Architects Helmut Jahn, FAIA, and Dirk Lohan, FAIA, (Mies van der Rohe's grandson) joined a distinguished group of historians, artists, and concerned Illinois residents—including former Governor James Thompson and Sara Lee Corporation Chairman John Bryan—April 11 to form the "Friends of the Farnsworth House Committee," dedicated to preserving Mies' 1951 masterpiece on stilts overlooking the Fox River. The committee wants the state to purchase the house in Plano, Ill., for the Illinois Department of Historic Preservation and keep it open to the public.

Mies created his flat-roofed, glass poem to the International Style as a summer home for Dr. Edith Farnsworth. The second—and current—owner of the house, Lord Peter Palumbo, graciously opened it to the public five years ago and recently announced his intention to sell the house and its 61-acre site. A state park surrounds the site on three sides.

The committee is searching for new members as well as monetary contributions. For more information—and to send an electronic letter to Illinois Governor George H. Ryan—visit the Farnsworth House Friends Web site or contact The Friends of the Farnsworth House Committee, c/o John Bryan, Chairman, The Sara Lee corporation, Three First National Plaza, 70 West Madison Street, 47th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.