Architecture 101: Tri-State Visits To Frank Lloyd Wright
After many weeks of pleading, and noting, and leafing pages off in New York magazine, I finally found someone to take in the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit at the Guggenheim with me. Yay!
My obsession with design began young, visiting The Met as a child, wanting to stow away in the Francis Little House, and has carried on today with an unnecessary need for Eiffel Chairs. But, feeding this obsession is the fact that an original Frank Lloyd Wright home, the only one of it’s kind in New York City, lies not even 10 miles from me, on Staten Island. Turns out most of these architectural masterpieces are basic residential homes- and most available for the sly drive by looking.
Below you can find a list of my favorite Wright masterpieces within driving distance from the tri-state area, and some tips for wandering on your own high art design adventure.
Crimson Beech. Staten Island, NY
Lying on a fully residential street, peaked only by a majestic, but near secret Tibetan Museum, this house can be difficult to spot. But by the time you drive up into the mountain, the sleek lines and deep color pop out from behind the panoramic New York view, and sheath of tall, leafy trees. Crimson Beech, erected in 1959- the year Wright died- was never seen by it’s master, and is seen by the rare passerby only, armed with the knowledge that this beautiful gem exists in arms length from the greatest city in the world.
More on Crimson Beech:
A Frank Lloyd Wright House on Staten Island
All Sands: A FLW House in New York City
Bridge and Tunnel Club: Crimson Beech Exterior Shots
Duncan House. Acme, PA
This house has had a journey harder than most that live around it. Originally constructed in Lisle, IL but was painstakingly moved and reconstructed in it’s current location, just outside of Pittsburgh and only 15 miles from epic home, Fallingwater. One neat note on this 52 year-old building is that you can actually spend the night here! Enjoying a new life under the name “Polymath Park,” the Duncan House is known as a busy vacation rental where guests can spend a night or a week- perhaps on a trip to Fallingwater?
More on the Duncan House:
New York Times Review
Polymath Park Reservations
Edward E. Boynton House. Rochester, NY
Be still if you decide to stalk this private residence- this 100 year-old home and it’s owner deserve a little peace and quiet. The Rochester residence features the classi Wright “T-plan” and trademark neutral colors that mix into the world around it, but stand out as well. Even though the owners have gone through several reincarnations, the furniture has remained Wright designed, and the Landmark Company, which bestowed an honor of this home, will see to it that it always is.
More on the Edward E. Boynton House:
Waymarking
Peterbeers.net
The Dudley Spencer Residence. Wilmington, DE
Okay, so the Dudley Spencer is slightly outside of New York, but it’s worth the trip. Designed in semicircular, hemicycle, shape, this one floor home was made out of pure stone in 1956. Like most other Wright homes, the low design ensures the house is sleek against the land it sits on, mixing in gently, but has a special modern style that could be just as new today as it was half a century ago. Though it’s a private residence, if you can manage to pass by, the unique shape is an absolute not-to-be-missed for design buffs.
More on the Dudley Spencer Residence:
Flickr Photos
The Dudley Spencer
And, of course- Fallingwater. Mill Run, PA
The grand pubah of Frank Lloyd Wright homes, when you talk about a cohesive land/living enviornment, Fallingwater is what you mean. This amazing, sleek, mid-century modern home is designed *into* the actual land that surrounds it. Everything about the surroundings, from the sound of the water echoing acoustically against the building materials, to the light that shines through the multiple facets of windows, adds to the initial living experience in the home. Wright believe that as people, we were creatures of nature, and this home proves that theory tenfold.
More on Fallingwater:
Fallingwater photos
YouTube Video Walkthrough
More on Frank Lloyd Wright:
Fallingwater.org
List of Frank Lloyd Wright Locations
