The Friends of Cedar Rock are pleased to announce the grand opening of the newly restored river pavilion. The structure, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, recently underwent a $200,000 restoration project to preserve the two-story boathouse and restore it to its original state after years of deferred maintenance.

The river pavilion at Cedar Rock State Park is truly unique as it is one of only five realized boathouses of Wright’s 500 structures. Cedar Rock is the only designed Wright residential boathouse that still retains its originality. Flooding, weather, vandalism and age took their toll on this unique and amazing structure over the years, but through the dedication of the Friends of Cedar Rock, the Walter Charitable Trust, and the Iowa DNR this River Pavilion looks "Wright "again.

The Friends of Cedar Rock worked diligently for several years securing donations, grants and funding for this project. The group received funding for this project from REAP’s Historic Resource Development Program (HRDP), Black Hawk County Gaming Association, Community Foundation of North East Iowa, Buchanan County Community Foundation, and group and individual gifts. They also received funding from the Walter Charitable Trust and the Iowa DNR.

The boathouse is one of the structures that make up the Walter and Agnes Lowell estate at Cedar Rock. Completed in 1950, the home is a unique example of complete Usonian-era work by Wright, featuring brick walls and an interior decorated with the architect’s furniture- he even picked out all the draperies.

The celebration will take place Saturday, May 20 from 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. with dedication remarks at 1:30, at Cedar Rock State Park 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd, Independence, Iowa. Light refreshments will be served. The event is open to the public.