According to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, it is architecturally unique in that it “remains one of earliest and purest examples of the Usonian style—the concept being affordable, utilitarian, yet aesthetically appealing homes—that Wright would spend much of his later career refining.” FLW couldn’t abide the old dictum that “form follows function,” believing instead that form and function—like a structure and its surroundings—should be one. By eliminating the basement and attic and incorporating a flat, cantilevered roof, Wright was able to achieve a low-profile house that appears to emerge organically from its surroundings. The Rosenbaum home featured natural materials, including native cypress wood. It also included large, paneled windows used strategically to maximize natural light, a radiant heating system embedded in the floor, centralized mechanical systems, and built-in furniture and lighting. When the Rosenbaum’s family grew, they asked Wright to design an addition, which the mastermind seamlessly incorporated into the original structure in 1948. Mildred lived there until her death in 1999. At that time, the City of Florence acquired the house, and following a meticulous restoration, it began a new chapter as a museum.
in fact, became a benefactor to the architect, loaning Wright considerable sums to help develop his practice. Martin also offered Wright his first-ever commercial commission—to design the Larkin Soap Company’s administration building. Following Martin’s death in 1935, Wright designed a mausoleum for his friend (his only cemetery monument) at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.
www.martinhouse.org/visit
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Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria, Virginia
“Dear Mr. Wright,” wrote 28-year-old newspaper copy editor Loren Pope. “There are certain things a man wants during life, and, of life. Material things and things of the spirit. The writer has one fervent wish that includes both. It is a house created by you.” The budget was $5,000. Two weeks later, Frank Lloyd Wright responded, “Of course, I am ready to give you a house.” In the spring of 1941, Pope and his wife Charlotte moved into their new 1,200 square-foot Wright-designed home. A prime example of FLW’s Usonian design concept (affordable, utilitarian, yet aesthetically appealing homes), the Pope’s new residence exhibited the cantilevered roof, corner windows
www.wrightinalabama.com
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Martin House Complex, Buffalo, New York Built in 1905 for wealthy Buffalo soap company executive Darwin D. Martin, this residence is way more than just a house—it is a massive stone and glass complex of six interconnected buildings. It is an important early example of Wright’s still-evolving Prairie School style. The complex consists of the main Martin House and a pergola that connects it to a conservatory and carriage house with stables and chauffeur’s quarters, as well as the Barton House, plus a smaller residence for some of Martin’s relatives, and a gardener’s cottage. Wright and Martin became fast friends as the project took shape and the architect enjoyed complete freedom and an unlimited budget to design the project as he envisioned it. Martin,
Martin House Complex, Buffalo, NY.
Pope-Leighey House, Alexandria, VA.
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S LEGACY
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2024 | 18
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