You wouldn’t think a talk from an insurance expert would get such an enthusiastic response, but when Sheila Courtney spoke during the Homeowners and Public Sites Sessions at the Conservancy’s Los Angeles conference in October, people listened—then followed up with many thoughtful questions. Courtney is uniquely positioned to provide many fascinating insights into the prevention of common problems that can cause major damage to historic homes. She is currently the…

As we watched in horror when Notre Dame Cathedral’s spire and roof were engulfed in flames in April 2019, the thought “this can’t be happening to Notre Dame!” passed through the minds of many. It was a sobering reminder that the worst can happen to a beloved structure. In November 2018 the Wright community learned with sadness that wildfire decimated the Oboler Estate in Malibu, California. In response to the…

While it may seem unlikely that your building will be struck by a full-blown disaster, preparing for worst-case loss scenarios is a wise stewardship practice. The devastation of the Wright-designed Arch Oboler Complex (1940) in the mountains above Malibu, California, in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, is a tragic reminder of the need for disaster preparedness. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy is in the process of updating its building owners’ guide…