Unique Frank Lloyd Wright structure labeled as one of Chicago's most threatened architectural landmarks
The Joseph Jacob "J.J." Walser Jr. House, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's rare Prairie Style homes on Chicago's West Side, is currently in a state of disrepair. Recognised as a significant architectural landmark, being Frank Lloyd Wright's only Prairie Style home in the Austin neighbourhood, the house has been derelict for six years.
A Rich History
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for local businessman J.J. Walser in 1903, the Walser House has had multiple homeowners and interior renovations over the decades. The Walsers lived in the house for seven years before parting with it in 1910. Anne and Hurley Teague owned the house for a half-century, during which it remained in good condition. However, the financial burden of maintaining the residence by Anne Teague's heirs and the Covid-19 pandemic led to the house going into foreclosure.
Anne Teague, who grew up in Atlanta, considered the Walser House her dream house from childhood. The house exhibits the hallmarks of Wright's organic, Prairie School style: deep eaves, horizontal lines, bands of art glass windows, and an open floor plan. In an ideal scenario, the Walser House could land in the hands of an educational organization and be open to the neighbourhood, serving as a testament to Wright's architectural genius.
Current Concerns and Future Uncertainties
The Walser House has been included in Chicago's list of seven-most endangered buildings this month, as compiled by Preservation Chicago. The house's current state is far from ideal, with a hole in its roof, weeds and litter in the yard, and a ransacked interior. The house cannot be demolished because of its landmark status.
As of the latest information available, there are no specific detailed plans mentioned for the immediate future or restoration of the J.J. Walser House. Generally, historic preservation efforts often involve restoration and rehabilitation to protect architectural integrity and significance. However, specific initiatives or developments regarding the Walser House would need to be confirmed through local preservation organizations or updates from entities involved in its care.
Advocacy for Preservation
Preservation Chicago, a prominent local preservation group, likely plays a role in advocating for the house's preservation. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, another advocacy group, is also hopeful for the Walser House's future. However, without current updates or specific restoration plans, the fate of the house remains uncertain.
The restoration of the Walser House would be a point of pride in the Austin community, marking a vibrant next chapter for this 'gem hidden in plain sight'. The community eagerly awaits updates on the house's preservation, hoping to see this architectural masterpiece restored to its former glory.
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