PRESERVATION: ARCHITECTURE

PERGOLA

2004 Reconstruction

In 2004, the pergola was completely reconstructed to address wood rot and structural instability that had worsened in the years since Russel Wright’s passing. Wright maintained and repaired the Pergola in his lifetime, but the Pergola had never been formally conserved prior to 2004. Hand in hand with this restoration was the stabilization of the Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia durior). The original vine, planted and cultivated by Russel Wright, was transferred to a temporary structure while the Pergola was reconstructed. New portions of Dutchman’s Pipe were planted on the east end of the Pergola near the studio to provide fuller coverage across the feature.

2019 / 2025 Repairs
For years, stormwater run-off from the woodlands above had pooled in the area of the Entry Court and along the Pergola to the main House entrance. By 2019, the Pergola’s southwestern pillar was severely water damaged causing the structure to lean downward. Work included regrading of the surface area along the Pergola’s north elevation and the replacement of the bottom section of the pillar. In the spring of 2024, a combination of wind, storm, and woodpecker damage led to the breakage of several horizontal lintels from the main structure and required Manitoga to reevaluate the condition of the Pergola. Although the damage did not threaten the structural integrity of the feature, the east end of the Pergola showed clear signs of warping and sagging and thus needed repairs. In the winter of 2025, Lars Lindbergh with Tiny Houses, Inc. extracted the remainder of the deteriorating elements on the east end and cut replacement lumber. Oak wood was used to honor the original materials. After installation, the replacement lumber was painted and sealed in the same color to match the rest of the structure.

PROJECT TEAM
Preservation Architects – Jan Hird Pokorny Associates
Site Preparation / Contractor — Lars Lindbergh, Tiny Houses, Inc.

PROJECT SUPPORT
Major support for the 2004 Reconstruction was provided by the David L. Klein Foundation and MJS Foundation with additional support from Gertrude Whitney. Recent repairs were generously funded by the Frank B. R. Sahm Jr. Charitable Foundation.