Philip Johnson's Glass House, the monument to modernist architecture built in New Canaan, Conn., in 1949, opened to the public for the first time in its 50-plus year history in April-but already plans are being made to close the tourist site for extensive renovations.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation site will close late next year as it is prepared for a major renovation next winter, including the full replacement of its glass.
A 1996 Conditions Survey Report by Philip Johnson, Ritchie and Fiore Architects and an extensive conditions survey in the summer of 2006 by Glass House preservationist Sandy Cross revealed that the house's steel framing system has become corroded and needs to be replaced.