"Usually structures have to be 50 to 100 years old to be on the National Register of Historic Places," said artist Martyl Langsdorf.

"In this case they made an exception."

The exception is the Schweikher House at 645 S. Meacham Road in Schaumburg. Langsdorf has lived in it and cared for it for more than 40 years.

"Some places are on the Register because of their age, this place is on it because of its beauty," Langsdorf said.

Schweikher, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the house as a work of art.

With exquisite details in redwood, brick and glass, the house is a synthesis of the Prairie School of design and Japanese architecture.

Built in 1937, it is the youngest of our local landmarks, but one that shows that Midwestern style is still unique.

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