Historic Samara House to Undergo Restoration

Work begins Monday on the restoration of a Frank Lloyd-Wright-designed home in West Lafayette. The $1.6 million renovation of Samara is scheduled to last through the end of 2022, and will be closed to public tours.

The project is funded in part by a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant from the National Park Service, the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust, Inc., and private donations.

Indiana Landmarks says it took a concerted effort to get the building designated a National Historic Landmark, which made it eligible for federal grants like this one.

“We are excited to celebrate Samara’s national significance through this comprehensive project,” said Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks. “As might be expected with any 66-year-old home, Samara is ready for some structural restoration.”

Indiana Landmarks says Dr. John and Catherine Christian commissioned Wright to design the house, working with him over a period of five years to develop the design and construction details.

Davis says exterior and interior repairs will be conducted on the house that was built between 1951 to 1956. The house sustained structural damage due to erosion and tree roots. On the inside, the aging heating and air condition systems will be repaired ensure a proper environment for furnishings.

Click here to track the project.