Last week I visited Richland Center, Wisconsin where I spent my high school years. It is also the birthplace of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Only one work of his exists in the town, the stunning and exotic AD German warehouse.


On my last visit [over 20 years ago] it had been made into a museum.


Imagine my dismay to find the doors locked. Only the remains of faded and dusty displays could be seen through unwashed windows. Deterioration of its unique architectural appointments had set in and the building presented a blighted, decaying face.



I had a major Detroit deja vu, especially after visiting the declining city center. "Detroit and Richland Center," I thought, "So far away, yet so close." Older small towns are are being architecturally victimized just as our old urban centers are.

Are there any other out there that are also seeing this process in your small towns?

The following link leads to a webisode in 'letter to the editor' form with large pictures and text. Enjoy.

http://detroityes.com/webisodes/2012/rc-detroit/