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 the state 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 the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, ensuring the property's historical integrity is maintained while making it accessible to the public.
Fountainhead, originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1948 for J. Willis and Edith Hughes, is a testament to the architect's Usonian principles. Completed in 1955, the 331-square-meter residence showcases Wright's signature style with its low horizontal profile, native materials, open-plan interiors, and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. The Y-shaped plan, a unique feature of the design, follows the topography of the nearly 4,000-square-meter site, creating a diamond-shaped modular geometry that is reflected in every aspect of the architecture, from the layout to the built-in furnishings.
One of the most captivating aspects of Fountainhead is its connection to the natural environment. Large expanses of glazing allow the interior spaces to flow effortlessly into the wooded landscape, while original features such as Wright-designed furniture, perforated wooden shutters, skylights, concrete floors, terraces, three fireplaces, the original copper roof, and a fountain flowing into a swimming pool, all contribute to the property's unique character. The residence has a rich history, having undergone an extensive restoration by architect Robert Parker Adams, who purchased the residence in 1980 and maintained it for decades.
The Mississippi Museum of Art's acquisition of Fountainhead in November 2025 is a significant milestone. The museum's decision to open Wright's residence to the public, similar to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, is a testament to the importance of preserving and sharing architectural heritage. As the preservation team, led by Belinda Stewart Architects, begins their work, investigative surveys and diagnostic testing are underway to document the building's condition and develop a long-term restoration strategy. This process will ensure that the property's historical significance is preserved while making it accessible to the public in 2028.
The Fountainhead Preservation Project, led by Belinda Stewart Architects, is a crucial undertaking that will not only preserve a significant piece of architectural history but also provide a unique opportunity for the public to experience Frank Lloyd Wright's genius. The project's success will be a testament to the power of architectural preservation and the importance of making historical sites accessible to all.
