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Arthur Heurtley House: A Prairie School Masterpiece

Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School vision at the Arthur Heurtley House in Oak Park, a landmark of American architectural innovation.

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The Arthur Heurtley House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1902, is a prime example of Prairie School architecture. Located in Oak Park, Illinois, it showcases Wright's emphasis on horizontal lines, natural materials, and open interior spaces, solidifying its place as a significant landmark in American architectural history.

A brief summary to Arthur Heurtley House - Frank Lloyd Wright

Local tips

  • While the house is privately owned and not open for regular tours, consider viewing it from the street to appreciate its architectural details.
  • Explore the surrounding Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic District to see other examples of Wright's work.
  • Visit the nearby Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio for a deeper understanding of Wright's life and design principles.
  • Check local Oak Park events, such as the Wright Plus Housewalk, as the Heurtley House is sometimes featured.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, walk south on Chicago Avenue, then turn left onto Lake Street. Continue east to Forest Avenue and turn right. The Arthur Heurtley House is located at 318 Forest Avenue, a walk of about 15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Oak Park, take the Pace bus #307 from the Oak Park station to the stop at Madison St & Forest Ave, which is just a short walk to the house. A single ride on Pace costs $2.00.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From anywhere in Oak Park, a taxi or ride-share service like Uber or Lyft is a convenient option. A short trip within Oak Park will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on the distance and demand.

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Discover more about Arthur Heurtley House - Frank Lloyd Wright

The Arthur Heurtley House, situated in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois, stands as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's earliest and most fully realized Prairie-style homes. Completed in 1902 for banker Arthur Heurtley and his wife, Grace, the house embodies Wright's vision of organic architecture, seamlessly blending with its surrounding landscape. Wright's design emphasizes horizontal lines, evident in the low-pitched roof with broad, overhanging eaves and the use of two colors of Roman brick laid in alternating, projecting bands. A continuous band of leaded glass casement windows runs beneath the roof's overhang, further accentuating the horizontal design. The home rests on a concrete base and notably lacks a basement or attic, which was a modern design for the time. The interior layout diverges from traditional norms, with the main living spaces elevated to the second floor. This design choice floods the upstairs area with light, creating airy, open spaces. A substantial arched fireplace serves as the focal point of the living room, mirroring the exterior's Romanesque arch. The lower level houses a reception hall, guest rooms, and service areas. Over the years, the Heurtley House has undergone several changes, including a period when Wright's sister, Jane Porter, owned it and converted it into a duplex. In 1997, new owners, Ed and Diana Baehren, meticulously restored the house to its original Wright condition. Today, the Arthur Heurtley House remains a private residence and a designated National Historic Landmark, a testament to Wright's enduring influence on American architecture.

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