Housewalk opens homes by Wright, contemporaries
The eight private homes featured on the 39th annual Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk combine authentic restoration with modern livability.
The housewalk showcases the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries in the historic district of Oak Park.
Wright Plus 2013, sponsored by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Information and tickets to all Wright Plus events are available at GoWright.org.
The all-day event will feature rare interior tours of the following private homes, including four that have never been on the housewalk before:
ŸHarry S. Adams House (1913): Frank Lloyd Wright’s final Oak Park commission, reflecting his mature Prairie style.
ŸRobert P. Parker House (1892): An early Wright house sensitively restored for today’s lifestyle.
ŸLouisa and Harry Goodrich House (1896): Highlights Wright’s emerging aesthetic and the owner’s period restorations.
ŸT.S. Rattle House (George O. Gamsey, 1885): A grand Victorian with an expansive addition and gardens. (New to Wright Plus.)
ŸW.A. Rogers House (Talmadge & Watson, 1906): Stunning art glass and original woodwork in this spectacular Arts & Crafts residence. (New to Wright Plus.)
ŸFrank Keefer House (E.E. Roberts, 1906): Exceptional Prairie design enhanced with a dynamic two-story expansion. (New to Wright Plus.)
ŸFlori Blondeel House No. 2 (John S. Van Bergen, 1914): Recent restoration with original woodwork and expansive two-story atrium addition. (New to Wright Plus.)
ŸFrank Long House (Leon Stanhope, 1929): Unique interpretation of the cottage style with new gardens and a charming undulating roof.
At each house, docents will discuss its architecture, history and the lifestyles of the original occupants.
Also new to the 2013 housewalk, the Cheney Mansion Oasis patio and solarium will provide respite throughout the day. Built in 1913 by Charles E. White Jr., the Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion evokes a gracious English country home.
Tickets are $100 each and $85 for members of the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Included is admission to three landmark Wright buildings, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and Unity Temple in Oak Park, as well as the Frederick C. Robie House in Chicago. For more information, visit GoWright.org.
Two additional events are available to augment the Wright Plus experience.
The Friday Excursion, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, May 17, will include a private tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent House in Rockford. Be the first to see Wright’s only wheelchair accessible design before it opens to the public.
The excursion will include bus transportation, lunch and a tour of the Anderson Japanese Gardens designed by Hoichi Kurisu and a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pettit Memorial Chapel (1907) in a Belvedere cemetery. The cost of the Friday Excursion is $165 and $150 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members.
The Ultimate Plus Package, May 16-19, offers an extended weekend of one-of-a-kind architectural experiences, including preferred admission to each site on the May 18 housewalk, hotel accommodations and transportation.
The package features:
ŸA gourmet dinner on the evening of the housewalk in a private home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Featured Wright homes are the Isabel Roberts House (1908/1956), Arthur B. Heurtley House (1902) and the Peter A. Beachy House (1906).
ŸA private tour of the Wright-designed Avery Coonley estate in Riverside and tour to see the work of landscape architect Jens Jensen at three Chicago locations on Friday, May 17.
ŸInvitation to the chairman’s reception in the lobby of Chicago’s Rookery Building and a private tour of the Rookery vault on Thursday, May 16.
ŸAn exclusive private lunch and tour of the historic Elizabeth F. Cheney Mansion in Oak Park on the day of the housewalk.
ŸA private tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Frederick C. Robie House.
The cost of the Ultimate Plus Package is $2,650 and $2,400 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members. For more information, visit GoWright.org.