Arthur Heurtley House: A Prairie School Masterpiece

The Arthur Heurtley House, located in the charming Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois, stands as an early and fully realized expression of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style. Completed in 1902 for banker Arthur Heurtley and his wife, Grace, the house embodies Wright's vision of organic architecture, seamlessly integrating the structure with its environment. Wright's design emphasizes horizontal lines, evident in the low-pitched roof with broad eaves, the continuous bands of leaded-glass casement windows, and the use of Roman brick laid in alternating, projecting courses. These features create a sense of groundedness and connection to the prairie landscape. The interior layout is equally innovative, with the main living spaces elevated to the second floor, reversing the traditional floor plan and creating airy, light-filled rooms. A grand arched fireplace serves as the focal point of the living room, echoing the Romanesque arch at the entrance. While the house remains privately owned and is not generally open for public tours, its exterior can be admired from the street. The Arthur Heurtley House is a designated National Historic Landmark and a contributing property to the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District, a testament to its architectural significance.