{"id":803295,"date":"2026-07-15T10:33:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T10:33:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/803295\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T10:33:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T10:33:17","slug":"belinda-stewart-architects-to-preserve-frank-lloyd-wrights-fountainhead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/803295\/","title":{"rendered":"belinda stewart architects to preserve frank lloyd wright’s ‘fountainhead’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Belinda Stewart Architects to restore Fountainhead<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) selects Belinda Stewart Architects to lead the preservation and restoration of Fountainhead, the Frank Lloyd Wright<\/a>-designed\u00a0residence<\/a> in Jackson, Mississippi<\/a>, acquired by the\u00a0museum<\/a> in November 2025 (find designboom\u2019s previous coverage here<\/a>). The project marks the next phase in transforming<\/a> Wright\u2019s only building in Mississippi into a publicly accessible house museum and event venue, with an anticipated opening in 2028.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Based in Eupora, Mississippi, Belinda Stewart Architects specializes in the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. The firm will prepare a comprehensive Historic Structure Report, including condition assessments, Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM), and a phased conservation strategy. The appointment also includes architectural services for structural repairs, landscape rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades, and code compliance, balancing public access with the preservation of the property\u2019s historic character.<\/p>\n

\"belinda
all images by G. Douglas Adams Photography<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house rooted in the landscape<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1948 for J. Willis and Edith Hughes, the house was completed in 1955, six years after the architect finalized the plans. The 331-square-meter residence exemplifies Wright\u2019s Usonian principles through its low horizontal profile, native materials, open-plan interiors, and close relationship with the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fountainhead is organized around a distinctive Y-shaped plan that follows the topography of a nearly 4,000-square-meter site. Its diamond-shaped modular geometry is expressed throughout the architecture, from the layout and built-in furnishings to the detailing of walls and ceilings. Large expanses of glazing connect interior spaces to the wooded landscape, while original features, including Wright-designed furniture, perforated wooden shutters, skylights, concrete floors, terraces, three fireplaces, the original copper roof, and a fountain flowing into a swimming pool, remain integral to the property.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The residence later underwent an extensive restoration by architect Robert Parker Adams, who purchased the residence in 1980 and maintained it for decades. Following Adams\u2019 death in 2025, the Mississippi Museum of Art acquired the property, drawing inspiration from museums such as Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which similarly opened a Frank Lloyd Wright residence to the public. Investigative surveys and diagnostic testing are now underway as the preservation team<\/a> begins documenting the building\u2019s condition and developing a long-term restoration strategy before construction work proceeds.<\/p>\n

\"belinda
the geometric entrance gate frames views toward Frank Lloyd Wright\u2019s Fountainhead<\/p>\n

\"belinda
the low-slung residence sits within a wooded landscape in Jackson, Mississippi<\/p>\n

\"belinda
the Y-shaped plan follows the site\u2019s natural topography<\/p>\n

\"belinda
the carport extends beneath broad cantilevered roof overhangs<\/p>\n

\"belinda
glazed corners and terraces strengthen the connection to the surrounding landscape<\/p>\n

\"belinda
the living room features original built-in furnishings and soaring timber ceilings<\/p>\n

\"belinda
angular timber ceilings define the home\u2019s principal living space<\/p>\n

\"belinda
a built-in dining nook reflects Wright\u2019s integrated interior design approach<\/p>\n

\"belinda
Wright-designed perforated shutters filter daylight into one of the home\u2019s bedrooms<\/p>\n

\"belinda
built-in bunk beds, storage, and desks maximize space<\/p>\n

\"belinda
custom furnishings and perforated shutters reflect Wright\u2019s integrated interior design<\/p>\n

\"belinda
the primary bedroom features built-in furnishings, a fireplace, and a timber ceiling with skylights<\/p>\n

\"belinda
original built-in cabinetry remains throughout the compact kitchen\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

project info:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

name: Fountainhead Preservation Project<\/p>\n

architect: Belinda Stewart Architects, PA<\/a> | @belindastewartarchitects<\/a><\/p>\n

client: Mississippi Museum of Art<\/a> | @msmuseumart<\/a><\/p>\n

location: Jackson, Mississippi, USA<\/p>\n

original architect: Frank Lloyd Wright<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0@wrighttaliesin<\/a><\/p>\n

original design: 1948<\/p>\n

completed: 1955<\/p>\n

museum acquisition: November 2025<\/p>\n

planned public opening: 2028<\/p>\n