Frank Lloyd Wright is widely regarded as one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, known for his innovative designs and groundbreaking approach to architecture. One of his most iconic buildings, the Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is the only skyscraper ever designed by Wright. However, the future of this historic building is now in jeopardy, as a plan to save it is facing significant challenges.
The Price Tower was completed in 1956 and was originally intended to be a multi-use building, with office space, a hotel, and residential apartments. However, due to its unconventional design and high construction costs, the building never achieved full occupancy and fell into disrepair over the years. In 2002, the Price Tower was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its architectural significance and importance to American history.
In an effort to preserve the Price Tower and ensure its long-term sustainability, the Price Tower Arts Center, which owns and operates the building, launched a $13 million fundraising campaign in 2019. The campaign aimed to raise funds for necessary repairs and renovations, as well as to create an endowment for ongoing maintenance and programming.
However, despite the best efforts of the Price Tower Arts Center, the fundraising campaign has fallen short of its goal. The organization has only been able to raise a little over $6 million, leaving a significant funding gap that threatens the future of the Price Tower.
In response to this setback, the Price Tower Arts Center has had to reevaluate its plans for the building. The organization is now considering alternative strategies, such as partnering with other organizations or seeking additional funding sources, to ensure the long-term preservation of the Price Tower.
The challenges facing the Price Tower highlight the difficulties of preserving historic buildings, especially those with unique and unconventional designs. The Price Tower is not only a significant architectural landmark but also an important cultural and educational resource for the community. Its loss would be a major blow to the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and to the history of American architecture.
As the Price Tower Arts Center works to find a solution to its funding challenges, it is clear that the future of the Price Tower remains uncertain. The organization is calling on supporters and donors to come forward and help save this important piece of architectural history. Only time will tell if the plan to save the Price Tower will ultimately succeed or if this iconic building will be lost to future generations.
