The nomination of ten buildings by the influential architect represents the first World Heritage nomination by the U.S. of works of modernist architecture. Entitled "Key Works of Modern Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright," the list includes:

1. Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois
2. Frederick C. Robie House in Chicago, Illinois 
3. Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin 
4. Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California 
5. Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania 
6. Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House in Madison, Wisconsin 
7. Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona 
8. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City 
9. Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma 
10. Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael, California 

Inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list brings, according to the announcement, "significant international attention, prestige, and increased tourism." Maintained by the international World Heritage Programme, the list not only demarcates sites of significance to "global culture," but also can help provide important resources and funds for conservation. In order to be put on the list, a nominated site must be approved by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which consists of 21 UNESCO member states elected by the General Assembly.

Currently, several of the buildings that were nominated are critically endangered. Fallingwater has been victim to leaks and structural frailty that necessitated major restorations several years ago. The Hollyhock house has been damaged by earthquakes and is finally set to reopen after being closed for some time. Hopefully, if accepted to the UNESCO list, these important structures would receive the care needed to preserve them for future generations.

Unfortunately, the list doesn't include some other works by FLW, such as the Spring House in Tallahassee, FL, which was recently ranked one of the most endangered historic places in the country. Even more reason to donate to the Spring House Institute! (More info here.)