Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House, Rockford Travel Guide

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Discover Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian masterpiece, the Laurent House, designed for accessibility and harmony with nature in Rockford, Illinois.

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House

The Laurent House, located in Rockford, Illinois, is a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian home, and the only one he created specifically for a client with a disability. Built for Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent in 1952, this single-story home showcases Wright's organic architectural philosophy, emphasizing harmony between the structure and its natural surroundings.

A brief summary to Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House

4646 Spring Brook Rd, Rockford, Illinois, 61114, US
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Friday 11 am-2:30 pm
Saturday 11 am-2:30 pm
Sunday 12:30 pm-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House.

Reservations are required for all tours, so book in advance, especially if visiting during peak season.
Consider visiting during the Twilight Tour for a unique experience of the house with its distinctive lighting.
If you have mobility needs, inform the staff in advance to ensure they can accommodate you.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Anderson Japanese Gardens for a joint tour experience.

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Explore Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The Laurent House is located at 4646 Spring Brook Rd, Rockford, IL 61114. From downtown Rockford, take N Main St/Rockton Ave north. Turn right onto Spring Brook Rd, and continue for approximately 2 miles. The Laurent House will be on your left. Parking is available directly across the street from the house at 4627 Spring Brook Road. If you have mobility limitations, call ahead to arrange parking at the house. Parking is free.
Public Transport

While public transportation options directly to the Laurent House are limited, you can take a Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) bus to a nearby stop and then walk or take a short taxi or ride-share to the house. Check the RMTD website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From a central location like the Rockford Transit Center, a bus ride and short ride-share should cost approximately $5 (bus fare) + $10-15 (ride-share).

Discover more about Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House

Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House stands as a testament to the architect's genius and his commitment to creating spaces that enhance the lives of those who inhabit them. Designed in 1948 and completed in 1952, it is the only home Wright designed for a client with a disability, Kenneth Laurent, who was a WWII paraplegic. The house embodies Wright's Usonian principles, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature.The home features a hemicycle design, with a curved wall of windows that allows natural light to flood the interior. The open floor plan and spacious rooms were designed to accommodate Kenneth's wheelchair, making it a model of accessibility decades ahead of its time. The house is constructed primarily of Chicago Common Brick and Red Tidewater Cypress, with radiant floor heating and custom-designed furniture. The Laurent House is more than just a building; it's a living work of art that reflects Wright's vision of democratic architecture.Visitors can explore the home through docent-led tours, which provide insights into the history, design, and construction of the house, as well as the lives of the Laurent family. The Laurent House is part of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail in Illinois, highlighting significant Wright-designed buildings in the state. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012 and is maintained by the Laurent House Foundation.