays, Nov. 5 – March 25, 2011: 9:30 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2 p.m.
• Saturdays, beginning Feb. 13 – May 1: 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
• Saturdays, May 8 – Oct. 30: 10 a.m., and 1:15 p.m.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room will also be open to visitors 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., with reservations and based upon availability.
The library and tours are free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to tour the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings on campus on Fridays. Reservations for the tours are also required.
To make a reservation, call 262-260-2154 or email Rondelle@scj.com