Unity Temple: 2019 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award Winner
Channel: National Trust for Historic Preservation
Date: 2020-06-12

Unity Temple, Oak Park, IL: Built in 1908, Unity Temple is one of the most important works of Frank Lloyd Wright. This National Historic Landmark is seen by many as one of the first works of “modern” architecture and was a featured work in the 1910 Wasmuth Portfolio, which had a profound impact on Wright’s contemporary European architects. However, as with many revolutionary works of architecture, there were aspects about the way Unity Temple was originally built that made it vulnerable to deterioration without regular maintenance. After decades of deferred maintenance, the building underwent a complete $23 million restoration that not only returns this internationally significant work of architecture to its original appearance but gives new life to a building that will allow it to continue to successfully serve its original purpose, as a house of worship for its congregation, as well as a tourist destination for Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiasts from all over the world. 

The 2019 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award was awarded at PastForward 2019 in Denver, Colorado.