Belinda Stewart Architects to Restore Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Fountainhead' House
Mississippi museum to transform iconic residence into public venue by 2028.
1Guardians of Architectural Legacy
The Mississippi Museum of Art has commissioned Belinda Stewart Architects to restore Fountainhead, Frank Lloyd Wright's only building in the state. Completed in 1955, this Usonian-style home will become a public museum and event space by 2028. The museum draws inspiration from successful precedents like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
2Reviving Historic Fabric
The 3,563 sq ft residence embodies Wright's philosophy of organic architecture. Its Y-shaped plan follows the topography of the 1-acre site. Diamond-shaped modular geometry appears throughout, from wall details to ceilings. Original copper roof and Wright-designed furnishings will be preserved as key historical elements.
3Technological Restoration Approach
The Eupora-based firm will employ Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) technology to create a comprehensive restoration plan. The process includes structural analysis, accessibility upgrades, and landscape rehabilitation. The project aims to preserve historic character while meeting modern museum standards.
4A Slice of Architectural History
Designed in 1948 for J. Willis and Edith Hughes, the house wasn't completed until 1955. Architect Robert Parker Adams restored it in 1980 before the museum acquired it following Adams' death in 2025. The design integrates nature through expansive glazing and terraces, characteristic of Wright's work.
5Safeguarding Cultural Heritage
The project prioritizes preserving original features: Wright-designed furniture, perforated wooden shutters, fireplace details, and the fountain flowing into the swimming pool. The museum aims to offer visitors an immersive experience of this significant example of 20th century American architecture.
6The Significance of Architectural Preservation
The Fountainhead project demonstrates the critical role of restoration in cultural heritage conservation. Belinda Stewart Architects' expertise will transmit Wright's vision to future generations. This initiative not only preserves a building but strengthens Mississippi's architectural identity and boosts cultural tourism.