Arthur Heurtley House: A Prairie School Masterpiece

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.