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Coonley House: A Prairie School Masterpiece

Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School masterpiece, the Avery Coonley House, in Riverside, Illinois, a stunning example of organic architecture.

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The Avery Coonley House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright between 1908 and 1912, stands as one of his most significant Prairie School residences. Located in Riverside, Illinois, it showcases Wright's innovative approach to space and his integration of architecture with the surrounding environment.

A brief summary to Coonley House - Frank Lloyd Wright

  • 300 Scottswood Rd, Riverside, Illinois, 60546, US

Local tips

  • While the house is a private residence, admire its architecture from the street and surrounding area.
  • Explore the Riverside Historic District, which features other notable architectural designs.
  • Visit the nearby Coonley Playhouse, another Frank Lloyd Wright design, though it is also a private residence.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Coonley House is accessible via the Metra BNSF Line to the Riverside station. From Chicago, take the BNSF Line from Union Station to Riverside. From the Riverside station, walk west on Bloomingbank Road, then turn left onto Scottswood Road. The house is located at 300 Scottswood Road. Metra tickets from Chicago to Riverside range from $2 to $6. Check the Metra website for schedules.

  • Walking

    From the Riverside Metra station, walk west on Bloomingbank Road. Turn left onto Scottswood Road. The Coonley House will be on your right at 300 Scottswood Road. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.

  • Driving

    The Coonley House is located at 300 Scottswood Road, Riverside, IL 60546. From downtown Riverside, drive north on Longcommon Road, then turn right onto Scottswood Road. The house will be on your left. Parking is available on the street. Metered parking is available in the nearby Village Parking Lot Number 1, located west of the Riverside Train Station, for $0.30 per hour.

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Discover more about Coonley House - Frank Lloyd Wright

The Avery Coonley House, also known as the Coonley Estate, is a residential complex located on the banks of the Des Plaines River in Riverside, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Constructed between 1908 and 1912, it was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The Coonley House is one of Wright's largest and most elaborate Prairie School homes and is considered by Wright to be the “most successful of my houses”. Avery Coonley, a wealthy Chicago industrialist, and his wife, Queene Ferry Coonley, commissioned Wright to design a residence that reflected their progressive values. The result was a sprawling estate comprising several buildings, including the main house, a stable-coach house, and a gardener's cottage. The estate is noted for its zoned planning, separating spaces according to their functions. The main structure includes a public area, a bedroom wing, and kitchen and servant areas. The Coonley House exemplifies Wright's Prairie School style, characterized by low-slung horizontal lines, broad overhanging eaves, and the integration of natural materials. The interior features open, flowing spaces and art glass windows, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors. Wright also designed the furniture, rugs, and textiles, ensuring a unified design scheme throughout the house. The art glass windows of the nearby Coonley Playhouse feature a design based on balloons, confetti, and American flags. Alterations have been made to the Coonley Estate through the years. The entire north side of the house has been meticulously restored to its original splendor including the re-creation of the George Mann Niedecken living room mural as well as the decorative tulip designed tile frieze along with many light screens that surround the perimeter of the house.

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