Restoration - Partners

Many dedicated persons and corporate entities worked together to fulfill the dream of restoring the Westcott House. Architects, construction engineers, lawyers, bankers, preservationists, photographers, artisans and craftspeople, writers, state and local public officials, and corporate and individual donors were among those who succeeded in this major endeavor.

Chambers, Murphy & Burge Restoration Architects of Akron, Ohio, led the way with its meticulous analysis of seemingly every detail of the Westcott House. It produced the Historic Structure Report that guided every move of the project. As a result of paint and mortar analysis, masonry cleaning, historic hardware research, and historic window and door restoration, as well as numerous other investigations, Chambers, Murphy & Burge provided elaborate drawings and instructions necessary to bring the Westcott House back to its appearance in 1908, the year of its completion.

Working with Chambers, Murphy & Burge was Dr. Elwin C. Robinson, a structural engineer and preservationist. He brought to the project considerable experience in rehabilitation work as well as a hands-on approach to solving problems unique to historic structures.

Construction manager of the Westcott House restoration project was the Durable Slate Company of Columbus, Ohio, which oversaw its own craftspeople and other contractors, all of whom contributed their essential skills to restoring and preserving this treasured structure. Work on the Westcott House began in 2002, when structural stabilization issues and roof restoration were addressed. Next came interior and exterior restoration, followed by authentic landscaping and replicating some original furnishings of the house.

To complete the $5.3 million restoration of this Frank Lloyd Wright architectural gem, the following lead sponsors provided gifts of $25,000 or more:

• The Ohio Arts Council,
• The Security National Bank,
• The Jesse and Caryl Philips Foundation,
• The Harry M. Turner Foundation,
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
• The U.S. National Parks Service: Save America's Treasures.

The Westcott House Foundation is currently in the second year of a three-year campaign to support the restoration, launch new educational programs, and establish an endowment to sustain high-quality programming long-term. Those interested in supporting the campaign may mail contributions directly to The Westcott House Foundation, 1340 East High Street, Springfield, OH 45504, or may call the Foundation office at 937-327-9291.