Built in 1951, the Charles F. Glore House is notable for Frank Lloyd Wright’s application of Usonian principles on a larger, more elaborate two-story residence. The in-line plan, two-story living room, broad roof eaves, natural materials, and modern architecture offer a sharp contrast to the Neo-Classical style estates adjacent to the Lake Forest site.
The house was for sale for over two years and was in danger of being demolished and the two-acre parcel being subdivided by developers. The Wright enthusiast homeowners developed a plan for making the house more competitive with contemporary homes in the marketplace by addressing the lack of family room, cramped covered terrace, and non-functional master bath.
A family room addition providing needed informal living space was inserted into a cramped, functionally obsolete, seven-foot-six-inch high covered terrace. A theater-quality entertainment center, wet bar, and air conditioning system were added to make the house more marketable. The new addition steps back from the face of the balcony and roof above which is consistent with the architectural vocabulary of the house at the adjacent dining room. Details such as the T-shaped columns, mahogany paneling, and spindle screens maintain continuity between old and new. Nestled under the second floor balcony the family room extends the original plan module making a natural transition from informal interior living space to the outside terrace and ravine beyond. The outside terrace was lowered to the new floor elevation of the family room to blend exterior and interior space realizing Wright’s original vision.
All work was completed in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation and received the endorsement of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. The sensitive balance of Wright’s design intent and contemporary market demands resulted in the property being sold shortly after construction was complete. This Frank Lloyd Wright House will be preserved for future generations by the new Owners, an architect and her husband.
Year: 2007
Location: River Forest, Illinois
Area: 430 square feet, 1,750 square feet exterior hardscape
Key Features
work done in a manner consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation
design and detailing received the endorsement of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy
addition maintains linear organization of original plan
new living room and terrace strengthens continuity of indoor and outdoor spaces
new building systems placed within existing house profiles
materials and detailing consistent with original design
theater-quality entertainment center
wet bar
Awards
AIA Northeast Illinois, Merit in Architecture Award - Restoration, 2007
Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, Historic Preservation Award, 2009