Taliesin West Accessibility and Infrastructure Improvements

FAIN: CHA-261797-19

Taliesin West (Scottsdale, AZ 85259-2537)
Fred Prozzillo (Project Director: March 2018 to March 2019)
Emily Butler (Project Director: March 2019 to May 2021)
Rebecca Barron (Project Director: May 2021 to present)

A project to support accessibility upgrades and theater renovations to Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and studio from 1937 until his death in 1959.  The project would also support the design of comprehensive engineering plans for the replacement of the site’s failing water and sewage infrastructure.

Taliesin West is internationally recognized as one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s master works. The arts, including performing arts, were an important part of life for everyone at Taliesin West.  Special venues designed by Wright for live music and dance performances are used today for educational presentations and are featured as part of the public tour program for 110,000 guests each year.   Unfortunately, use of the theaters as performance venues is limited due to accessibility and infrastructure challenges. One major goal of this project is to support accessibility upgrades with an accessibility assessment and construction of two accessible restrooms. The second project component is to upgrade theater systems. The third is to create comprehensive engineering plans for the replacement of our 75-year-old water and sewer infrastructure, which is well beyond the end of its service life and in varying states of failure. Addressing these issues will allow us to better serve the community.