From our Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings to Fortaleza Hall, SC Johnson’s global headquarters inspires those who work here and those who visit. Located in Racine, Wisconsin, SC Johnson has the only remaining Frank Lloyd Wright-designed corporate headquarters that is still in use. Watch the videos below for an exclusive, in-depth look at our inspired architecture, and to learn what makes us a family company at work for a better world.
SC Johnson Administration Building
In 1936, third-generation leader H.F. Johnson, Jr. sought out architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Even though ground had been broken for a new administrative office, H.F. wanted to explore a more modern approach. And he wanted it enough to scrap the old plans and take a risk on the innovative Wright.
The Administration Building, which opened in 1939, is celebrated as one of the top 25 buildings of the 20th century. We think it reflects the innovation, boldness and adventure that are still part of SC Johnson today.
Wright’s focus was not just the structure itself. He also designed more than 40 different pieces of furniture for the Administration Building. Each was created to reflect aspects of the building's unique design and to help get work done.
The SC Johnson Research Tower
The SC Johnson Research Tower, which opened in 1950, is one of the tallest structures ever built on the cantilever principle. The inspiration for its form came from third-generation company leader H.F. Johnson, Jr., who had previously hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design the company’s renowned Administration Building. Contemplating how to make the new research facility unique, H.F. suggested Wright consider “going up in the air.”
What Wright did with that suggestion turned out to be remarkable.
SC Johnson’s Award-Winning Fortaleza Hall
The most recent addition to our campus is our award-winning Fortaleza Hall, a loving tribute to two pioneering company leaders: H.F. Johnson, Jr. and Sam Johnson. As our Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson explained at its opening, “This building is intended to inspire us, to be a special place to remind us of our sense of adventure. It is a symbol of our unique history of innovation, creativity and progressive attitude.”
Opened in 2010, Fortaleza Hall also reflects our commitment to sustainability – both in our buildings and in the many household products we make. Fortaleza Hall is a celebration of the life-changing 1935 journey to Brazil by H.F. Johnson, Jr., Sam Johnson, his son, retraced that adventure six decades later, discovering powerful insights along the way about the power of family.
World-renowned architect Lord Norman Foster designed the structure as a tribute to the journeys and the men who led them, and as a contemporary partner to the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings on our campus.