The restoration of Fallingwater is now to the point of reinforcing the sagging cantilevered structural concrete. Reinforced concrete was an experimental structural system in 1936, when the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in the woods was completed, and for 65 years the experiment has worked out pretty well. It's time for some major surgery, though, and with it comes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

As part of the $11 million restoration, the native-flagstone floors in the great room and flanking terraces will be removed, exposing the main-level structural beams so they can be steel-cable reinforced this winter.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy-the house's guardian since Edgar Kaufmann jr. entrusted it to them in 1963-will be conducting special Hard Hat Restoration Tours on Thanksgiving weekend (November 23-25), the following four weekends in December, and the week of December 26-31, 2001.

The tours are by advance reservation only. They are $50 per person or $20 for students, age 9 and over.

The restoration project encompasses, as well as major structural repairs, restoration of the wood furniture and steel sash, waterproofing, a zero-discharge waste management system, and a landscaping plan to improve the visitor experience while protecting the Fallingwater property.

"We are committed to remaining open to the public even during this crucial phase of restoring Fallingwater to its original beauty," said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. "All who appreciate Fallingwater as a symbol of modern architecture in harmony with nature can see-probably for the first time since it was built-the foundation of its ingenious design along with the work and care involved in preserving it for us and for our future generations to enjoy."

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