Jackson, MS… The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA/the Museum) announced its selection of Belinda Stewart Architects, PA, to lead the Fountainhead preservation project at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property in Jackson acquired by MMA in November 2025. Based in Eupora, MS, the award-winning firm specializes in the preservation, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of historic structures. Its portfolio includes projects ranging from small historic landmarks to large-scale facilities, including Mississippi State University’s 90,000 square-foot Old Main Academic Center. It has received more than 100 awards for excellence in design and preservation. Founder Belinda Stewart made history as the first female architect from Mississippi to be named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and one of the founders of Mississippi Heritage Trust, the statewide advocacy organization for historic preservation. Her work is guided by a commitment to bring a higher purpose to the practice of architectural design.
The firm will oversee the preparation of a Historic Structure Report with condition
assessment, digital modeling (HBIM), and a prioritized treatment plan, and will provide full architectural services for structural repairs, landscape evaluation and rehabilitation, and modifications for accessibility and code compliance for a house museum and event venue. Investigative work and diagnostic testing will begin immediately, with a goal of a grand opening to the public in 2028.
Working alongside Belinda Stewart Architects will be newly appointed Fountainhead Curator Jennifer Baughn, who joins the Museum following a distinguished 30-year career at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, where she most recently served as Chief Architectural Historian, overseeing the designation of numerous properties on the National Register and as National Historic Landmarks. As Fountainhead Curator, Baughn brings decades of expertise in historic preservation to the stewardship of one of Mississippi’s most significant works of Modern design.
MMA Laurie Hearin McRee Director Betsy Bradley said, “We are delighted to partner with Belinda Stewart and her team who have exceptional experience working with historic and culturally significant buildings in Mississippi and beyond. Preparing this architectural gem for visitors—the house, landscape, and distinctive Wright-designed furnishings and flourishes—is a vibrant expression of the Museum’s mission to connect and meaningfully engage with communities across Jackson.”
Belinda Stewart, FAIA, and Belinda Stewart Architects Principal, said, “We are deeply honored to join MMA in this extraordinary effort to preserve and share this phenomenal work of art. While connected to the national and international significance surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright’s work, this is a distinctly Mississippi story, and we are grateful that the Museum chose a Mississippi firm to lead this effort. Frank Lloyd Wright defined success as ‘dedication, hard work and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen.’ We have brought together a dream team of Mississippi professionals with deep related experience, and national consulting experts in the preservation of Frank Lloyd Wright properties – and together with the Museum, we accept this challenge.”
Inspired by the success of institutions like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and its acquisition of the Wright-designed Bachman-Wilson House, MMA leadership is expanding its mission by acquiring this significant architectural landmark and making it available to the public for tours with advanced reservations. The purchase is part of the Museum’s strategic goals to embed the Museum in neighborhoods across the city in ways that help accomplish their community building priorities. Stay up to date on the official opening and public tours at msmuseumart.org
G. Douglas Adams Photography