Issue 451 February 19th 2025

The Headlines

Step Into Wright's John C. Pew House

Eliot Butler, initially uninterested in Frank Lloyd Wright or historic architecture, became the owner of the John C. Pew House after reading about it in a local newspaper 15 years ago. The house, designed by Wright in 1939–40 for Madison businessman John C. Pew, sits on a narrow lot overlooking Lake Mendota. Wright's design maximized the limited space, using trees and a clever layout to create a sense of privacy. The house was modest in size (1600 sq. ft.) and cost ($8,750), built from overlapping cypress planks and native limestone.

Eliot is the third owner of the house, following the Pews and the Edwards family, who did initial restorations. Eliot undertook additional restoration, maintaining Wright’s original design and system, including the unique "gravity heating" method and the restoration of windows, doors, and exterior cypress planks. He also preserved original furniture designed by Wright, adding some of his own pieces in keeping with the style. His efforts earned him the Historic Preservation Award, and the house is now on the State Register of Historic Places.

A Restored Rudolph Schindler Home Lists For $3.3M In LA

Rudolph Schindler is one of Southern California’s most celebrated Modernist architects and was a close friend and professional rival of Richard Neutra. Consequently, when one of his residences comes to market, it’s big news—and this renovated Hollywood Hills home has been restored to preserve Schindler’s original design with modern amenities.

The historic J.H. and Margaret Druckman Residence in Outpost Estates was mercifully unaffected by the recent wildfires. Built in 1941, it nestles into the hillside and remains mostly faithful to its original aesthetic, including original plywood walls, trapezoidal clerestory windows, soaring beams, and a decorative fireplace.

Upon entering the midcentury property, visitors can step up into the open-plan living and dining room, which connects to the kitchen, or head down a few steps to the private quarters, where the bedrooms are located. Wandering through its rooms, it still feels of its time, with sculptural cabinetry, bookcases, and built-ins creating a warm and rich material palette.

The house has been gently modernised, notably with newly designed bathrooms and kitchen, a new roof, upgraded plumbing and HVAC systems, and a new water heater. The building’s hardwood floors have been refinished, and a new gate and security alarm system installed, while the landscaping has been replanted with drought-resistant native California plants, better suited to the climate.

It’s co-listed by Lilian Pfaff of Modern California House and William Baker of The Agency with an asking price of $3.295m.

Uncover Hidden Histories Of The Women Of Martin House

Planning a trip to the Martin House? Be sure to check out the brand new exhibit, The Space She Keeps, which highlights, celebrates, and gives voice to the women who lived and worked at the Martin House. A never-before displayed collection of objects including a historic dress, a turn-of-the-century camera, suffragette buttons, and diaries where visitors can discover a fascinating perspective on a woman’s participation in her family, community, and culture at the turn of the twentieth century in Buffalo, New York.

History is filled with the unknown stories of anonymous women. This new exhibition challenges that bias by recognizing each woman who lived and worked here by name and sharing what we have been able to discover about her life.

Learn more about this phenomenal exhibit, which will be on view from February 14 – June 2, 2025. All Martin House tour tickets include FREE admission to this exhibit.

Peters-Margedant Open House to Showcase Artifacts in First Time Exhibit

The Peters-Margedant House invites the public to an exclusive Open House event on April 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will take place inside the Peters-Margedant house located on the University of Evansville (UE) campus at 516 S. Weinbach Ave.

UE says the upcoming open house will be an engaging experience for not only enthusiasts of architecture and design, but for all community members. As it spotlights the career of William Wesley Peters alongside Frank Lloyd Wright. Peters, celebrated for his contributions to Usonian design and his role as Wright’s right-hand man, has left a permanent mark on modern architecture and design.

Officials say visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore a micro exhibit showcasing a collection of artifacts that belonged to Peters himself, marking the first time these artifacts will be on public display at the house. Guests are invited to explore the exhibit and review the tools Peters utilized as an architect, offering insight into his creative process and the era of architectural innovation.

UE says entrance to the open house and exhibit is completely free on April 14. At any time during the year, tours will also be offered, by appointment only, providing a comprehensive understanding of Peters’ influence and the significance of his work.

For further information or to schedule a tour, please contact pmhouse@evansville.edu.

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