Issue 445  January 8th 2025

Frank Lloyd Wright's Unbuilt Vision For Yosemite Valley

What happens when America’s most famous architect clashes with the federal government? KVPR’s Central Valley Roots has the story behind Frank Lloyd Wright’s unrealized vision for Yosemite National Park in California.

The year was 1954 and Degnan’s Kitchen needed more space. The Degnan family had owned the Yosemite Valley bakery and café since the 1800’s. With post-war crowds flocking to Yosemite Valley, they hired America’s greatest architect to design a new home for their business – Frank Lloyd Wright. On paper it sounded like a good fit. Wright was famous for designing his buildings to complement the natural beauty of a site – think of his famous house Fallingwater in Pennsylvania.

In Yosemite, Wright’s plans called for a low-slung building with a central dome housing a main dining room. Semi-circle outcroppings housed the entrance and kitchen. Wright’s sketches look a lot like his later design for the Marin County Civic Center.

But Wright’s vision clashed with the federal bureaucracy. Park Service director Conrad Wirth rejected the design, calling it a "mushroom dome type of thing. Degnan’s instead hired Fresno architect Walter Wagner to design a modern A-frame building, which still houses Degnan’s Deli today.

Click for more details: kvpr.org  

A 12-Stop Road Trip Of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Most Surprising Designs

It’s been more than 60 years since Frank Lloyd Wright’s career came to an end following his death in 1959, and there are nearly 300 structures designed by the prolific American architect still standing, the bulk of which are sprinkled across the United States.

Many of these homes and buildings are iconic, known for their creative use of space and natural materials, a Wright trademark. But the architect’s genius also springs up in unexpected places, like the gas station in Minnesota that includes an observation deck, or a Greek Orthodox church in Wisconsin that looks like a spaceship.

Atlas Obscura lists 12 stops on a Frank Lloyd Wright superfan’s cross-country road trip of the United States. With so many amazing designs you will want to check all of these structures off your bucket list.

Click for more details: atlasobscura.com  

John Lloyd Wright-Designed Home Is Listed for $6.5 Million

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright‘s prodigal son John may not have reached the levels of fame that his father did. However, he still left behind an incredible design legacy that continues to captivate architecture lovers the world over.

The second-generation architect, who died in Del Mar, CA, in 1972, is best known for his midcentury modern residences on the southern coast of California—some of which have not survived the passing of time, which makes his remaining designs all the more rare.

But one such gem was recently brought onto the market, designed and built by John on “one of the largest lots in Olde Del Mar” in 1958. Originally listed for just under $7.5 million, the five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom dwelling is now available for $6.49 million.

Click for more details: realtor.com  

Wright Apprentice's Ashera Property For Sale

Ashera, a remarkable architectural masterpiece designed by Tom Olson, will soon be offered for sale. Olson, an apprentice of the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin from 1950 to 1954, designed Ashera for himself and Merle Sykora, an esteemed art professor and accomplished weaver at St. Cloud State University. For decades, Tom and Merle worked together as architect and interior designer in the St. Cloud area. Tom also served as the lead apprentice on Wright’s Fasbender Clinic in Hastings, Minnesota.

Carved into a 2.18-acre wooded lot, Ashera is perched high on the river bluff, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River through the walls of windows on both levels. The home’s design seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, creating a tranquil and private retreat.

The main level features a spacious living/dining area, kitchen, primary bedroom, and a sunroom that can be accessed from both the living room and the primary bedroom. A striking angled brick fireplace anchors the living room, while custom cedar woodwork—highlighted by the vaulted ceiling with intersecting cedar strips—adds warmth and FLW character to the space. The kitchen is designed with bamboo cabinetry, and an office is conveniently located off the kitchen.

The lower level features a spacious studio room with a wood stove, which can also serve as a versatile gathering space. It includes a second bedroom and bath, and offers walkouts to both a cement patio from the studio and a wraparound walkway from the bedroom, providing easy access to the outdoors.

The property also features a drive-through garage with secure storage and a small workshop area for projects. Adjacent to the garage is a guesthouse, which can serve as a private office or be rented out for additional income.

The meticulously designed grounds include a labyrinth for quiet reflection, as well as a ginkgo biloba tree grown from a seedling of the historic ginkgo at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio in Oak Park, Illinois, started by Tom & Merle.

Ashera offers an exceptional opportunity to experience a harmonious blend of architectural sophistication, natural beauty, and complete privacy, making it a truly unique home that embodies the timeless spirit of Wright-inspired design.

Click for more details: slaterrealtygroup.com