This quiet suburb, seven miles (11 km) west of
downtown Chicago, contains the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd
Wright-designed buildings. It was here that Wright developed his
Prairie style, (inspired by the flat lines of the Midwestern plains),
influencing other architects such as George Maher. His work was first
considered radical, even ugly, compared to the typical styles of the
day. Walking through Oak Park’s quaint, tree-lined streets, it’s evident
that Wright’s unique architecture does stand out from the norm – but in
all the right ways.
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
Unity Temple
Pleasant Home
Arthur Heurtley House
The Bootleg Houses
Charles Matthews House
Edwin Cheney House
Beachy House
Nathan Moore House
Harry Adams House
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After moving to Oak Park
in 1889, Wright (1867–1959) appeared to lead the perfect suburban life.
But in the early 20th century he created scandals by gallivanting with
married women, and wearing flamboyant clothes and long hair. During the
Depression, however, he transformed into a respected social visionary,
and later redefined himself as a quick-witted sage. Ultimately, though,
he became a master of self-promotion, establishing himself as the first
celebrity architect.
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Oak Park Street Map
Detail of house in Oak Park designed by Wright
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Dine Italian at family-run La Bella Pasteria (
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,
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1103 South Blvd
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1 708 524 0044
)
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The Visitors’ Center sells maps, books, and tickets for area tours (
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,
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158 N. Forest Ave.
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1 708 848 1500
)
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For detailed information on opening hours call the Visitors’ Center. Most buildings open to the public are visited by tour only.
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Literary buffs take note:
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Top 10 Buildings
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Unity Temple
This compact church (1908) wonderfully demonstrates Wright’s use of poured concrete for both structural and decorative purposes.
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Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
Built
when Wright moved to Oak Park (1889), this is where he designed over
150 structures. The children’s playroom is luminous with signature
art-glass windows.
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Pleasant Home
This
30-room Prairie-style 1897 home built by George Maher, was Oak Park’s
first to have electricity. It holds a small history museum, including
exhibits relating to Tarzan creator and former local resident, Edgar
Rice Burroughs.
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Arthur Heurtley House
Wright’s
beautiful 1902 house is absolute Prairie, with its low, wide chimney,
and band of art-glass windows that makes the over-hanging roof appear to
float.
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Beachy House
An
impressive 1906 home that contradicts many of Wright’s trademarks.
Instead of just stucco and wood or brick and concrete, he used them all:
it also has a seven-gabled, rather than a hipped, roof.
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Charles Matthews House
Architects
Thomas Eddy Tallmadge and Vernon S. Watson designed this elegant 1909
Prairie-style residence for a wealthy druggist. Among the interior
details are Prairie-inspired light fixtures and folding art-glass doors.
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Edwin Cheney House
Now
a B&B, this home sparked a tragic love affair between Wright and
Mrs. Cheney, leading him to abandon his family and practice. Mamah
Cheney and her children were murdered at Wright’s Wisconsin home by an
insane servant in 1914.
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The Bootleg Houses
Wright lost his job over these three private commissions, built while he was actually employed by Louis Sullivan. Though Queen Anne-like in style, they hint at the design elements that were to be his hallmarks.
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Nathan Moore House
Out
of financial desperation, Wright built this charming Tudor-style home
for his neighbor. After a fire destroyed the top floors in 1922,
Wright’s modifications echoed his West Coast concrete block houses.
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Harry Adams House
This
striking 1913 home marks the last of Wright’s Oak Park houses and
features several of the elements that made him famous, such as exquisite
stained glass, and a low overhanging roof.