FOREST LAWN CEMETERY TO CONSTRUCT FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT MAUSOLEUM IN SPRING 2004 (08/2003) Buffalo, New York: Forest Lawn Cemetery and Garden Mausoleums today announced that it plans to construct the “Blue Sky Mausoleum” designed by architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, on its historic grounds in downtown Buffalo. The announcement was made today by Forest Lawn President, Fred R. Whaley, Jr., who added that ground breaking for the project is scheduled for Spring of 2004. “Blue Sky,” as it is known, is understood to be the only memorial designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and was originally intended to be built in Buffalo’s Forest Lawn Cemetery. It was designed in 1928 for the Martin family of Larkin Soap Company fame. Their request was for a burial plot that would be more in the nature of a memorial in stone or concrete sculpture, but not the conventional “family vault” found in most cemeteries around the nation at that time. “Blue Sky” was the design Wright created for them, with a monolith at the top of a flight of gently rising concrete and stone terraces, each one containing provisions for caskets and memorial inscriptions. On the preliminary study, Mr. Wright wrote to Mr. Martin: “Dear Darwin Martin: This is a burial facing the open sky, a dignified great headstone common to all. There is a nice symbolism in the stepping terraces, it seems. The scheme is a compromise between the grave and the mausoleum – it may have the better points of both. Executed in good materials, the inscriptions either well carved or inlaid in bronze. The whole could not fail of noble effect. Frank Lloyd Wright. Note: if the general scheme appeals to you, you shall have a colored perspective drawing to show the folks if you want it. F.” The Great Depression, however, precluded its construction. The plans owned by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation have since been made available for construction under the joint direction of Anthony Puttnam, A.I.A., licensed Taliesin architect and apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as associate architect, Robert Stievater, A.I.A., C.S.I. of Buffalo. Once the mausoleum has been constructed, the blueprints will be retired forever – making Buffalo and Forest Lawn Cemetery the home of the only known memorial under the famous architect’s name. Completion of the Blue Sky will augment Buffalo as an important destination for people who appreciate architecture in general and Wright designs in particular. Buffalo is also home for the notable Darwin Martin House, the Martin family summer home called Graycliff, and several Frank Lloyd Wright designed residences. To date, more than ten thousand people are attracted to Buffalo each year to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright projects. The spectacular mausoleum will literally feature blue sky for its roof, as it ascends skyward on enormous blocks of Bethel White Granite. The cost for construction of the edifice is approximately half a million dollars, and will be funded largely through grants. Contributors include The Baird Foundation, The Seymour H. Knox Foundation, The Buffalo News, The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation and The John R. Oishei Foundation. The John R. Oishei Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting medical research, health care, education and the cultural, social, civic and other charitable needs of the community. The Foundation was established in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico Products Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of windshield wiper systems. “With this grant, the Oishei Foundation is continuing its strong support of the Wright heritage and everything positive it already brings to the WNY region,” said Thomas E. Baker, executive director of the Foundation. “We believe that Buffalo-Niagara will advance in recognition internationally as being among the best places to see great works of Wright and a significant handful of equally important architects.” Anthony Puttnam has said of this development: “I think the poetic content of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs makes them always exciting to work on. Like a musician who has the opportunity to play a great composition, it is very rewarding work.” In commenting on Forest Lawn’s plans to construct the Blue Sky mausoleum, John C. Courtin, the executive director of the Martin House Restoration Corporation, said: “Frank Lloyd Wright designed more than 1,000 structures during his 72-year career as a practicing architect. Some of Wright’s finest works, and his first works in the East were designed for the enlightened Buffalo market. Among them was this important smaller structure. Here in Buffalo a century ago, Wright squarely challenged the conventional structural set-up for building corners with his break-through design for the Darwin Martin House (1903-05). In this major early residential work, Wright ‘broke-the-box’ for the first time; and American and world architecture would never be the same again. Decades later, Wright again challenged longstanding structural convention in his iconic design for the Martin family mausoleum at Forest Lawn. In this graceful, elegant design, Wright defeated the concept of walls and roof altogether in most dramatic manner. Given its bold concept, the mausoleum is aptly named – ‘Blue Sky.’ When finally constructed, this important work will be a ‘must-see’ destination for the global audience of Frank Lloyd Wright aficionados and architectural enthusiasts everywhere.” Mr. Whaley added: “We chose the location of the ‘Blue Sky Mausoleum’ to overlook two ponds. The breathtaking vista will provide a contemplative atmosphere and give its massive size breathing room. With its focus on the heavens the design provides an interpretation of what many people consider when they select a final resting place.” Printed designs as well as a scale model of the “Blue Sky Mausoleum” are available for viewing at the main office of Forest Lawn at Delaware and Delavan. There will also be a large, 4 foot by 8 foot architectural rendering at the construction site. Dedication ceremonies will be accommodated by invitations in the spring of 2004. For additional information contact Joseph P. Dispenza, Executive Vice President, at 716-885-1606 ext. 209. Forest Lawn began in 1849 and is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.