belinda stewart architects to lead preservation of frank lloyd wright’s ‘fountainhead’ house
Belinda Stewart Architects to restore Fountainhead
The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA) selects Belinda Stewart Architects to lead the preservation and restoration of Fountainhead, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence in Jackson, Mississippi, acquired by the museum in November 2025 (find designboom’s previous coverage here). The project marks the next phase in transforming Wright’s only building in Mississippi into a publicly accessible house museum and event venue, with an anticipated opening in 2028.
Based in Eupora, Mississippi, Belinda Stewart Architects specializes in the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. The firm will prepare a comprehensive Historic Structure Report, including condition assessments, Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM), and a phased conservation strategy. The appointment also includes architectural services for structural repairs, landscape rehabilitation, accessibility upgrades, and code compliance, balancing public access with the preservation of the property’s historic character.
all images by G. Douglas Adams Photography
A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house rooted in the landscape
Originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1948 for J. Willis and Edith Hughes, the house was completed in 1955, six years after the architect finalized the plans. The 331-square-meter residence exemplifies Wright’s Usonian principles through its low horizontal profile, native materials, open-plan interiors, and close relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Fountainhead is organized around a distinctive Y-shaped plan that follows the topography of a nearly 4,000-square-meter site. Its diamond-shaped modular geometry is expressed throughout the architecture, from the layout and built-in furnishings to the detailing of walls and ceilings. Large expanses of glazing connect interior spaces to the wooded landscape, while original features, including Wright-designed furniture, perforated wooden shutters, skylights, concrete floors, terraces, three fireplaces, the original copper roof, and a fountain flowing into a swimming pool, remain integral to the property.
The residence later underwent an extensive restoration by architect Robert Parker Adams, who purchased the residence in 1980 and maintained it for decades. Following Adams’ death in 2025, the Mississippi Museum of Art acquired the property, drawing inspiration from museums such as Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which similarly opened a Frank Lloyd Wright residence to the public. Investigative surveys and diagnostic testing are now underway as the preservation team begins documenting the building’s condition and developing a long-term restoration strategy before construction work proceeds.
the geometric entrance gate frames views toward Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fountainhead
the low-slung residence sits within a wooded landscape in Jackson, Mississippi
the Y-shaped plan follows the site’s natural topography
the carport extends beneath broad cantilevered roof overhangs
glazed corners and terraces strengthen the connection to the surrounding landscape
the living room features original built-in furnishings and soaring timber ceilings
angular timber ceilings define the home’s principal living space
a built-in dining nook reflects Wright’s integrated interior design approach
Wright-designed perforated shutters filter daylight into one of the home’s bedrooms
built-in bunk beds, storage, and desks maximize space
custom furnishings and perforated shutters reflect Wright’s integrated interior design
the primary bedroom features built-in furnishings, a fireplace, and a timber ceiling with skylights
original built-in cabinetry remains throughout the compact kitchen
project info:
name: Fountainhead Preservation Project
architect: Belinda Stewart Architects, PA | @belindastewartarchitects
client: Mississippi Museum of Art | @msmuseumart
location: Jackson, Mississippi, USA
original architect: Frank Lloyd Wright | @wrighttaliesin
original design: 1948
completed: 1955
museum acquisition: November 2025
planned public opening: 2028
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