Lake Geneva Wisconsin – Where Historic Preservation Has Been Forgotten
I recently visited Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and frankly I was appalled at the lack of historic preservation there. My family and I booked the Full Lake Cruise Scenic Boat tour expecting to see the advertised historic estates along the shoreline. Instead, we saw McMansions that had replaced the original estates which were demolished for these newer, extravagant villas.
Yes, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has faced controversy over the razing of historic buildings, but it is the demolition of a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building to make way for a new development that boggles the mind. This incident is a significant example of how historic preservation has sometimes been de-prioritized in favor of modern development, even in the case of architecture by one of America’s most renowned architects.
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The Frank Lloyd Wright building in question was the Lake Geneva Hotel, designed by Wright and completed in 1911. It was a Prairie-style building that exemplified Wright’s innovative architectural approach, blending the structure with its natural surroundings and incorporating open, flowing spaces. It opened in 1912.
Despite its architectural significance, the hotel was demolished in 1970 to make way for a new condominium development. The decision to tear down the Wright-designed building sparked criticism from preservationists and architecture enthusiasts, who lamented the loss of an irreplaceable piece of architectural history.
After the Broad Street Condominiums were built on the same land as the razed Lake Geneva Hotel, it became evident that this high rise was an eyesore that should never have been permitted to loom over the city of Lake Geneva. Looking more like an apartment structure from Soviet Russia, city planners agreed never again to permit new development over the height of older buildings in town.
This event highlights the tension between preserving historic landmarks and pursuing new development, especially in desirable areas like Lake Geneva. The demolition of the Frank Lloyd Wright building remains a poignant example of the challenges faced by historic preservation efforts, even when the architecture in question is of considerable cultural and historical importance.
Dresser Memorial Library
The Dresser Memorial Library in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, is another example of a historic building that was demolished, reflecting the ongoing challenges of historic preservation in the area.
The Dresser Memorial Library, built in 1954, was designed by the notable architect Edgar Dresser, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. He designed the library as a modernist structure, providing a valuable piece of architectural history to the community. Despite its historical and architectural significance, the library was demolished in 2011 to make way for a new library facility.
The decision to demolish the Dresser Memorial Library was met with opposition from local preservationists and some community members who valued the building’s historical importance. However, the city’s priorities shifted towards creating a more modern and functional space for the community, leading to the construction of the new Lake Geneva Public Library on the same site.
This incident highlights a recurring theme in Lake Geneva, where historic buildings, even those with architectural or cultural significance, are sometimes sacrificed for new developments that are seen as more beneficial to the community’s current needs. While these decisions are often driven by practical considerations, they can result in the loss of historic character and architectural heritage.
