Photo credit: www.architecturaldigest.com
Historic Wright Home in Chicago Declared Endangered
A notable Frank Lloyd Wright residence in Chicago has been identified as one of the city’s most endangered historic structures, according to a report from Austin Weekly News. The J.J. Walser Jr. House, which exemplifies Wright’s architectural vision, has been included in the Chicago 7 Most Endangered list by Preservation Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the city’s architectural heritage. Ward Miller, the executive director of Preservation Chicago, stated that the annual listing serves as a platform for raising awareness among the public, city officials, and stakeholders about the need for preservation efforts, with the aim of finding new guardians for these at-risk buildings.
This striking residence is situated in the Austin neighborhood on the west side of Chicago and was originally constructed in 1903 for Grace and J.J. Walser, a local couple. The house is notable for its tan stucco facade, which was an innovative choice at the time, complemented by dark wood trim. Its unique design was highlighted in a 1905 article appearing in House Beautiful, which focused on the growing trends of using plaster and cement in residential construction. Signature features of the Prairie style, such as the overhanging eaves and hipped roof, firmly place the Walser House within this important architectural movement. It was officially designated as a Chicago landmark in 1984 and was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.
Currently, the Walser House is facing urgent maintenance issues that must be addressed to preserve its architectural integrity.
Built at a cost of $4,000—equivalent to approximately $143,000 today—this home stands as one of the finest representations of Wright’s early ambitions to design affordable and aesthetically pleasing residences. The groundbreaking ideas tested in the Walser design would shape Wright’s later works, with evident influences found in structures such as the Barton House in Buffalo, New York; the DeRhodes House in South Bend, Indiana; and even the now-demolished Horner House in Chicago, which was taken down in 1952.
The Walser family sold the house in 1910 after residing there for seven years. Since then, the home has exchanged ownership numerous times, undergoing multiple renovations over six decades. The most recent owners, Anne and Hurley Teague, purchased the house in 1970. Miller noted that, “Austin has faced significant disinvestment over the past fifty years, which has negatively affected the property and its overall value. The previous owners made commendable efforts to maintain the home amidst escalating costs and the challenges that come with aging.”
Source
www.architecturaldigest.com