Frank Lloyd Wright's Beachy House (1906)

[Stephen J. Vertin MAI]

For all you guys and gals that appraise tough residential properties this is a rare comparable.

In Oak Park, Illinois the Frank Lloyd Wright's Beachy House (1906) just closed April 26, 2004 for $2,300,000. The 12 room, 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom mansion has 6,800 square feet of above grade living area situated on +1 acre. I hear few Wright's sell. This comp may be a good for a couple years. If you want anymore details I can fax you the MLS.

Steve Vertin

 

[Richard Carlsen]

They'll be sorry.

Sure they own a piece of Americana but I've seen houses built in the same year in many cities here in Michigan that have only had ordinary maintenance and upkeep that are doing just fine. From what I hear, most of FLW's houses deteriorate fast, need extensive restoration and often times, major upgradings just to keep standing. That does not speak well for the architect does it.

Personally, I find his houses dark and boring. I'm always suspect when you need someone with a PHD to tell you that something is great. It should be self-evident; especially in a house.

But, man, that is a great comp. Thanks.

 

[Tawfik Ahdab]

My research states that the Beachy House design incorporated an existing home (the Fargo House, not by Wright). Thus, like the Dana House (Springfield, IL 1903), it was a major remodel/expansion that virtually obliterated the original residence. Noteworthy is the lack of colored, cathedral glass in the windows and the use of a blotchy uneven brick known as clinker brick.

As usual, Wright designed the furnishings in the residence. I wonder if any furnishings were included in the recent $2.3 million transfer. I'm not a personal property expert, but as a real property appraiser, I would expect the real property value to be bolstered by the retention of any furnishings. This is likely a case where the home with furnishings may be worth more together than the sum of the parts - that is to say, deduction of the (properly appraised) furnishings from the sale price may not be appropriate on a dollar for dollar basis, as the resulting contributory value of the realty could be overstated absent the Wright-designed furniture.

Steve, It would be interesting to find out about personalty - if any - included in the sale.

 

[Elliott]

Is the Dana House, Falling Water?
I saw a TV feature on its renovation.
Talk about a bank lobby design. Very cold. <_<
Today Wright would have been sued for not getting
a geo report on that house.

I view houses as utility, like cars. I think people
get too wrapped up in status.

I like houses that choose colors right out of Sears,
warm and bright.

elliott

 

[Stephen J. Vertin MAI]

Tawfik

This is what is stated in the remarks section of the broker’s data sheet.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Beachy House (1906). Home on 1+ acre lot in premier Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. Prairie Style Masterpiece-6,800 SF, 6br/4ba, original light fixtures and windows. Extensive wood trim, hardwood floors, butler’s pantry, sub-zero, separate eating area and island, wine cellar, 4 fireplaces, 3 car coach house, one-of-a-kind combo, home in park like setting.

It does not say any thing about personal property. The Village of Oak Park is home to the Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio. The visitors’ center claims the Village has the largest collection of Wright buildings in the world. People come from all over the world to view Oak Park’s architecture. It is really a pretty neat place. You are correct in stating most of his houses were designed with furniture. During the tour of his studio this is a striking feature.

Richard

I have heard the same thing. I think the leaking rumor stems from a building he designed somewhere in Wisconsin. I believe it was an office building. Was it not due to using plastic instead of glass in the sky lights? I do not recall. There is no doubt living in a Wright will cost. I am sure it is the same with driving a Duesenberg. However, since scarcity is an attribute to value both can only appreciate.


Steve Vertin

 

[David S. Roberson]

http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/oakpark/oakpark.html

http://www.savewright.org/wright_on_the_ma...chy/beachy.html
Check it out!

 

[Linda M Lynch]

I beg to disagree with those who disparage Wright and his wonderful creations. Living in Madison, which is very near Spring Green, Wright's headquarters, I have had the pleasure to view many, many of the homes he designed, as well as many more that were designed by those he apprenticed. I actually have had the privilege of appraising a Wright home. I, and many, many others find the Wright designed homes to be things of great beauty and very, very livable. While any home of that age requires good maintenance, the Wright homes deserve that maintenance and reward the owner with a unique property that continues to gain in value. As far a Wright designs being outdated, the City of Madison just recently completed Monona Terrace, a convention center that was built to the design originally created by Wright and that building not only is very "user friendly" but is also a great tourist attraction bringing visitors from all over the world and increasing convention bookings.

All in all, I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, many eyes have beheld Frank Lloyd Wright's creations for all these years and found them beautiful. I wonder, in a hundred years, how many people will be saying that about those who design and buiild these vinyl clad tan boxes now being built.

 

[Stephen J. Vertin MAI]

David:

Nice link. It brings up a good issue. The property was listed at $2,100,000. The paper reports a bidding war broke out and the winner ended up paying $2,300,000.

Linda:

Do not get me wrong, I like Wright's designs. In fact I live in Oak Park and am a big fan. But I have heard of leaking problems and other engineering issues. How true they are I do not know. I would love to own one of his homes if I had the money.

Steve Vertin

 

[Richard Carlsen]

I believe the one is Wisconsin is "Falling Water" or something like that. It is taking or took a concerted effort and lots of money as I remember to bring it back up to snuff.

My contention is that a structure may be beautiful but a house has to have a lot of utility and endurance. Some of the 120 year old farm houses in my area have had to suffer through that many winters with 140 to 200+ inches of snow annually and all of the weather that goes with the rest of the year. These houses, through normal maintenance and upgrading are still going strong. Wright homes seem to require an extraordinary amount of upkeep and maintenance in order just to survive (functional?). Certainly they are not "typical" in the sense of enduring. Perhaps the effort to create an art statement does not always translate to creating an enduring structure. The question arises then; are these houses judged only on their aesthetic qualities or should they also be judged on their enduring functional qualities as well?

My position is that taken as art, they most likely are well justified being highly thought of (though I personally do not find Wright houses that appealing). Taken as a structure, I think Wright leaves a lot to be desired in enduring construction quality and design.

 

[Linda M Lynch]

Richard,

And my contention is that the vast majority of Wrght designed homes HAVE remained functional and in good condition. The reason that some "extra" maintenance may be called for is that people choose to have the repairs done by experts to maintain the integrity of the home. This leads to better maintained homes though.

I too have appraised hundreds of old farm type houses that have been exposed to much over the century. Many of these ARE still in good shape and functional. But many others have crumbling foundaton, rusted pipes, bad wiring, and a roof that is caving in. It all depends on which ones received regular maintenance over the years and which ones had deferred the maintenance until it was out of hand. It is the same with the Wright houses. Those who received regular, on-going maintenance over the years are in great shape and fully functional and you never hear about it. Those who did not are the ones who, when rescued, need extraordinary repair and then you hear about it. You always hear about the exception, not the rule.

Wright's whole point was the beauty could be completely functional and, in the opinion of many, he proved that point very well.