Before Phillip Johnson’s Glass House and the lucid frenzy that ensued (not to mention the one presently taking place in New York), there was the Farnsworth House. Arguably Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s most famous structure and a beloved National Historic Landmark, the Farnsworth House set the standard for pared down, minimalist style that continues to beguile and influence architects and designers to this day.

So it is with great sadness that I report that this icon of the modernist movement is currently in a state of distress as the result of the residual flooding from Hurricane Ike in mid-September, when flood waters rose nearly two feet above the top deck and seeped into the building. The Farnsworth House, which is located in Plano, Illinois, suffers from severe flood damage.

According to a press liaison at Landmarks Illinois, they have already estimated a $90,000 revenue loss from the house’s closure, and the damage to the building and grounds has yet to be calculated. Fortunately, a recovery effort is already in full swing. If you’re interested in donating to the Farnsworth House recovery effort, please click here.

Photo courtesy of Landmarks Illinois.