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William Fricke House: A Prairie School Gem

Admire Frank Lloyd Wright's early Prairie School design at the William Fricke House, a unique architectural landmark in Oak Park, Illinois.

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The William Fricke House in Oak Park, Illinois, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1901, is an early example of his Prairie School architecture. Its unique three-story tower and blend of horizontal and vertical elements make it a distinctive landmark.

A brief summary to William Fricke House - Frank Lloyd Wright

  • 540 Fair Oaks Ave, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302, US

Local tips

  • The house is best viewed during daylight hours to appreciate the architectural details.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio for a comprehensive Wright experience.
  • Explore the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District to see other examples of Wright's Prairie School architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio (951 Chicago Avenue), walk south on Forest Avenue for approximately 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Fair Oaks Avenue. The William Fricke House will be on your left at 540 Fair Oaks Avenue. The walk is about 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the CTA Green Line to the Oak Park station. From the station, walk south on Harlem Avenue, then turn left onto Lake Street. Turn right onto Forest Avenue and continue south for several blocks. Turn right onto Fair Oaks Avenue. The William Fricke House will be on your left at 540 Fair Oaks Avenue. A single fare on the CTA is $2.50.

  • Driving

    From downtown Chicago, take I-290 West to the Austin Boulevard exit. Head north on Austin Boulevard, then turn right onto Lake Street. Turn right onto Forest Avenue, then right again onto Fair Oaks Avenue. The William Fricke House will be on your left at 540 Fair Oaks Avenue. Parking in the area is limited and may be subject to hourly or daily rates.

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Discover more about William Fricke House - Frank Lloyd Wright

The William Fricke House, located at 540 Fair Oaks Avenue in Oak Park, Illinois, stands as a testament to Frank Lloyd Wright's innovative Prairie School design. Completed in 1902 for William G. Fricke, the house showcases Wright's departure from classical styles, embracing a more modern, rectilinear aesthetic. Fricke, a partner in a school-supply firm, commissioned Wright to design a home that would reflect his forward-thinking vision. Wright, in turn, created a residence that embodies key elements of the Prairie style, including a low-pitched roof, horizontal banding, and a stucco exterior. However, the Fricke House distinguishes itself with a unique three-story tower, lending a vertical emphasis not typically seen in Wright's Prairie homes. This may have been a response to the compact lot size. The house's design emphasizes volume over overlapping planes, creating a sense of shelter and harmony with its surroundings. Inside, the original stained-glass windows, each with a unique design by Wright, remain intact. Although the garden paths and gazebo are no longer present, the house retains much of its original appearance. While the William Fricke House is a private residence and does not offer tours, its exterior can be admired as part of a self-guided tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District in Oak Park.

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