Frank Lloyd Wright Made His Architectural Mark In Illinois With These 6 Houses
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed over 1,100 homes, buildings, and structures throughout his lengthy career. He was known for his organic style, incorporating elements of nature into his designs. His designs are so widely admired that Wright is considered one of the greatest architects of all time. He spent many years in Illinois, home to several of his most impressive works, some of which you can tour. Here are just a few of the Wright-designed houses you can go see and tour in person:
Designed for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana in 1902, this 35-room, 12,000-square-foot house contains the largest collection of original Frank Lloyd Wright-designed furniture and glass.
The Dana-Thomas House is the 72nd building Wright designed. Now a historic site owned by the State of Illinois, docent-led tours of the house and grounds are given throughout the year. For more information and to book your free tour, visit the Dana-Thomas House Foundation's website here. Donations are accepted.
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The B. Harley Bradley House was Wright's first Prairie Style home and was designed in 1900. It sits along the Kankakee River on a one-acre lot. The interior is filled with the architect's uniquely designed furniture and glass windows that had become his trademark. Next door, you will find another Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home, the Warren R. Hickox House, which is privately owned.
Tours of the B. Harley Bradley House are currently suspended due to Covid, but you can check the website for updates here.
Colonel George Fabyan owned this home with his wife Nelle from 1905-1939. In 1907, they hired Frank Lloyd Wright to remodel and expand the farmhouse, which he did in what has become his signature Prairie style. This exemplary home contains many artifacts from the couple as well as original arts and crafts style furnishings and Cathedral Style windows designed by Wright himself.
Tours are currently on pause due to Covid, so check the Fabyan Villa webpage here for updates.
Kenneth Laurent was a disabled veteran who served during World War II. In 1949, Wright was commissioned to design a home for him and his wife. The home had to be accessible for someone with a disability. The famed architect designed this unusual home in a semi-circle fashion that also features floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the sun's light and heat. This became one of the few Usonian-hemicycle homes he designed.
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The house is closed during the winter months, but you can book your tour online starting in April. Visit the Laurent House website here.
The Robie House is arguably one of Wright's most impressive accomplishments and considered the last of his Prairie Style. Completed in 1910 for Frederick C. Robie, this house is an iconic masterpiece. Huge art-glass windows allow light to fill the living spaces, the home's indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly together, and a dramatic roof adds flair. There is no other house quite as magnificent as this!
Book your tour by visiting the Frederick C. Robie House webpage here.
Emil Bach, co-owner of the Bach Brick Company, was a bit of a fan of the famed architect. In 1915, Wright designed this late Prairie style home with flat, overhanging roofs. This house has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. A Japanese tea garden was added when the house was renovated as a tribute to Wright's experience in Japan.
While the Emil Bach House is privately owned, it is available for group tours by appointment only. For more information, visit the Emil Back House webpage here.
Have you visited any of these Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes? If so, please let us know about your experiences in the comments as well as any others you have visited throughout the state!
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301 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
701 S Harrison Ave, Kankakee, IL 60901, USA
1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL 60134, USA
4646 Spring Brook Rd, Rockford, IL 61114, USA
5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
7415 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626, USA