Frank Lloyd Wright home to unveil restoration
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The multi-million dollar restoration project of Samara, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home located in West Lafayette, is nearing completion, and the home is set to reopen to the public this spring. In addition to the nearly $2 million in renovations, Samara will also reopen under new full-time curator Nathan Allaire.
Allaire succeeds Linda Eales, who retired after 20 years serving in various roles at the house. He previously worked at another Wright-designed property, Iowa’s Cedar Rock.
“We are excited to expand the Samara curator position to full-time and look forward to growing our tours and programming under Nathan’s leadership,” said Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks.
The project included upgrades to the home’s electrical and HVAC systems, as well as repairs to the foundation, concrete, and brick driveway. Additionally, the project fixed structural supports to the overhanging eaves and refreshed finishes.
Indiana Landmarks says the year-long restoration project, which was spearheaded by Harboe Architects in Chicago and Indianapolis-based Brandt Construction, ensures that the home will be a “learning laboratory for the work of Frank Lloyd Wright well into the twenty-first century.”
In 2020, the National Park Service awarded Samara a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant to support the restoration efforts. The grant, along with private donations and funds from the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust Inc., funded the project.
Indiana Landmarks says its staff is currently working to return the original Wright-designed furnishings to Samara and plans to resume public tours in the spring.
“By repairing rather than replacing materials, visitors will see the same home with its historic furnishings they have known for years,” Davis said.
