Frank Lloyd Wright Landmark
Tax deductible
Help us restore a Frank Lloyd Wright Masterpiece, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in 2018. Situated in Wauwatosa, WI, this church was one of Frank Lloyd Wrights last major commissions. Whether you appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright's work, architecture, or Greek Orthodoxy, we could use your donations to help restore this majestic work of architecture on the National Registry of Historic Sites. Time and the Wisconsin weather has not been kind over the years and restoration is necessary for the longevity of this landmark.
Frank Lloyd Wright showed his original drawings to the Milwaukee Greek Orthodox congregation in 1958, and the church was dedicated in 1961, 2 years after his death. Frank Lloyd Wright's design was a radical departure from traditional Byzantine church architecture, focusing on an equilateral cross inscribed within a circle. This characteristic motif is repeated in several features which include the gold anodized aluminum icon screen, entrance cross, and the gates the the exterior sunken garden. Wright also used colors of the Byzantine Empire, royal blue and gold throughout the interior.
The church is four equidistant concrete pillars that support a domed roof while defining a cross on the main floor. The 106-foot wide dome is not fixed. but rather floats on thousands of ball bearings contained within a metal rail that caps the outer wall. Over two hundred bulb windows lining the base of the dome not only let in a significant amount of natural light, but also give the visual affect of the dome floating. The dome is painted blue on the exterior and gold on the interior surface.
The church pews are arranged in a circular shape, each facing the alter. Fish has been carved in the wood at the ends of every pew, which are also lined with sky blue cushions. The floor of the church is covered in gold carpeting.
To promote flow through the church, 3 large spiral staircases were placed for access from the balcony to the lower level. Each staircase has a spire of lights ascending up through the center towards the domed ceiling.
Outside of the church is a sunken garden that runs along the sides and back of the church. There is also a eye-shaped fountain situated in front of the church. The central pool and fountain is circular like a pupil, while the surrounding grass makes up the oval shape of an eye. The eye is symbolic to the Greek Orthodox church, seen as the "all-seeing eye of God".
Several projects are critical to ensure the structural integrity of the church. Completing these will not only restore the church and it's grounds, but also relieve financial strain to allow funds and talents of the church to expand outreach into the community it serves. Current community programs include: guided tours of the church and involvement with the Milwaukee Historical society "Doors Open" events, the cultural center which is made available for use by local non-profit groups, The Manor (which is nondenominational), a HUD multifamily building on the church grounds for seniors to benefit the church and the immediate neighborhood. Tenants who qualify get subsidized rent and the buildings are professionally managed. We also support locals schools and the community and have Taste of Greece and other community events throughout the year.
Priority Projects include:
1. Replace dome and flat roof membrane ($200,000)
2. Foundation repairs. Moisture causing spalling in the lower level.
3. Exterior Painting ($155,000).
4. Concrete walkways and entrance replacement ($70,000).
5. Repair entrance cross ($30,000). Concrete is crumbling.
6. Parking lot repaving ($325,000).
7. Replace carpeting ($60,000).
Please donate and together lets make a difference. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible.
This Church...
Was erected through the toil of immigrants and their families.
As a monument to God, for his gift of human dignity.
As a tribute to America, for her defense of freedom.
As a reminder of our Hellenic heritage, for its everlasting inspiration.
And as a contribution to our city, for it's devotion to civic pride and beauty.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Daniel Teska
Parish Council member
Frank Lloyd Wright showed his original drawings to the Milwaukee Greek Orthodox congregation in 1958, and the church was dedicated in 1961, 2 years after his death. Frank Lloyd Wright's design was a radical departure from traditional Byzantine church architecture, focusing on an equilateral cross inscribed within a circle. This characteristic motif is repeated in several features which include the gold anodized aluminum icon screen, entrance cross, and the gates the the exterior sunken garden. Wright also used colors of the Byzantine Empire, royal blue and gold throughout the interior.
The church is four equidistant concrete pillars that support a domed roof while defining a cross on the main floor. The 106-foot wide dome is not fixed. but rather floats on thousands of ball bearings contained within a metal rail that caps the outer wall. Over two hundred bulb windows lining the base of the dome not only let in a significant amount of natural light, but also give the visual affect of the dome floating. The dome is painted blue on the exterior and gold on the interior surface.
The church pews are arranged in a circular shape, each facing the alter. Fish has been carved in the wood at the ends of every pew, which are also lined with sky blue cushions. The floor of the church is covered in gold carpeting.
To promote flow through the church, 3 large spiral staircases were placed for access from the balcony to the lower level. Each staircase has a spire of lights ascending up through the center towards the domed ceiling.
Outside of the church is a sunken garden that runs along the sides and back of the church. There is also a eye-shaped fountain situated in front of the church. The central pool and fountain is circular like a pupil, while the surrounding grass makes up the oval shape of an eye. The eye is symbolic to the Greek Orthodox church, seen as the "all-seeing eye of God".
Several projects are critical to ensure the structural integrity of the church. Completing these will not only restore the church and it's grounds, but also relieve financial strain to allow funds and talents of the church to expand outreach into the community it serves. Current community programs include: guided tours of the church and involvement with the Milwaukee Historical society "Doors Open" events, the cultural center which is made available for use by local non-profit groups, The Manor (which is nondenominational), a HUD multifamily building on the church grounds for seniors to benefit the church and the immediate neighborhood. Tenants who qualify get subsidized rent and the buildings are professionally managed. We also support locals schools and the community and have Taste of Greece and other community events throughout the year.
Priority Projects include:
1. Replace dome and flat roof membrane ($200,000)
2. Foundation repairs. Moisture causing spalling in the lower level.
3. Exterior Painting ($155,000).
4. Concrete walkways and entrance replacement ($70,000).
5. Repair entrance cross ($30,000). Concrete is crumbling.
6. Parking lot repaving ($325,000).
7. Replace carpeting ($60,000).
Please donate and together lets make a difference. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible.
This Church...
Was erected through the toil of immigrants and their families.
As a monument to God, for his gift of human dignity.
As a tribute to America, for her defense of freedom.
As a reminder of our Hellenic heritage, for its everlasting inspiration.
And as a contribution to our city, for it's devotion to civic pride and beauty.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Daniel Teska
Parish Council member
Organizer
Dan Teska
Organizer
Milwaukee, WI
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Churchfoundation Inc
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
