International Recognition for Bartlesville's Price Tower

Anyone who questions the validity of architecture as a tourism generator in Oklahoma got a firm rebuke last week. The unique skyscraper in Bartlesville known as the Price Tower was included on a list of Frank Lloyd Wright structures nominated for international recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (mercifully known as UNESCO). Just the nomination is a huge honor, and recognition as a World Heritage Site would mean a huge boost in international visitors to the Price Tower. The 19-story skyscraper currently houses an art center, boutique hotel and a struggling restaurant.

If approved the ten properties would join 911 other sites currently on the World Heritage List, of which only 21 are in the U.S. It's also interesting to note the FLW "serial nomination" is one of the first to be considered on its artistic merits. Most of the UNESCO sites in America are listed for their natural beauty, and those listed as cultural sites are recognized mostly for historical reasons. Not to say there is no historical significance to Wright's work- it most certainly influenced generations of architects. But the nomination focuses more on his architecture as works of art, and that is a first.

The List:
Unity Temple, Oak Park, Illinois
Frederick C. Robie House, Chicago, Illinois
Hollyhock House, Los Angeles, California
Taliesin, Spring Green, Wisconsin
Fallingwater, Mill Run, Pennsylvania
S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Administration Building and Research Tower, Racine, Wisconsin
Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Arizona
Price Tower, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, New York
Marin County Civic Center, San Rafael, Californi

More details on the nomination from UNESCO

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Home of ORU Architect on the Auction Block

Frank Wallace is best known as the man behind the futuristic look of the Oral Roberts University campus. On October 14, 2010 his unique home overlooking ORU will be sold in a public auction conducted by Mister Ed's Auctions. Jackie and I recently had a chance to visit with Mr. Wallace and learn more about the house, his career and his thoughts on architecture.

When we visited we expected to snap a few photos of an empty house and speak with a representative from the auction company. To our surprise the door opened, and we were greeted by Mr. Wallace himself! After assuring him we were not architects, he let us look around. Unfortunately we were not prepared to interview the man whose buildings incite such extremely diverse reactions- but that didn't stop me from asking him several questions anyway.

The home, completed in 1980, was designed and built by Wallace who is now 87. The expansive home is so large that Wallace spends most of his time in a room that was his late w…

Futuristic Acorn Hull House

Today the sign out front says "Acorn Hull House."

I've also heard it called the Zebco House (aka Zero Electric Bomb Company, an oilfield business that later became a famous maker of fishing reels). The rumor goes it was built for a Zebco executive and designed in the shape of a fishing reel. From above the home does have the shape of a fishing reel- as in round- but beyond that I don't really see that much resemblance.

I have no idea if the fishing reel story is true, or who designed the circular abode. Here's an aerial view from Google Maps- click to enlarge the image and see if you think it looks more like an acorn or a fishing reel...

It definitely has the look of a Frank Wallace design with that Klingon inspired skylight. But the Tiki-esque look also suggests a Blaine Imel. No matter who is to responsible, they did a great job creating a unique and fascinating exterior. Now if we can just get a tour of the inside!

This unusual house is located off US-412 near …

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