Although the fireplace was an integral feature in Wright’s home designs, the fireplace at the Cottage will not be moved to its new Park 7n site. The Cottage fireplace had apparently been rebuilt over the years removing much of its historic integrity.
Wright’s fireplaces often incorporated an inglenook feature with intimate seating close to the warmth of the blaze. The fireplace existing at the Cottage at 239 Franklin had no such inglenook and was constructed of brick which did not match the typical horizontal proportions of Wright’s designs; nor did it feature the raked horizontal joints and flush vertical joints typical of his detailing. When factored with the weight of the brick structure, it was decided that the best restoration approach required removal of the fireplace prior to relocation.
Replacement of the fireplace with one more in keeping with Wright’s designs is anticipated as part of the subsequent interior restoration work.
