A Frank Lloyd Wright Home Could Be Yours for Less Than $200K
Frank Lloyd Wright designed numerous homes in and around Chicago, yet the S.A. Foster House and Stable stands out for many reasons. The Japanese-inspired home was built in 1900 at the tail-end of the master architect's experimental phase. With its flared dormers and pagoda-like details, the facade hides a relatively modest interior—much of which needs updating. Luckily, its current price of $175,000 makes it one of the cheapest Wright-designed homes for sale in America today.
The 1900 Foster House is located along South Harvard Avenue in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood. The roomy home was built as a summer residence for attorney and land association president, Stephen A. Foster.
A departure from his better-known prairie designs, Wright's love of Japanese art and architecture likely inspired the structure's flare. An original entrance gate and pergola separating the property to the street was also built in the Japanese-pagoda style. The city of Chicago declared the home a historical landmark in 1996, meaning any new buyers would be required to preserve the structure. Fortunately, many original details are still intact and provide a canvas for restoration efforts.
Much of the interior is currently hidden behind dated finishes and fixtures. An entrance hall flows into the living room, which features an original brick fireplace and wood trim. Hardwood floors are also thought to be underneath the current carpeting.
Offering 2,400 square feet spread out across four levels, the spacious home certainly has potential. The five-bedroom residence also comes with spacious lot—at least by city standards—as well as the original Wright-designed stable out back. First put on the market in 2018, the property has been listed and re-listed several times since, escaping a buyer each time. Keep scrolling to see more of this Chicago landmark and piece of Frank Lloyd Wright history.
A formal dining area off of the living room basks in natural light from windows stretched along the front facade.
The current kitchen would likely require an update, providing new buyers an opportunity to redesign the space to fit their needs.
A corner room on the main level could serve as one of five bedrooms or a home office. Two large windows provide the space with ample natural light.
A look at one of several large bedrooms located upstairs. Although hidden under layers of paint, much of the property's original woodwork remains in place.
The grassy lawn is divided from the street by a thick line of hedges. An original entrance gate on the property was also designed in the pagoda style, adding to the property's Japanese flare.
The S.A. Foster House and Stable, located at 12147 S Harvard Ave in Chicago, IL, is currently listed for $175,000 by Armond Boulware of Coldwell Banker.
Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.
Published
Last Updated
Get the Pro Newsletter
What’s new in the design world? Stay up to date with our essential dispatches for design professionals.