Wright Chat

[Paul Ringstrom]

Some good news: the FLWBC's advocacy committee has made contact with the owner and the Iowa State Historic Preservation office, the State Preservation Architect and the Architectural Historian for the National Trust. They are going to work together to convince FEMA of the need to preserve this house. The owner has some flood insurance. Whether it is sufficient is unknown. The owner's businesses were also damaged by the flood and these buildings also will require his time and attention.

Some bad news: FEMA has proposed buying the string of houses along the river for 50% of their appraised value in order to demolish them and resolve the issue of future property loss. They say any reconstruction of buildings can only be done if their site is raised x number of feet above the flood plain. This is similar to the FEMA offer in Ocean Springs, MS. The FLWBC was able to work with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to get funds to save the Sullivan/Wright cottage there so they are hopeful that they can do something similar in this situation.

We all should be thankful that the FLWBC exists to help in these situations. Without them there would be no one to lead these focused efforts. No other Wright organizations are prepared or knowledgeable regarding the details necessary for successful preservation activities. If you are not currently a member I would encourage you to join: http://savewright.org/index.php?t=join.

[JimM]