HHL Architects has been working with the Martin House Restoration Corporation (MHRC) for 20+ years. Work began in 1992 when the Corporation was formed with the mission to restore and manage Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, and HHL began the reconstruction of the complex to its original condition. This resulted in a multi-year search for materials including roman brick, mosaic floor tile, handmade terra cotta roof tiles, art glass windows, etc. Research included visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright archives to study original artifacts, specifications, and photographs.
In 2003, while working on the main complex, HHL Architects acted in the multiple role of curator, designer, and fabrication partner to create an exhibition of more than 70 art glass windows from the estate. The exhibition ran from 1999 to 2003, showing at the Burchfield-Penny Art Center in Buffalo, NY, the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, OR, and the Boca Raton Museum of Art in Boca Raton, FL.
In 2010, we renovated a 19th century-built historic home next to the estate, turning it into a contemporary and efficient office space that serves as the business center for the MHRC. Lastly, in 2018, we began restoration work on the George Barton House. Also located on the estate, the home was originally designed for Darwin. D. Martin’s sister and her husband. Multiple phases of work began with terrace and roof restoration, foundation repairs, and art glass window and masonry restoration.
