martinhouseclr

132 DARWIN D. MARTIN HOUSE // CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT structures was mostly complete by 2007, including contemporary HVAC systems based on geothermal technology. 273 Many landscape components, including the terrace walls, the fountain and associated masonry, and circulation features (driveway, garden paths) were reconstructed along with the buildings. Based on the original work now held by the Bock Museum at Greenville College, in 2008, a reinforced polyester resin replica of the sculpture titled Spring was cast, and placed back upon the restored masonry pier at the south end of the Summit terrace wall. 274 The following year the MHRC officially opened the new museum visitor center, the Eleanor and Wilson Greatbatch Pavilion, designed by architect Toshiko Mori. The visitor center included site and landscape design work outside of the historic core of the property, along the western boundary, including a rehabilitation of the 1920s-era stone retaining wall using stone material unearthed from the former conservatory and garage foundations. 275 During the restoration and reconstruction efforts over the last decade the two remaining ginkgo trees on either side of the driveway were removed when it was discovered the tree roots had grown through the building foundation. A 273 Martin House Restoration Corporation, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex: Docent Manual, 2014 Edition 274 Martin House Restoration Corporation, Fact Sheet: Richard Walter Bock’s Spring, Susana Tejada, 2013 275 Mary Roberts, Executive Director MHRC, Interview by Zakery Steele, Buffalo, New York, 29 July 1014 cursory investigation into the historic significance of these trees was completed in 2008, and it was recommended that due to restoration efforts of the house and the trees’ worsening condition, they would be removed. 276 The decision to remove these trees was based on the impact of the root system which had grown into the building foundation and under the structural slab. The other plant material extant in the circa 1991 vegetation inventory was removed during restoration and reconstruction efforts for the house, pergola and garage. Aerial photos dating circa 2007 to 2009 show that much of the site was utilized for construction staging. 276 Jack Quinan and Eric Jackson-Forsberg to Mary Roberts, disposition of ginkgo trees on Martin House site, 1 February 2008. Fig. 129.1 Floricycle remnant and new vegetation (black walnuts, etc), looking southwest from Summit Ave, c.1985.