Wingspread

Frank Lloyd Wright and Herbert F. Johnson, president of the Johnson’s Wax Company in Racine, had a tumultuous business relationship. The FLW-​designed world headquarters opened in 1939 and an added research tower in 1950. The HQ building was over budget (and the roof leaked) but is probably Wright’s signature design. Standing inside the building feels like you’re at the bottom of a lily pond. It is said that «Hib» Johnson loved the Johnson Wax World Headquarters building so much, he told Wright to design a cot so he could live there. Wright told him he needed a spectacular house
Wingspread was the result. It takes its name from four wings that extend to compass points from a great room that served as a family gathering place and dining room. From the air, the house resembles a giant pinwheel. Situated in a 30 acre prairie, the house is the typical Wright design of bringing nature inside and it fits well into the gently rolling landscape.
It was the childhood home of S.C. Johnson and his sister, Karen Johnson Boyd. The family occupied the house in 1939 and lived here only 20 years, donating the building to the Johnson Foundation in 1959. The foundation operates it as the centerpiece of the Wingspread Conference Center.
Tours of this spectacular house are free but require reservations. Tours are self-​guided after a brief presentation by a knowledgeable host and a brief video with memoirs of Wingspread by the «children» who grew up here. You are allowed to wander through the house (except restricted office areas) and take as many photos as you like. You can even climb the spiral staircase to Sam’s «Control Tower,» a glass enclosed rooftop retreat where young Sam controlled «armies» and spoke to his father, by radio, as Herbert flew his unique airplane. If you’re over 5’6″ tall, you may find the climb to be a bit claustrophobic. You’ll see several of FLW’s unique design ideas and ultra-​moderne equipment from the 1930s.
You’ll just have to take the tour to hear the sadly amusing story of why Mrs. Johnson forced FLW out of the house and how the relationship between Wright and the Johnsons came to an end.
It is possible to take the tour of S.C. Johnson World Headquarters and Wingspread in one day, if you plan your day properly. (I recommend doing the corporate tour first.) Reservations are required for both. Plan on 90 minutes for Wingspread and about 90 minutes for headquarters. There is a five mile urban drive between the two landmarks, plan accordingly.

Excellent conference facility with the friendliest staff. Very nice stay in the guesthouse.

I’ve been a lot of tours of Frank Lloyd Wright sites around the country. While this isn’t my favorite FLW property aesthetically, from a visitor standpoint it is hands-​down the BEST experience we’ve had. Some FLW tours don’t allow children at all, and most don’t allow any interior photos. You’re kept to a strict schedule and may stay in view of your guide at all times. And for the privilege, you pay $ 15 or more.
Wingspread is completely different. You must call ahead for a tour, and they are only available on days when there isn’t a conference being held. But it’s free, and the tour is just as my fellow reviewer describes: you see an interesting little movie, get a brief orientation telling you where you can’t go, and then they turn you loose. You can roam, explore, and take photos galore. Children are even welcome – and they’ll love the crow’s nest, which was built with children in mind. It’s a wonderful chance to experience a Frank Lloyd House as it was meant to be seen. The grounds are lovely, as well.
Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and seemed happy to have people in the house enjoying it. Highly recommend this stop.

If you’re a Frank Lloyd Wright fanatic, or just love architecture, Wingspread is a must-​see. I came here on a personal tour I had set up with the foundation (call 262−681−3353 or email email
). The best part was that it was me, my architect boyfriend and the house, that’s it! The receptionist told us a bit of the house’s history, she put on a movie about building the house, allowed us to ask any questions, and then let us free to roam. This is one of the few architectural gems that I have come across allowing you to do all this on your own. We were able to explore at our own pace, sit in the original barrel chairs, and climb up into the wig-wam’s roof window dome for a 360 view of the lands. The house is in the back woods, hiding from the public, allowing it to remain an astounding architectural secret!