Deal reached to restore Frank Lloyd Wright temple

An agreement has been reached to restore and preserve one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s best-known works.

Unity Temple in the suburban Chicago community of Oak Park was completed in 1908. It was Wright’s first public building.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation named the structure to its list of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2009. The Trust says the building needs “a multimillion-dollar rescue effort.”

The Chicago-based Alphawood Foundation and the Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation announced Wednesday they have agreed on a plan for the restoration. Alphawood is pledging $10 million to the effort.

Jim McDonough is the foundation’s executive director. He says the foundation is “delighted” the visitors and the congregation will still be able to enjoy Wright’s masterpiece.