Restoration of Rare Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – December 8, 2025 — Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block Inc. is proud to announce that a major restoration project is set to begin on the architect’s iconic American System-Built Homes, Model C3, located at 1835 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee. The home represents Wright’s most ambitious effort to create affordable and beautiful homes for everyone.
Community Impact
“The Burnham Block Museum welcomes thousands of visitors every year from all 50 states and over 42 countries. Our inspiring tours showcase Wright’s interest in making houses more affordable, his architectural principles, and his far-reaching influence on a variety of art forms. We also celebrate and draw inspiration from innovators who have changed the world, including Wright, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and many others. This restoration will increase our capacity and allow us to offer more educational and cultural programming for everyone, from fourth graders to lifelong learners,” said Mike Lilek, Board President of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block Inc. “We’re excited to restore the home and bring it back to life for future generations.”
Preserving Wright’s Legacy
Innovative when they were conceived in 1915, the American System-Built Homes are perhaps even more relevant today because they show us how to build beautiful, affordable homes. In these homes, Wright asks us to rethink what a house is and how we live our lives, then moves us a step closer by making the house affordable. A restored Model C3 will significantly expand our ability to inspire more people to think about the architecture and buildings that touch our daily lives.
“The Burnham Block homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and collectively form a City of Milwaukee Historic District. In addition, these six homes are recognized as a Milwaukee County Landmark.”
Scope of the Restoration
- Remove non-original alterations added over the home’s 109-year life, including the synthetic stone cladding and metal roofing.
- Restore the exterior stucco, wood shingle roof, severely damaged wood trim, and maintain the historically accurate doors and windows.
- Re-open the porch on the South elevation.
- Restore lost architectural elements, including the entry trellis, flower box, windows & doors, and wood screening.
- Remove all hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead paint.
- Update mechanical systems to meet modern standards while preserving architectural integrity.
- A second project is planned to restore the interior, including lost details, built-ins, and finishes, all based on Wright’s original plans.
Most visitors say, “I could live here.”
“Frank Lloyd Wright was a Wisconsin-born original. He was a different thinker who set out to develop a uniquely American architecture. No other architect so intuitively designed to human scale,” said Mike Lilek, the Burnham Block curator. “It is so important for the community to have works of art like the Wright buildings on Burnham. People who visit the homes have a personal experience of Wright’s vision of a beautiful home and his amazing contribution to our country.”
Support for Restoration
The restoration is expected to cost $814,000. Major funding for this project is provided by a Save America’s Treasures grant of $407,000 from the National Park Service. This highly competitive grant will support the preservation of the Model C3, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Additional funding comes from:
- The Barbara Elsner Meyer Foundation ($75,000)
- The Herzfeld Foundation ($75,000)
- Donations from more than 100 donors (from $100 to $20,000)
The Save America’s Treasures Grant is a dollar-for-dollar matching grant. Currently, 87% of the “match” has been raised.
Timeline & Community Engagement
Restoration work begins this month and is expected to continue through 2026. During the restoration, the Burnham Block will offer behind-the-scenes tours and educational programs.
About Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Burnham Block Inc. is a Wisconsin-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its mission is to preserve Burnham Block homes as a vibrant center for education, creativity, and inspiration while advancing Wright’s vision of beautiful, affordable homes for everyone.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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