In 1960, architecture visionary Buckminster Fuller (he of the geodesic dome) moved to the college town of Carbondale, IL. There, he built the only dome he'd ever live in and the only home he'd ever own. He lived in it for 12 years. After several years as a rental property, it is now a historic landmark. And, for the past 10 years, has seen a MAJOR renovation. See it here.
More info: fullerdomehome.com
The "Bucky Dome" (as it's called) was built in one day. Here it is at the end of that one day, April 20, 1960
Fuller (right) was on site during the construction
The finished dome
Despite the best efforts of later owners and tenants, the Dome began to decay... And it got shingled and painted. This is c. 1976
By the time the preservation began, c. 1999, decay was evident inside too
A pole helped keep up the ceiling
The interior walls had to be reattached
As it looked from the outside
This is the Dome's front door, then
After over 10 years of work, this is the front door now
The Dome today!
And inside!
Today, the same group that restored the dome is working to build an interpretation center right across the street so visitors can get the most out of this visit to this remarkable artifact.