Johnson Wax Administration Building and Research Tower
N 42° 42.893 W 087° 47.457
16T E 435233 N 4729457
Famous location of the Lily-pad or Mushroom-piered total design work environment for the SC Johnson Company...
Waymark Code: WME30
Location: Wisconsin, United States
Date Posted: 06/02/2006
Views: 166
The brick and glass headquarters for the makers of Pledge, Windex, Raid and many other common household products has become a national landmark. The most notable design elements are the grid of 3-story calyx columns and pyrex glass tubing that provides the most wonderful indirect natural daylighting imaginable and the red-brick streamline exterior. In addition, Mr. Wright designed all of the interior office furniture including a curious three-legged secretarial chair that would tip over if one does not sit with the correct posture i.e. both feet on the floor.
The Administration Building is still in use. The Research Tower has been abandoned except for storage, but remains as a monument to Mr. Wright. These buildings are two of the 17 Wright designs designated by the American Institute of Architects to be retained as examples of his architectural contribution to American culture.
Free tours are available on Fridays and by special arrangement by appointment only. Photography is not permitted inside the facility fence so my photographs were made from the perimeter.
Year Completed: 1939
Commissioned By: Herbert F. Johnson, Jr.
Nearest City or Town: Racine
Public/Private: Private
Tours Available?: yes
Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
There are no specific visit requirements, however telling about your visit is strongly encouraged. Additional photos of the building or house to add to the gallery are also nice, but not required. Pictures with a GPS or you in them is highly discouraged.