Belinda Stewart Architects, a Mississippi-based firm, has been entrusted with the preservation and restoration of Fountainhead, a remarkable Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence in Jackson, Mississippi. This project marks a significant step in transforming Wright's only building in Mississippi into a publicly accessible house museum and event venue, with an anticipated opening in 2028. The appointment of Stewart Architects is a strategic move, given their expertise in preserving and adapting historic buildings, ensuring the property's historical integrity while making it accessible to the public.
The Fountainhead residence, originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1948 for J. Willis and Edith Hughes, showcases his Usonian principles. Its low horizontal profile, native materials, open-plan interiors, and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape are hallmarks of Wright's architectural philosophy. The Y-shaped plan, with its diamond-shaped modular geometry, is a unique feature, evident in the layout, built-in furnishings, and detailing of walls and ceilings. Large windows and glazing create a connection between the interior spaces and the wooded landscape, while original features such as Wright-designed furniture, perforated wooden shutters, skylights, concrete floors, terraces, and a fountain remain integral to the property's charm.
The residence has a rich history. After its completion in 1955, it underwent an extensive restoration by architect Robert Parker Adams, who purchased it in 1980 and maintained it for decades. Following Adams' death in 2025, the Mississippi Museum of Art acquired the property, inspired by the success of museums like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in opening Frank Lloyd Wright residences to the public. Now, the preservation team, led by Stewart Architects, is conducting investigative surveys and diagnostic testing to document the building's condition and develop a long-term restoration strategy.
Belinda Stewart Architects, based in Eupora, Mississippi, is renowned for its specialization in the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Their expertise will be crucial in preparing a comprehensive Historic Structure Report, including condition assessments, Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM), and a phased conservation strategy. The firm will also provide architectural services for structural repairs, landscape rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades, and code compliance, ensuring that the property's historic character is preserved while making it accessible to the public.
The Fountainhead Preservation Project is a significant undertaking, aiming to preserve a masterpiece of modern architecture while making it accessible to the public. With Stewart Architects' expertise and the Mississippi Museum of Art's commitment, this project promises to honor Wright's vision and provide a valuable cultural resource for the community.
