Fortaleza Hall Shares Adventure in SC Johnson’s Hometown
A new building is now open on the campus of SC Johnson’s international headquarters in Racine, Wis. Fortaleza Hall, named for the Brazilian city at the heart of two life-changing expeditions by the Johnson family, is a tribute to the late Sam Johnson, the fourth generation leader of SC Johnson. The building honors the indelible mark Sam Johnson left on the company, the community of Racine and the people of SC Johnson.
A Unique Home; Rich History
With a population of 199,510, Racine County is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin, 30 miles south of Milwaukee, Wis. and 60 miles north of Chicago.
The city is a tourist destination for architecture enthusiasts and families around the region. Known as a place that inspired several Frank Lloyd Wright creations, Racine is also home to the Racine Zoological Gardens, lakefront festivals and beautiful beaches.
Working with the Community
The Johnson family has lived in Racine for more than 100 years. Fortaleza Hall is dedicated to the memory of Chairman Emeritus Sam Johnson, the fourth generation leader of SC Johnson, who was passionate about the community and cared very deeply for his neighbors. While SC Johnson’s 124-year history is celebrated inside the new building, it also reflects the dedication of several Wisconsin businesses.
With unemployment at a 27-year high in Wisconsin at the time of construction, SC Johnson tried to work with local businesses as much as possible. More than 20 local companies were hired and 13 percent of the companies are minority or female-owned.
A Pathway to the Past, to the Future
For more than 124 years, SC Johnson has been located between the downtown and uptown neighborhoods of Racine. In 2003 the city of Racine began efforts to revitalize the uptown neighborhood and return it to its original character. Through the mid 1960s, the uptown was a hub of commercial, office and residential activity. Today art murals and renovations once again brighten this neighborhood.
As it was in its original heyday, the uptown is the gateway to the Racine community. Visitors to the city will pass the new Fortaleza Hall – a contemporary bridge from the uptown to the downtown neighborhoods. Designed by Norman Foster of London-based Foster + Partners, the building features several experiences, including a Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room with hundreds of documents, drawings, correspondence, videos and books on one of America’s best-known architects, a colorful history of the SC Johnson company, and the replica twin-engine S-38 amphibious aircraft that Sam Johnson flew in the second expedition in 1998.
Giving Back to the Community
SC Johnson is pleased to open Fortaleza Hall to its neighbors and their guests. The company demonstrated its commitment to their hometown community for decades. The SC Johnson Fund, Inc. was incorporated in 1959 and has contributed millions of dollars to organizations and
programs that help improve the quality of life and increase the sustainability of our communities.
As a matter of policy, SC Johnson sets aside 5 percent of pre-tax profits globally for corporate giving, nearly four times the national average. In 2008 the 3,200 U.S. employees raised more than $900,000 in contributions for the United Way campaign in the U.S., which was matched by the SC Johnson Fund, Inc. for a total of more than $1.8 million.
Visiting Fortaleza Hall
In a county with 34 schools and 21,000 students, Fortaleza Hall is open to the families of Racine. The community is invited to visit Fortaleza Hall and learn more about the SC Johnson company, the expeditions to Brazil and the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. 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.
Tours are free of charge. Visitors are also welcome to tour the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings on campus on Fridays. Reservations for both tours are required.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Library and Reading Room will also be available to visitors 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., with reservations and based upon availability.
To make a reservation, call 262-260-2154 or email Rondelle@scj.com