B. Harley Bradley House: A Prairie School Gem

The B. Harley Bradley House, also known as “Glenlloyd,” stands as a significant architectural landmark in Kankakee, Illinois. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed between 1900 and 1901, it is widely recognized as a major transitional work that marks the beginning of Wright's renowned Prairie School style.Commissioned by B. Harley Bradley and his wife, Anna Hickox Bradley, the house showcases Wright's innovative approach to design, emphasizing horizontal lines and a seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces. The cruciform layout features a large central living room flanked by extending wings, creating an open and flowing floor plan. The home is 12,000 square feet, with 6,000 square feet for the residence, 3,000 square feet for the basement, and a 3,000 square-foot stable.One of the most striking features of the Bradley House is its extensive use of art glass windows. Eighty-two of the original ninety windows survive, providing nearly panoramic views and blurring the boundaries between indoors and the surrounding landscape. The exterior is characterized by a pale stucco finish with warm wooden trim, a low-pitched roof with overhanging eaves, and a projecting gable at the front.Throughout its history, the B. Harley Bradley House has served various purposes, including a home, an office complex, and even an internationally acclaimed restaurant. After falling into disrepair, the house was meticulously restored between 2005 and 2010 and is now operated as a public museum by the non-profit Wright in Kankakee. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the home's architectural splendor and learn about its history and significance.