Foundation Pledges $10M for Unity Temple Restoration

Alphawood Foundation Chicago and the Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation (the “Congregation”) announced earlier this month that they have entered into a preliminary agreement that provides a framework for the eventual restoration and preservation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple.

As part of the agreement, Alphawood has pledged $10 million toward the cost of the effort, subject to successful efforts to raise the balance of the necessary funds, according to an Alphawood press release.

The agreement "contemplates" a joint campaign by Alphawood, the congregation, the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation (UTRF) and other preservationaists to raise the funds needed to complete a comprehensive restoration of Wright’s internationally-recognized masterpiece, according to the release.

The building, Frank Lloyd Wright's first public building, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971 and is universally considered to be one of the most important buildings of the 20th Century, according to the release.

In 2009, the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed Unity Temple on its list of 11 Most Endangered Historic Places noting that, while the building has generally been well maintained, water infiltration has caused extensive damage to the concrete structure and interior finishes over the years.

According to the National Trust, the building, "urgently requires a multi-million-dollar rescue effort.”

Jim McDonough, Executive Director of the Alphawood Foundation said in a statement, “The Alphawood Foundation is committed to supporting efforts that preserve and protect the Chicago area’s architectural legacy. We are delighted that our gift will be an important first step toward the restoration and preservation of this international landmark. We are especially pleased that this project will permit the Congregation to continue to use the building for its intended purpose while ensuring that visitors from around the world can experience Wright’s masterpiece."

Ian Morrison, President of the Congregation’s Board of Trustees, said in a statement, “Our Congregation is immensely excited to move forward with the restoration of Unity Temple in collaboration with the Alphawood Foundation. For over 100 years we have made this wonderful building our spiritual home, gathering for worship, major life events, and community activities. Wright designed the building for us and it embodies many of our values. We are proud to continue using it for its intended purposes.”

Emily Roth, Executive Director of the Unity Temple Restoration Foundation, said Alphawoods gift will have an "immensely important impact," on the future of Unity Temple. 

Information courtesy of an Alphawood press release.