After an extensive 12-month interior and exterior renovation designed to bring new life to its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Research Tower in Racine, Wis., SC Johnson is opening it up to the public for the first time. A+A recently interviewed executives at SC Johnson for two posts, today and Monday:
Why has the building never been open to the public?
The Research Tower was closed in 1982 when the company opened a new research facility on campus: Louis Laboratories. The company still maintains occupancy inside the Research Tower, but it chooses not to use the lab space due to safety concerns, because the building has just one elevator and a single narrow staircase. The staircase in the Research Tower measures 29.5 inches wide with only enough space for one person to climb or descend at a time. A decision was made to close the Tower and open a new research facility after the company determined that modern upgrades for safety would compromise Wright’s original vision.
The Tower restoration and reopening is part of SC Johnson’s eight-year, $30 million restoration and conservation plan, which the company is currently in the middle of. With two historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings on the company’s corporate headquarters, SC Johnson has a long-standing commitment to preserving his architectural legacy. And, when possible, SC Johnson opens its doors to the public to experience Wright’s buildings firsthand with tours and new exhibits dedicated to his innovation and impact, including this iconic cantilevered Tower.
What was its original use?
Opening in 1950, the Tower was home to the company’s research and development scientists. The Tower served as a hub of innovation and the birthplace to some of the world’s most beloved household products, including Raid® (1955), Glade® (1956), OFF! ® (1957) and Pledge® (1958).
Its use now?
Of the Tower’s 15 stories, three will now be open for use. The main and mezzanine levels of the 3rd floor will feature new public exhibits that guests can experience as part of SC Johnson’s tour offerings. The 2nd floor, originally the R&D Library, continues to be used as an office space.
The Tower (1950) and the company’s Wright-designed Administration Building (1939) are now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Monday: The Tower’s Cantilever Construction
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