Issue 264 July 28th 2021

The Headlines

Hinsdale Group Wants To Stop Wrecking Ball For The Bagley House

Historical preservationists in Hinsdale, Illinois have a new focus in their efforts to save older houses. This week, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Frederick Bagley House (1894) at 121 S. County Line Road went up for sale, with a price tag of nearly $1.6 million. It is being sold with no legal protections to safeguard it from demolition and redevelopment. It last sold in 1978 at a price of $225,000, or nearly $1 million in today's dollars. The danger is that this important early Wright design will fall prey to someone wanting to tear it down and build something new in its place.

Built in 1894, the house's floor plan resembles Wright's Oak Park home, according to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust website. Its octagonal library is similar to the Studio library that Wright eventually added to his own house, the site says.

News of the Bagley House's sale was posted on the Hinsdaleans for Historic Preservation Facebook page Thursday. It was announced by Alexis Braden, a member of the village's Historic Preservation Commission. She said the sellers are apparently accepting all offers by early next week.

"We have contacted our friends at the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy," Braden said. "However, we need your help to raise awareness about this home, which is not only architecturally significant to Hinsdale but nationwide." Read more here. and then go to the FLWBC's webpage and find out how you can help protect this important Wright deisgn.

Freeman House One Of Wright's 20 Most Important Houses

V.L. Hendrickson of Barrons reports that the University of Southern California is selling a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Los Angeles home, one of four in the city using cast concrete blocks, for $4.25 million.

The Samuel and Harriet Freeman House in the Hollywood Hills was constructed with more than 12,000 cast concrete blocks used both inside and out, and features a salon-style layout with a central hearth, partially open kitchen and several outdoor spaces. It was created by the famed American architect between 1923 and 1925. After 61 years in residence, the Freemans donated the home to the USC’s School of Architecture who have had it under their auspices up to now.

The two-bedroom, 2,884-square-foot residence is “a treasure that needs restoration,” said listing agent Mike Deasy, the CEO of Deasy Penner Podley, a brokerage that specializes in architecturally significant and historic properties. “We’ve seen interest from art collectors and institutions,” Mr. Deasy said.

It is one of “Wright’s 20 most important houses…the missing link between two World Heritage sites: Taliesin and Fallingwater, ” according to the writings of architectural historian Kathryn Smith, who was quoted in the listing. “The spatial design, the main room opening through transparent diagonal corners, the unique concrete block detailing, and the bold hillside setting with expansive city views…all create a spectacular expression.

Mr. Deasy sums it up by saying "it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s for someone interested in saving Wright.” More here.

Top 8 Organic Designed Buildings & Houses

Inspired by his mentor Louis Sullivan, an influential figure in the world of progressive architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright coined the term "organic architecture" around 1908.

Organic architecture is harmony between the organic and the built environment, ensuring that the individual elements within buildings — the roof, windows, floors, and doors — are put together to reflect the order within nature. David Pearson set out a set of rules surrounding organic design called the Gaia Charter. These state that an organic design and plan should not only be inspired by nature but also be sustainable; that it should exist in the "continuous present"; "grow out of the site"; that it should celebrate youth; express the rhythm of music; be flexible and adaptable; and so on.

Architecture & Design gives us their list of the top 8 examples of Organic Architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright has 2 buildings on this list. See if you agree with the rest by clicking here.

Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired 3D Cement Tiles + Textile Blocks

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work has inspired countless home products and projects throughout the years, and now Eso Surfaces has partnered with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to include 3D cement tiles and textile blocks.

The Southern California-based family business has interpreted the geometric tiles and blocks used in four of FLW’s renowned homes located in Los Angeles: the Dr. George Ablin House, the John Stoner House, the John Storer House and the Charles Ennis House. Eso Surfaces’ The Frank Lloyd Wright Collection can be bought as single tiles or in bulk, for whatever type of display or project you might have in mind.

"Eso’s stunning interpretations of Wright’s work are executed to the highest quality standards so that designers, architects and homeowners can be inspired to bring this rich legacy into homes, offices and landscapes." Stuart Graff, CEO, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. See the examples here.

In Memoriam: Larry Woodin

Larry Woodin, a Seattle area architect and Frank Lloyd Wright expert known internationally for his involvement in last-minute saves of several important Wright buildings, died July 22, 2021, after a brief illness. Larry served on the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy’s Board of Directors since 2002, including roles as president from 2011 – 2013 and Vice President from 2010 – 2011 and most recently serving as Second Vice President. Read more here.

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